While linking Banneker Park to the Waterfront, what about including a more appropriate (not along the freeway) connection for pedestrians and bicyclists to West Potomac Park at the same time?
Thank you.

  —Martha Harmon, Washington DC (SW) (May 27, 2013)

Via Twitter: Softscape alternative looks like Commonwealth Ave with tree lawns and two roadways. One can close for events and keep other open. Softscape proposal's central mall would be best for that approach to accommodate interpretive panels along walkways.

I'm partial to the hardscape approach to 10th St. Lots of flexible shared space, like Parisian blvd.

Banneker Stairs should be formal, but invite sitting/perching w river views. Material should be comfortable year-round.

Read more

  —Payton Chung , Southwest, Washington DC (May 24, 2013)

I would love to see the connection of 10th street to the waterfront at Banneker Cicle be something like the cascading water feature at Meridian Hill Park. This would keep the water feature that is currenttly there and would really tie in with the waterfront. Wide steps on either side would encourage people to congregate and would be a great place to sit with a lunch purchesed at the fish market.

View attachment

  —Eric Gammill, Washington DC (May 24, 2013)

I also second Sam's great comments...totally agree.

  —Matthew Patterson, Washington, DC (May 23, 2013)

I believe there is potential for an "eco-trail" that could run from the Smithsonian, through Banneker, along the waterfront, through Yards Park, and up along the Anacostia to the Stadium-Armory area. This would be a natural extension of the connection and would create circulation all the way from NW and the mall, through the waterfront and navy yard, and into and along anacostia riverwalk trail.

I think this kind of a feature would really help draw bikers, runners, dog-walkers, tourists, and would be sort of a "green ribbon" that could tie together the currently disconnected city, so to speak.

I attached a map of the concept with the green line showing the proposed ecotrail route. I think it would be a beautiful thing and could be a real asset for DC.

Read more

View attachment

  —Matthew Patterson, Washington, DC (May 23, 2013)

As a resident and civic leader in Southwest, I am thrilled about the ecodistrict developments along 10th Street SW. I feel the walkway’s relationship with the SW Waterfront Fish Market is crucial. After last night’s meeting, I think the Bridge’s development will only help the Fish market, especially in terms of encouraging and directing traffic in its direction. Still, it’s important to acknowledge and consider the fact that the Fish Market is a local treasure and a unique, economically productive entity of our community. Please respect it in your plans.

I feel a historical nod to Benjamin Banneker’s legacy is important, perhaps a history walk of sorts? No need for a major monument.

To address the questions spelled-out in the (May 21, 2013) agenda:
A) Support Programming? YES! Programming, along the lines of street festivals and as big as the space can hold, would be welcomed with open arms.
B) Park or Street? Park is infinitely preferable to street. Cars are greatly undesired.
C) Reflect a more formal experience? Definitely do not want a formal experience. Southwest inhabitants are proud of their modernist architecture and public spaces. Our public spaces should be fun and functional.
D) Represent the SW Ecodistrict story? By all means please represent the SW Ecodistrict story! A historical nod to Benjamin Banneker, and SW’s proud history, must be acknowledged as well.
E & F) General Layout is definitely the right approach. Linear parks are very hip right now. See www.thehighline.org. But, the park should definitely be playful and allude to what the Waterfront has going for it locally...which is WATER.

How did you find out about the meeting? List serve invitation: Southwest Neighborhood Assembly Board member's email list & DC Waterfront Gateway email list.

Read more

  —Sam Marrero, Washington, DC (May 23, 2013)