Art as Placemaking... #deanwooddc

In the realm of urbanism, placemaking has gained a significant foothold. Essentially, placemaking means enlivening neighborhoods. This can involve art, streetscape enhancements, like lighting and tree plantings, and farmers' markets. At the core of placemaking is community engagement and involvement.

When the Deanwood Community Center and Library was planned placemaking was an aspect neighbors wanted (even before the term became in vogue). The DC Commission on Arts and Humanities is finally moving on the effort through the DC Creates!Public Art Program.  The program purchases, commissions, and installs artworks for public sites throughout the District. 

Join neighbors this Saturday in planning this placemaking and community building activity. Artist Amber Robles-Gordon will present a public art piece for the Deanwood Recreation Center and Library.

Deanwood Community Public Art Presentation

Saturday, February 4, 2:00p

Deanwood Recreation Center Multi-Purpose Room

For more information

Mary Beth Brown 202-724-5613 or MaryBeth.Brown@dc.gov

Deanwood Recreation & Library Center...9 months later

Last week, Councilmember Muriel Bowser, Chairman Committee on Libraries, Parks, and Recreation, toured the nine-month old Deanwood Recreation Center and Library.  Bowser, who is also Ward 4 Councilmember, was taking the opportunity to talk with community members and frontline staff to gain perspective on upcoming budget and planning hearings.

Public Oversight Roundtable: Summer Programs and Aquatics Readiness of the Department of Parks and Recreation

Monday, April 11, 11:00 a.m.

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Room 123

(Federal Triangle Metro)

The roundtable will inquire into the Department of Parks and Recreation’s preparations for the efficient administration of the agency’s summer programs, including arrangements to commence operation of all 31 outdoor aquatics amenities. As soon as District schools adjourn for summer, the utilization rates of our DPR facilities greatly increase. As safe, productive environments for District children, it is vital that we ensure DPR is ready to provide first-class recreation activities at first-class recreation facilities during this time. To that end, the roundtable will inquire into the agency’s efforts to hire sufficient staff, especially lifeguards; to prepare physical facilities like pools, spray parks, fields, and tennis courts; the mowing schedule; agency plans for engaging with stakeholders; and a description of all summer programs and camps for
youth, adults, and our seniors. The Committee will also review pending capital projects, Unity Park, summer hiring and other DPR vacancies.

THURSDAY, April 14, 10a - Budget hearing for DPR, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, COUNCIL CHAMBER (ROOM 500)

MONDAY, April 18, 10a - Budget hearing for DCPL, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, ROOM 412

Deanwood Recreation and Library Center's Opening Day June 2010 was a celebration (and joyous madhouse)!

Deanwood computer lab on grand opening day, June 2010

L-R: Bowser, DCPL Chief Ginnie Cooper, Deanwood resident Beverly Goode, and Deanwood Branch manager Winnell Montague

Bowser's tour coincided with the Deanwood Library's reading time.

CM Bowser listening intently to concerns raised by Deanwood neighbors Yvonne Johnson and David Smith.  Recreation Center Manager Orvin Wright joins the tour.

CM Bowser (c) with Deanwood Neighbors and DCPL Chief and Staff and DPR Manager