Residents want more fishing, a return of summer concerts, and less violence: Results of Voice of the People Sept. 21

pop-up park visitor designs his corridorscape, noting an improvement for the anacostia river at park(ing) day 2018 on mlk. malusi kitchen, apacc coordinator, right. photo: michael bochynski.

PARK(ing) Day 2018 on MLK featured treats, a chance to sit and relax, and CORRIDORscape, APACC’s interactive tool to learn from the community.

And interact and learn we did. People visiting APACC’s pop-up park, which was shared with WABA and DDOT, told us which improvements were needed to make life in Wards 7 and 8 better for them, their neighbors, and their families. Responses are categorized in three ways: Anacostia River, Anacostia Park, and the community.

examples of corridorscape recommendations from park(ing) day 2018 on mlk. click on image to see the complete results.

The most popular river-related improvement was to clean it up. This was followed by the recommendation to have more boat rides. Other recommendations include easier access to the river from Minnesota Ave NE, more community outreach programs, and one man’s desire to “bring fishing back.”

The most recommended improvements for Anacostia Park were to have more benches, including covered seating; more restrooms; and more bike lanes. Park visitor Michael wants “increased pedestrian access points.”

Pop-up park visitors also had a lot to say about community improvements: More jobs, help for unemployed; stopping the violence (shooting, robbing, raping) and other criminal behavior; and better transportation options for seniors topped the list. Matthew recommended that DC government provide vouchers for bikes and walking shoes to make getting around more affordable for people with low incomes.

What’s next

APACC and it’s members are planning more ways for community members and stakeholders to participate in CORRIDORscape. Stay tuned here for event notices. You can also follow APACC on Twitter, @anacostiarivpk.

In the meantime, let us know your recommendations for improving the CORRIDORscape. This can include +1ing already mentioned ideas! Simply email apaccdc@gmail.com. Let us know if you want to add your first name.