Press Release: New Signs Coming to Rock Creek Park Soon!

By Press Release On Nov 4, 2019 Last updated Nov 4, 2019

News Release — Rock Creek Conservancy

Rock Creek Conservancy seeks funds from donors to match National Park Service grant to improve park signage

(BETHESDA, MD, Nov. 4, 2019)—The Rock Creek Conservancy will be seeking donations from private partners and individuals to match a National Park Service Centennial Challenge Grant of $225,000 for identification and orientation signage throughout Rock Creek Park.

The goal of this project is to create a more welcoming environment for park visitors by better identifying park sites and unifying the park’s identity across its nearly 3,000 acres in Washington, DC.

Temporary sample signs will be placed in the following locations from Monday, Nov. 4, through Wednesday, Nov. 6, for regional and city park oversight commission review:

Near the entrance to the Rock Creek Parkway (near Thompson’s Boat Center at Virginia Avenue, NW),
Georgetown Waterfront Park,
Montrose Park,
Old Stone House, and
Meridian Hill Park.

“We are thrilled to accept this challenge grant to help diverse communities be better connected to Rock Creek’s unique, urban wilderness and all its recreational, historic, cultural, and educational components,” said Rock Creek Conservancy Executive Director Jeanne Braha. “The need is urgent and longstanding, as noted among the recommendations of the Green Ribbon Panel on the park’s 125^th anniversary in 2015.”

The signage initiative connects to one of Rock Creek Park’s priorities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Conservancy and Rock Creek Park will prioritize installation of final signs along the park’s east side. Previously, the Fund II Foundation provided initial funding to the Rock Creek Conservancy for sign design work.

“We want everyone to feel at home in Rock Creek Park—a remarkable urban oasis that serves our community in so many ways, including giving us space to learn and play, providing a habitat for wildlife and plants, and protecting historical resources,” said Rock Creek Park Superintendent Julia Washburn. “By working together with public and private partners, we can make the park more accessible and welcoming for all to enjoy.”

The National Park Centennial Initiative, which funded the grant, is a ten-year effort to prepare national parks for another century of conservation, preservation, and public enjoyment, especially for our nation’s youth. Centennial Challenge grants must be matched with funds from non-federal sources.