Rejuvenating Neighborhoods and Communities Through Parks—A Guide To Success www.NRPA.org National Recreation and Park Association © 2011 All Rights Reserved 9 • Environmental improvement. Environmental improvements benefiting the stream have occurred as a result of the restoration of the park and the removal of trash and hazardous materials • Community involvement. A farmers market was started by a group of neighborhood women committed to taking back the park from drug dealers Working with Washington Parks & People, these women and local farmers host a weekly market New ideas for community supported agriculture are emerging from this success • Increased opportunities for physical activity The repaving of paths through the park, combined with on-street improvements, connects the surrounding neighborhoods to places for increased physical activity Research conducted by George Mason University suggested there were increases in physical activity for children because of the playground and for adults because of the walking paths and connecting trails • Rebirth. Adjacent to the park, Woodson Senior High School is undergoing a total makeover, and new townhouses are under construction in the area … || RENOVATED MARVIN GAYE PARK AND WATTS BRANCH • Impetus for further improvements The revitalization of Marvin Gaye Park is a tangible example of how a park project can serve as an impetus for further improvements The District of Columbia has embarked on an ambitious community revitalization plan for this community that includes transportation improvements, streetscaping, business improvements, and neighborhood redevelopment • Conservation efforts The Washington Smart Growth Alliance, a group that promotes conservation initiatives that create quality of life in communities, named Marvin Gaye Park a 2009 regional conservation priority • Focal point for media. The renovated park drew media attention both at the local and national level Stories on the revitalization of the park and its effects have appeared in The Washington Post and USA Today and on National Public Radio Videos Bring the Park to Life Two videos are available on the NRPA Web site that further understanding and appreciation for the Marvin Gaye Park initiative. One video relates to the park, while the second features the park dedication. These videos can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/v/Z1GFLf3inio&hl=en&fs=1& http://www.nrpa.org/media/parkday/default.html.
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