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Riverside News
Riverside Campaign Expands
Parks & People's Down by the Riverside Campaign and Watts Branch Community Alliance are expanding, with these developments in collaboration with our numerous partners and the DC government:
- Community Greening Center set to open later this year, with park-based green restoration and job training;
- Phase II Play Garden construction plans nearing completion for this model family green space opposite Richardson Dwellings;
- Park improvements slated for construction include new playgrounds, lighting, emergency call boxes, water fountains, landscaping, low impact development, stages, chess tables, horseshoe pit, outdoor classrooms, and pavilions;
- Community family services at Parks & People's Riverside Center, in collaboration with Project Blessings and other community and public partners;
- Heart & Soul program for park-based health, fitness, and nutrition programming, advocacy, and support;
- Expanded youth and arts and cultural programming and education partnerships; and
- Replication of the model Marvin Gaye Park model to other park partnerships along the Anacostia.
Riverside Center Wins Green Grants
The Center, formerly known as Barnett's Crystal Lounge and the scene of Marvin Gaye's professional debut, has become a town hall and hub of community reclamation. Riverside hosts park planning and revitalization of all kinds, as well as frequent community forums, volunteer work days, youth mentoring of all kinds, dance classes, healthy cooking classes, youth bike safety and repair, arts and cultural exhibitions, heritage tours and story-telling, seasonal celebrations, job training, and the popular weekly farm market. The new grants come from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, the Energy Division of the DC Department of the Environment, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and Whole Foods Market. They will support such needs as facade improvement, solar panels, HVAC replacement, and other green upgrades.