About Us
Our Mission
To grow city-wide park-based community health, equity, and environmental justice through innovative programs and partnerships.
Our Vision
A Washington, DC where every neighborhood thrives with safe parks, healthy food, economic opportunity, and joyful community connection.
Why Parks Matter in DC
Parks are essential infrastructure. They reduce pollution, improve public safety, strengthen mental health, support biodiversity, and build community belonging. Every dollar invested in parks returns benefits for generations.
Our Impact Over 30+ Years
- 250+ parks, gardens, and public spaces restored
- 300,000+ volunteers organized
- Thousands trained in green careersd
- Millions invested in community-led reclamation
- Hundreds of public arts, health, and cultural events delivered
A Park for All People
Our History
Washington Parks & People began in 1990 as Friends of Meridian Hill, a grassroots movement reclaiming a once-neglected park through community action and youth leadership. That spark grew into a citywide effort revitalizing greenspaces, expanding food access, supporting residents returning from incarceration, and fostering environmental stewardship across DC. Today, we remain guided by one core belief: when communities lead, parks heal—and people thrive.
meet the team
Our Staff
At Washington Parks, our staff is united by a shared commitment to strengthening community health, safety, and well-being by reclaiming and revitalizing green spaces in the heart of Washington, DC. Our team brings together diverse professional backgrounds, lived experiences, and a deep understanding of the communities we serve.
Through hands-on engagement and strong community partnerships, our staff works to ensure that green spaces are accessible, welcoming, and responsive to neighborhood needs.
Driven by a belief that healthy communities begin with healthy environments, the Washington Parks team is proud to serve DC residents by creating and sustaining spaces that promote equity, resilience, and quality of life for generations to come.
Steve Coleman
Executive Director & President
Ashleigh Mitchell
Program Manager
Katrina Gaynor
Program Coordinator
Behnam Mehrabkhani
Sites Manager
