Our Parks
Where We Work
Washington Parks & People activates parks and public lands across the District through restoration, agriculture, arts, and community partnerships.
Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park
Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park, located in the Columbia Heights/Adams Morgan neighborhood, is the birthplace of
Washington Parks & People. We have worked together with neighbors and community partners to bring about the
transformation of what was once the single most violent park in the capital region. Today, Meridian Hill/Malcolm X
is one of the city’s safest spaces to learn, play, and explore.
Every 3rd Saturday of the month from 10am-1pm, Parks & People hosts a volunteer park revitalization event
in Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park. Volunteers meet under the Joan D’arc Statue located on the upper terrace
of the park, helping our staff with cleaning up debris and trash, invasive species removal, tree watering,
and general park maintenance. This is a great event for both groups and individuals! If you are interested
in volunteering or learning more about the service day, email volunteer@washingtonparks.net.
Get Involved
Phone: 202-462-7275
Email: volunteer@washingtonparks.net
Marvin Gaye Park
Marvin Gaye Park is Washington’s longest municipal park, spanning 1.6 miles through the far-northeastern DC neighborhoods of Deanwood, Burville, Hillbrook, Lincoln Heights, and Northeast Boundary. This winding park was in very bad shape, largely ignored and forgotten for decades. It had become known by many as “Needle Park,” due to the extremely high level of intravenous drug use, which left thousands of discarded needles in its wake.
Led by the dreams and enthusiasm of children from the Lincoln Heights and Richardson Dwellings/Clay Terrace public housing developments, Parks & People has worked alongside community leaders for the last 14 years to restore and reclaim this vital artery of green in the midst of DC’s Far Northeast. Today, Marvin Gaye serves as a vital greenway and trail system. It is an example of the transformation that is possible when we listen to the real needs of our communities and look to the parks to meet them.
Get Involved
Phone: 202-462-7275
Email: volunteer@washingtonparks.net
