And we don’t mean Rock Creek Park.
Beginning today, the DowntownDC BID kicked off Picnics in Franklin Park!, our way of making the park experience more welcoming. We’re talking about an old-fashioned picnic, with red and white checkered picnic tablecloths.
No worries. We provided the tablecloths. You returned them. It’s that simple.
Just bring your lunch, or grab some fare from one of several food trucks stationed around the park for the lunchtime rush. We will distribute the tablecloths near the park’s fountain beginning at noon on Fridays—as long as the nice weather lasts. And, yes, we will clean them after each use.
The response to Picnics in Franklin Park! has been positive. Some people asked if this will take place every day. Some park visitor’s comments:
- “I’ve heard people say, ‘How has no one not thought of this already?’ It’s really nice. It creates a nice atmosphere.” – Allison
- “It kind of brings people together. It’s good to see people in the city enjoying a nice arena.” – Aisha
- “It’s a great alternative to being in a crowded restaurant; you can get a little sun.” – Danny
- “It made my day better.” – Michelle
Picnics in Franklin Park! is another step in our effort to enliven park space with dynamic programming. In July, we began Workout Wednesdays, a 12-week exercise program with Crunch Fitness (522 12th Street) and two other partners, Freshii (1005 E Street) and City Sports (715 7th Street). The last class in this series wraps up on Sept. 25.
The BID, the Office of Planning and the National Park Service are working to make bold improvements and programming at the park to meet today’s diverse urban needs. In fact, your input is needed. Join us for a Franklin Park Visioning and Transformation Plan Public Meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Four Points by Sheraton (1201 K Street). The BID, OP and NPS will collect ideas to help develop the baseline level of park use and a comprehensive plan and conceptual design for transforming DowntownDC’s largest park.
Do mark your calendar for this open house!
Historic Franklin Park is bordered by K Street on the north, 13th Street on the east, I Street on the south, and 14th Street on the west.