
WASHINGTON POST: DC asks Congress for approval to invest in Franklin Park
“Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) has a bill for Congress that she said members on both sides of the aisle can get behind: improving the historic Franklin Square park in downtown DC
“Renovations to the park, which is controlled by the National Park Service, wonât cost the federal government a dollar. Mayor Muriel E. Bowserâs office has already set aside $13.9 million in local funds to build new facilities â including a cafe, public restrooms and a playground â and DCâs Downtown Business Improvement District has reserved $750,000 annually to Âoperate and maintain the renovated park.
“But before the city can invest in the federally owned park, it needs approval from Congress to enter into a cooperative management agreement with the Park Service…
“…Plans for the renovations â which would be conducted through a partnership between the National Park Service, the city and the Downtown BID â include reconstructing the broken sidewalks, building a new fountain and programs in the park including yoga and movie-screenings, said Ellen Jones, the Downtown BIDâs director of infrastructure.”