Old Gage-Eckington School Park Breaks Ground in LeDroit Park Wed. Morning

Thanks to a reader for sending in some photos. From a press release:

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Valerie Santos and Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Director Jesús Aguirre joined the LeDroit Park Civic Association and Ward 1 residents to break ground on a new public park at 2025 3rd Street, NW.

“The design and creation of this park is a true collaboration between the District and dedicated community members like those of the LeDroit Park Civic Association,” said Mayor Fenty. “This park is a fantastic example of how we can all work together to create open recreational spaces that truly serve the surrounding community.”

“This park will be a great addition to the already rich history of the LeDroit Park community,” said Deputy Mayor Santos. “The activity that will be generated in this dynamic green space will join the great work being done by the staff and volunteers of the Common Good City Farm at this space since the Fall of 2008.”

When completed in January 2011, the $1.5 million, 112, 000 square foot park will boast the following:

o Multi-use playing field
o Dog park
o Children’s garden
o Jogging and walking path
o Rain garden and botanical plazas
o Playground areas for ages 3-6, 7-12
o Garden plots

The site was once home to the Gage-Eckington Elementary School which was closed in 2008. The District worked with the community since that time to determine a positive re-use of the land. DMPED contributed $1.5 million towards the park and awarded an additional $100,000 grant to the LeDroit Park Civic Association and Common Good Farm for the creation and maintenance of the community garden on-site.