From the press release:
“Construction of the bridge across the river was funded by the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Department of Regional Transportation (DDOT), and 11th Street Bridge Park through a $15 million grant from the Interior Land and Water Conservation Fund’s Office of Outdoor Recreation.” announced that it has won the Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP). This grant focuses on park projects in underserved communities and marks a significant milestone in securing the full $92 million needed to construct 11th Street Bridge Park .
With the completion of the park’s construction goals, Building Bridges is pivoting its fundraising goals toward a $10 million operating reserve budget to ensure sound financial management of the new civic space.
“11th Street Bridge Park is much more than just a park, and we are proud to be recognized with this grant as a beacon of hope for a more just, inclusive, and connected Washington, DC.” DC DPR Director Tennie Freeman said. . “By providing a pathway toward inclusive economic opportunity, social cohesion, environmental stewardship, and improved public health, this project is a national goal for equitable development in our national parks and other areas. It will be a model.”
Bridge Park will feature 145 native trees, a multigenerational play area, an environmental education center, a hammock grove, an expansive lawn, a 250-seat outdoor river amphitheater, urban agriculture, views of the Anacostia River and gardens throughout the space. will be done. All design elements were formed through extensive collaboration with local residents. The intentional blueprint features safe access to play, nature and connectivity to the Anacostia River. Together, these features will help counter environmental risks for Southeast DC residents that have historically contributed to a nearly 15-year difference in life expectancy between Black and white residents.
“Historically, infrastructure has divided our city, but this project is a monumental project that demonstrates a physical and figurative bridge that will reconnect our communities east and west of the Anacostia River.” This is a major step forward,” said DDOT Director Sharon Kirshbaum. “Thanks to this grant, we will be able to repurpose abandoned transportation infrastructure into a vibrant public space and add to the district’s iconic landmarks. The district and community-led nonprofit organization This partnership will make a meaningful difference for residents on both sides of the Anacostia River for generations to come.”
The largest ORLP grant ever received by DPR will help urban communities create new outdoor recreation spaces, revitalize existing parks, and connect people to the outdoors in communities with populations of 30,000 or more. You can.
“After 12 years of working with the East of the River community, we are thrilled to have secured the funding needed to fully realize the residents’ vision for 11th Street Bridge Park.” , said Scott Kratz, senior vice president of construction for bridges across the river. Founding Director of River & 11th Street Bridge Park. “We have worked to ensure this project meets the needs of this community from day one, and this grant represents a fulfillment of that promise and gives us the motivation to put shovels in the ground. ”
About 11th Street Bridge Park
A partnership between the District Transit Authority and Ward 8’s nonprofit Building Bridges Across the River, 11th Street Bridge Park will be the first elevated public park in Washington, DC. Located on the piers of the old 11th Street Bridge, the venue will be a space for healthy recreation, environmental education, and the arts, and has implemented a community-driven and equitable development strategy since 2016. This project is a collaborative investment with community and local partners. A variety of initiatives and support programs are being implemented for residents and nearby communities around the park. Pre-construction began in 2016, with general contractor recruitment expected in late 2024, and Bridge Park is scheduled to open in 2027. Learn more about 11th Street Bridge Park and stay up to date on its design here. ”
