[PR] Norton Releases NPS Response to Her Letter Asking for the Cleanup of Parkland East of the Anacostia River
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton
Mar 18, 2021
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today released the response from the National Park Service (NPS) to her letter dated December 10, 2020, asking that more resources be devoted to NPS parkland east of the Anacostia River to ensure a welcoming, accessible and clean environment for park visitors.
In her response, NPS Deputy Director Lisa Mendelson-Ielmini detailed how “with the help of stakeholders and community members, the NPS has completed a development concept plan to enhance future use and enjoyment of Shepherd Parkway,” which will be implemented as funding becomes available.
“I worked hard to include funding for NPS deferred maintenance in the Great American Outdoors Act because NPS owns most of the parkland in D.C.,” Norton said. “With that legislation signed into law, I intend to work with Congress and NPS to make sure that the funds for NPS parks in the District are directed where they are most needed. Our residents east in Southeast should not have to clean their parks of debris themselves and suffer the neglect that has finally come to public attention. I appreciate NPS’s response.”
The full response from Deputy Director Mendelson-Ielmini is below.
Dear Delegate Norton:
Thank you for your letter of December 7, 2020, to the National Park Service (NPS) concerning the article about Ward 8 parklands which ran in the Washington Post on December 5, 2020. I have been asked to respond to your letter.
The NPS is aware of the issues impacting park resources within Ward 8 and is working hard to address them. We are particularly proud of the efforts currently underway to revitalize Shepherd Parkway, the national parkland discussed in the Post article. With the help of stakeholders and community members, the NPS has completed a development concept plan to enhance future use and enjoyment of Shepherd Parkway. This plan lays out options for park improvements, which include the following:
• A series of trails, with options for a natural or more urban trail experience;
• A blazed trail within the park’s wooded area connecting to the under-construction I-295
shared-use path;
• Improved signage, communication, and security measures to prevent dumping.
• Enhanced scenic views;
• Enhanced interpretation of Civil War forts, emphasized by improved trail connections;
• Flexible open green space for community gatherings, picnics and play.
The NPS will implement this plan in stages as funding becomes available. We will also continue to engage stakeholders and the local community throughout this process. Working together, we will create a new, improved Shepherd Parkway with open space and recreational resources that serve and benefit all Ward 8 residents.
Thank you again for your support for parks within Ward 8. The NPS looks forward to continuing to work with you to improve these spaces and resources for our visitors and neighbors. If you have any further questions, please contact Tonya Thompson, Chief of Staff, NPS National Capital Parks – East, at Latonya_Thompson@nps.gov.
Sincerely,
Lisa Mendelson-Ielmini
Deputy Director
Region 1 – National Capital Area