Franklin Square Park is one of the largest parks in Washington, D.C., but the sidewalks are crumbling, the central fountain is broken and it’s more of a shortcut than a destination.
The District hopes that will change after a long-awaited renovation that starts next year.
The park sits on nearly five acres between K and I streets NW in the heart of downtown D.C. It was created in the 1800s to protect a supply of natural spring water that served the White House. Until the late 1930s, it was a vibrant urban park. Then it began to fall into disuse.
Ellen Jones, director of infrastructure and sustainability at the Downtown Business Improvement District, says the banks and restaurants and other businesses that ring the park are unhappy with its “derelict” condition.
The Downtown Business Improvement District is heading up plans for the renovation, along with D.C. and the National Park Service.
The updated park will include an indoor café and public restrooms, an improved central fountain and a new children’s play area. And there will be programming year round: farmers markets in the fall, holiday markets in the winter, outdoor movie screenings and yoga classes in the spring and summer.
The idea is that the park itself will become a destination, Litterst says. “I’d like for Franklin Park to be known. It’s the second-largest city park. It’s a jewel waiting to be discovered.”
The renovation is a partnership between the National Park Service and the District. D.C. is funding the $18 million project and then the two will co-manage the park.