Around DC: Can good bridges make good neighbors?

As the development of DC continues, city planners, developers and community organizers are turning their attention to two new projects that will span the Anacostia River, long a geographical divide symbolizing a city divided by race, wealth and access to healthy lifestyle choices. The development of the RFK Campus by DC Events and the 11th Street Bridge Park by the local nonprofits Building Bridges Across the River, hopes to reconnect neighborhoods on both sides of the river, provide economic opportunity for local residents and facilitate healthy activity for residents and visitors alike.

RFK Campus 

The 190-acre RFK Stadium-Armory Campus straddles the NE and SE quadrants, abutting the Anacostia River and located in the Kingman Park neighborhood of the city. Originally the home of the Washington Redskins, RFK Stadium is currently the home of DC's Major League Soccer team, DC United. While plans are still in the works, initial program elements for the campus will include multipurpose sports fields, an indoor sportsplex, a Market Hall- providing prepared and staple foods in an environment similar to San Francisco's Ferry Market- and new pedestrian bridges connecting the east and west sides of the Anacostia river. The RFK Campus hopes to create a vibrant destination for people from throughout the district and beyond, while also providing jobs, youth programs, community benefits and neighborhood-serving amenities.

11th Street Bridge Park

1,200 feet long- that's approximately the size of 3 football fields- the 11th Street Bridge Park will be a pedestrian-only space that connects the Capitol Hill and Anacostia neighborhoods. This new park, projected to open in 2019, will take the decommissioned 11th Street bridge and turn it into a space that will include education spaces, a cafe, art installations and recreation spaces in addition to its open pedestrian areas. Scott Kratz, the Director of the 11th Street Bridge Park project, has held over 1,000 meetings with local residents, aiming to engage individuals from both sides of the river with the park's development process. Kratz says the park plans to employ Ward 8 residents in the construction of the park and hopes to integrate local businesses as vendors.

As DC continues to grow, projects such as the 11th Street Bridge Park and the RFK Campus will serve as important connectors for all residents of the city, encouraging community-building while also affirming healthy lifestyles and recreation.

PC: Courtesy of OMA + OLIN via dcist.com