A quick update from Dupont Main Streets on our exciting events, programs, & projects!
17th Street High Heel Race 2011: the 25th Running!
Come and celebrate the 25th running of the High Heel Race! Tuesday, October 25, 2011. 17th Street, NW between Riggs Place and P Street closes at 6 pm, strolling and costume parade begins shortlythereafter, and the Race starts at 9 pm sharp, running north to south. This important anniversary will surpass attendance in the past, so get there early! See the Race finish at Church Street from the VIP tent, and avoid the crowds! Arrive before Race time, or come and go as you please. Tickets help support the cost of the event. $40.
Conn Ave Median: from R to S Streets:
Irrigation & Planting work is under way Sept 2011!
This project has been a long time coming due to its multiple layers of complexity, and was just recently fully funded in late January 2011 with an internal $85k grant from DDOT and Urban Forestry. Early fund raising efforts by the business community adjacent to the 600 foot long median paid for an extensive set of professionally produced plans for existing conditions, irrigation, fencing (between planters), planting, and even traffic control measures required for the installation. Its design was guided by a local committee that ensures hearty plants, vivid colors, year- long blooming, and non-evasive plantings that will result in maximum visual impact. The results and final funding in January have now been approved by Urban Forestry, Federal Highway Admin, DPW, DDOT, WASA, PEPCO, and the contractor has responded to an RFP and has been selected to begin installation of irrigation this summer, along with the removal and replacement of a significant amount of soil built up over the years on the 4,800 square feet of planting area. The long term planning of this project will ensure that it is done correctly and not rushed without regard to water needs or inappropriate planting material. Dupont Main Streets will pay for automatic and continual watering, and future maintenance of this important community project.
Triangle Park: Bounded by 20th Street, Q Street, and Conn Ave: Fall 2011.
This heavily used park is located adjacent to the north entrance of the Metro, and is also very close to fruition after several years of careful planning. Also a complex project on land owned by the NPS, the PUD funding for this park arrived just over 14 months ago. Local realtor and Main Street volunteer Ingrid Suisman has diligently worked with the NPS, PEPCO, and potential contractors to refurbish this park with its 1920s design, with the installation of a new fence, benches, sidewalks, plants, trees, and flowers. The design has the approval of the NPS, and funding is in place to begin work in the fall of 2011, following a 30 day comment period that closed Sept 12, 2011. A contractor has been selected, funded by the PUD funding via DCCA and HDCMS. Installation will begin this fall, with the park being closed for approximately 30 days.
With the completion of these two important projects, Dupont Main Streets is seeking volunteers to work with us to accomplish similar projects in our additional public parks, spaces, and planting areas to leverage and continue our efforts to beautify and enhance Dupont Circle environs! Contact us with your ideas and desires, and get involved to make your dreams a reality!
