Marvin Gaye Park & the Down By the Riverside Campaign
A Partnership of the DC government, non-profit organizations, and the Watts Branch Stream Valley.
2001-2006 Accomplishments:
- Galvanized millions in new public and private capital funding for the park
- Mobilized over 24,000 volunteers, including every school in the stream valley
- Created new jobs in the park, with more coming in the revitalization
- Removed 1950 tires, 7,800 needles, and 20,000 bags of garbage
- Towed 78 abandoned cars and trucks and reclaimed 40 bicycles for children
- Hauled out over 2,700,000 pounds of bulk trash and debris
- Cleaned up dozens of old dump and clean-up piles
- Cleared 2 miles of trail, stream, and streambank
- Removed over 20,000 exotic invasive plants choking the ecosystem
- Planted 1,200 native trees and hundreds of flowers
- Dramatically reduced crime and improved park safety
- Launched Marvin Gaye Amphitheater
- Produced Unity Arts Series (art, dance, drumming, talent)
- Sponsored Art on the Block mosaic tribute to community heroes
Forged first-ever community park management partnership contract with DC Parks and Recreation(DPR)
Drafted first community/park master plan in 30 years
Launched Watts Branch Community Alliance and Watts Branch Advisory Council
Opened the Riverside Center at the old Crystal Lounge (5200 Foote Street, NE)
Produced 100 park programs, and addressed 90 public meetings and 35 classes about Watts Branch
Held public rallies and galvanized thousands of supporters for Ten-Point Call to Action
Briefed city and federal officials at 20 agencies, City Council, & Mayor’s Cabinet on needed actions
Held community press conferences led by Mayor Williams and Parks & Recreation
Launched D.C.’s first city-wide public-private parks partnership, focused on Watts Branch
Raised over $1,000,000 in private funds and in-kind support, and won $481,700 NPS UPARR grant
Operated Heritage Park Farm Stand, first open air farm market at the park, for three years in a row
Apprehended illegal dumpers and blocked further dumping at most sections of park
Stopped sewage leaks at numerous sites along the stream
Produced new watercolor community heritage map of stream valley
Conducted youth park mapping with the National Geographic and two high schools
Won designation as one of ten 21st Century American Heritage Parks
Won 2004 Kodak American Greenways Award
Won 2003 Helping Hands Award, National Congress for Community Economic Development
The park and campaign has garnered extensive media coverage:
- East of the River Magazine
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BBC Radio
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Fox Morning News
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USA Weekend
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WAMU/ Public Interest
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News Channel 8
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Washington Post Style Section
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Washington City Paper
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Black Entertainment Television
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Read about the campaign's history as well as articles detailing its revitalization. You may also view the Watts Branch Photo Gallery or a watercolor map of the entire stream-valley. Or find out more about the Riverside Center.
To join the campaign, contact us online
or call Washington Parks & People at 202-GO-2-PARK (202-462-7275).
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