814.1 The District’s formal open space networks are complemented by several smaller open space systems. These networks may be lesser known due to fragmented ownership and multiple functions, but they are no less important—particularly to the communities they serve.

814.2 A unique open space network comprised primarily of major federal facilities, cemeteries, and institutional uses is located just north of Washington, DC’s geographic center, in an area otherwise lacking in public parkland. The network includes McMillan Reservoir, the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Rock Creek Cemetery, Battleground National Cemetery, and Glenwood, Prospect Hill, and St. Mary’s cemeteries. This area was already established as a major recreational ground for Washington, DC, in the 19^th century. Its role was confirmed by the 1901 McMillan Plan, which recognized the dual purposes of these lands as functional facilities and passive open spaces. While public access to many of these properties is restricted today, their presence as an open space corridor is plainly visible on aerial photos of the District.

See the Upper Northeast Element for more information on these properties.

814.3 Several sites along the path of the McMillan to Fort Totten open space network are currently under consideration for development. As detailed plans are developed for these sites, the District should take an active role in conserving the connected open space network as a historic, ecological, aesthetic, and recreational resource.

814.4 Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr.’s Highway Plan for the District created two kinds of boulevards and parkways that are part of a larger park and open space system. Some broad boulevards—including Nebraska Avenue, South Dakota Avenue, and Minnesota Avenue—connect parks to the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. Winding parkways along ridges, in valleys, or other roadways leading into large parks include Reno Road, Arkansas Avenue, and Alabama Avenue. These boulevards and parkways, enhanced by circle and triangle parks, should be preserved and maintained as elements of the larger park and open space system. Additionally, although parkways were not intended or designed to be major transportation arteries, they also currently function as primary transportation routes.

814.5 Continued enhancement and preservation of open space networks in other parts of the District are also important. These networks include the forested greenbelt along Oxon Run, the woodlands and wetlands around Oxon Cove (extending south into Maryland), and the wooded areas extending from Westmoreland Circle to the Potomac River (including Dalecarlia Reservoir).

814.6 Policy PROS-3.3.1: North-Central Open Space Network Preserve and enhance the historic open space network extending from McMillan Reservoir to Fort Totten. As land use changes in this area, an integrated system of permanent open spaces and improved parks should be maintained or created.814.7 Policy PROS-3.3.2: Other Open Space Networks Recognize the recreational, scenic, environmental, and historic value of other interconnected or linear open spaces in the District, including Oxon Run, Oxon Cove, and the Dalecarlia Reservoir area.814.8 Policy PROS-3.3.3: Small Park and Open Space Cluster Improvements Prioritize improvements of small open spaces in areas with limited access to parks and open space, and a growing population. Apply common themes, such as sustainability, placemaking, or connectivity to plan, enhance, and maintain the small parks as a system.See the Environment Protection Element for more information on the use of pollinator gardens in small parks and open spaces.814.9 Policy PROS-3.3.4: Small Parks Database Develop a shared database of small parks, as defined by the CapitalSpace Plan, to inform coordination efforts between agencies and with the public. The database should include data on ownership, size, location, function, level of use, historic or cultural value, commemorative elements, programs, and condition. Assess existing agency jurisdiction for certain small parks so that each parcel is managed effectively to meet District and/or federal objectives and clarify the responsibilities of the managing agencies.814.10 Policy PROS-3.3.5: Boulevards and Parkways Balance the transportation needs and safety standards of modern roadways with the preservation of resources and of scenic parkway goals to minimize impacts on viewsheds and natural and cultural resources that comprise the parkway landscape.See the Urban Design Element for additional information on parkways.814.11 Policy PROS-3.3.6: Enlivening Cemeteries Explore using cemeteries for passive open space. Collaborate with cemetery administrators to reconnect the burial grounds to the surrounding neighborhoods for greater public access.814.12 Action PROS-3.3.A: Creating Washington, DC's Central Park Work with the federal government and institutional and open space landowners to

create a linear system of parks and open space extending from Bryant Street on the south to Fort Totten on the north. This system should be created from existing large publicly owned and institutional tracts, as well as adjacent triangle parks, cemeteries, and rights-of-way.

See the Rock Creek East and Mid-City elements for additional information on this network.

814.13

Action PROS-3.3.B: Boulevards and Parkways

Preserve and maintain boulevards and parkways as elements of the larger park and open space system. Proposed improvements and maintenance projects along trails and parkways should minimize impacts on viewsheds and be sensitive to the natural and historic qualities that make them significant.

SOURCE: District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; 31 DCR 1049 (March 9, 1984)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Element Amendment Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-187; 32 DCR 873 (February 15, 1985)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-129; 37 DCR 55 (January 5, 1990)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989 NCPC-Recommended Amendments, and Closing of Public Alleys in Square 669, S.O. 88-452, Act of 1990, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-132; 37 DCR 2213 (April 6, 1990)); as amended by District Government Land Use Temporary Amendment Act of 1994, effective October 1, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-190; 41 DCR 5360 (August 12, 1994)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994, effective October 6, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-193; 41 DCR 5536 (August 19, 1994)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Amendment Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (D.C. Law 10-235; 42 DCR 30 (January 6, 1995)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1996 effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-110; 43 DCR 530 (February 9, 1996)); as amended by Second Technical Amendments Act of 1996 effective April 9, 1997 (D.C. Law 11-255; 44 DCR 1271 (March 7, 1997)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 1998, effective April 27, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-275; 46 DCR 1441 (February 19, 1999)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1999, effective April 12, 2000 (D.C. Law 13-91; 47 DCR 520 (January 28, 2000)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300; 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 2008, effective March 25, 2009 (D.C. Law 17-353; 56 DCR 1117 (February 6, 2009)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361; 58 DCR 908 (February 4, 2011)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021, effective August 21, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-20; 68 DCR 006918 (July 16, 2021)).