817 PROS-4.1 MAXIMIZING ACCESS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS

817.1 The need for joint planning to coordinate federal and District open space planning has been mentioned throughout this element. In 2005, the District, NPS, and NCPC launched the CapitalSpace Initiative to increase access to green space for District residents and visitors (see the CapitalSpace text box). It focuses on improving access to parks in neighborhoods where they are in short supply, such as Central and Northeast DC. NCPC continues to work with partnering agencies to implement the plan’s recommendations, including the coordination of planning and management of small parks among the various park and planning agencies for efficiency and the promotion of investments across all small park resources. In 2017, NPS developed the Small Parks Management Strategies Plan, which lays out several management options to achieve that goal. In addition, NCPC maintains the Parks and Open Space Element of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital (Federal Elements), which includes policies for improved coordination between the federal and District governments. Similar joint planning and design exercises should be pursued with the District’s public schools and with other local governments in the region.

817.2 More recently, public-private partnerships have been recognized as a way to develop and operate new parks. Such partnerships can facilitate the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of park and recreational facilities, offering a win-win for local government and private partners. Typically, the private partner provides the capital funds or operating services in exchange for a return on investment over the life of the project. The public benefits by getting new facilities at a lower cost. Recent park improvements at the Yards and Canal Parks were completed in this manner, creating some of the District’s most popular recreation spaces and facilities. A number of ingredients are required for success, including a sound business plan, realistic revenue forecasts, a commitment to programming and maintenance, and sustained and equitable access for all District residents.

817.3 There are several different forms of public-private partnerships. Real estate development provides a range of opportunities, such as the renovation of aging recreation centers in exchange for allowing private development above it or adjacent to it. Allowing private concessions in parks or in recreation centers is another example. In other cases, recreation center hours might be extended to allow a third party to provide services. The District could also lease space in its recreation centers to nonprofit service providers with missions that are compatible with the mission of DPR, such as health and wellness organizations. In all of these cases, such partnerships must preserve the fundamental function of parks as open spaces and places for public gathering.

817.3a Text Box: CapitalSpace

Over 23 percent of Washington, DC's land area is devoted to parks and open spaces, ranging from the formal circles and squares established by the L'Enfant Plan to neighborhood pocket parks, large, forested stream valley corridors, recreational centers, and waterfront parks. Planning, ownership, and management of these different areas are provided by different branches of the District government, the federal government, and, occasionally, nonprofit organizations.

817.3b DPR, NCPC, the DC Office of Planning (OP), and NPS joined together for the CapitalSpace Initiative to establish a shared planning framework to address all of the parks and open spaces within the District.

817.3c CapitalSpace is an opportunity to achieve a seamless system of high-quality parks and open spaces meeting both national and local needs; addressing the often-competing demands placed on these spaces; clarifying their appropriate uses; providing established and new neighborhoods access to adequate parkland; and developing strategies to best use scarce resources to design, program, and maintain parks and open spaces according to the highest possible standards.

817.4 The philanthropic community is another important partner. Foundations, "friends" groups, and other charitable or advocacy organizations offer significant potential for funding. Nonprofit service providers also provide recreational facilities and programs for District residents. Groups like the United Planning Organization, Friendship House Association, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the YMCA/YWCA fill gaps in local recreational services as they pursue their missions to foster the spiritual, mental, and physical development of individuals, families, and communities. Local colleges and universities also provide athletic programs and community services, many for free or at greatly reduced costs. These entities should not be viewed as competitors to DPR, but as partners that can help increase recreational access for all.

817.5 Building a world-class park system is not only a governmental responsibility. It is a collective effort that requires the contribution of private businesses, institutions, nonprofits, residents, and community organizations.

817.6 Policy PROS-4.1.1: National Park Service Partnerships

Promote expanded partnerships with NPS and other District agencies to broaden the range of recreational opportunities available to District residents.

817.7 Policy PROS-4.1.2: Joint Planning and Management Strategies

Develop joint planning and management strategies for all parks for which the District and NPS have overlapping responsibilities. Use coordinated standards for lighting, fencing, walkways, maintenance, and security in these areas.

817.8 Policy PROS-4.1.3: Greener, More Accessible Schoolyards

Work with DCPS to improve the appearance and usefulness of schoolyards and outdoor recreational facilities such as playgrounds and athletic fields. Strive to make such areas more park-like in character, with increased tree canopy, especially in communities without access to District-operated parks.See the Educational Facilities Element for policies on joint-use agreements between the District government and DCPS.817.9 Policy PROS-4.1.4: Nonprofit Recreational Facilities

Support the development of nonprofit recreational facilities, such as Boys & Girls Clubs, to meet the recreational needs of District residents and complement the facilities provided by the District.817.10 Policy PROS-4.1.5: Regional Open Space Planning

Support federal, interstate, and multi-jurisdictional efforts to preserve open space and create interconnected greenbelts and hiking trails within and around the Washington region.817.11 Action PROS-4.1.A: CapitalSpace

Complete implementation of the CapitalSpace Initiative, which provides a coordinated strategy for open space and park management between the District and federal government.817.12 Action PROS-4.1.B: Expanding Partnerships

Provide an annual list of parks and recreation partnerships, including “friends” groups, program partners, inter-agency government partners, and sponsors that support District parks, recreation facilities, and programs. In concert with community members and agency staff, create an action plan to recruit new business, philanthropic, nonprofit, and governmental partners in the region to enhance park and recreation services benefitting residents and visitors.817.13 Action PROS-4.1.C: Sponsorships and Foundations

Explore opportunities for financial sponsorship of park and recreation facilities by corporate and nonprofit partners, foundations, and “friends” organizations.817.14 Action PROS-4.1.D: Joint-Use Partnerships

Consider alternative joint-use partnership models with DCPS and nonprofit service providers and select and implement the most effective approaches.817.15 Action PROS-4.1.E: Cooperative Management Agreements

Develop a District-wide strategy for securing cooperative management agreements with NPS and other federal partners to update, operate, and maintain federally controlled parks in Washington, DC.

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)).