Bunker Hill Park
A playground is possible
Bottom Line Up Front
The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) proposed building a new playground at Bunker Hill Park (18th, Bunker Hill Road, and Michigan Avenue NE) in their 20-Year Master Plan "Ready2Play." It is not yet funded. Once funded, DPR would begin the design and build process and engage further with the neighborhood.
About the Park
Colloquially known as "Little Stonehenge," Bunker Hill Park (not to be confused with Fort Bunker Hill Park) is bounded by 18th Street, Bunker Hill Road, and Michigan Avenue NE and is adjacent to the HSC Pediatric Center children's specialty hospital. At 1.36 acres it is classified by DPR as a "Neighborhood Park." It has a plaza with benches and tables, which is a great outdoor space to gather. While the plaza is great, the park offers fewer amenities than DPR's own standard for Neighborhood Parks, which is 3 to 7. Less than 50% of households in 5B01 live within a 10-minute walkshed of a playground. Building one here would change this to 92%.
My Actions on Bunker Hill Park
May 4, 2024 - Organized Bunker Hill Park Community Cleanup
April 21, 2024 - News Post: A Survey of Neighborhood Parks | 5B01 News (anc5b01.com)
April 8, 2024 - Testimony to the DC Council Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs
March 23, 2024 - News Post: Bunker Hill Park - Playground Possibility | 5B01 News (anc5b01.com)
March 20, 2024 - Commission 5B - Sponsored Resolution Supporting Budget Priorities for DPR Parks in Commission 5B
March 12, 2023 - Organized Bunker Hill Park Community Cleanup
January 25, 2023 - Commission 5B - Sponsored Letter to DPR re: ANC 5B's Input on "Ready2Play," DPR's Draft 20-Year Master Plan
January 1, 2023 - News Post: Feedback on Parks | 5B01 News (anc5b01.com)
December 3, 2022 - Organized Bunker Hill Park Community Cleanup
Improvements So Far
April 12, 2024: Capital Bikeshare Station Installed at 18th & Upshur Street NE
February 28, 2024: New Sidewalks Installed adjacent to the park on 18th Street and Bunker Hill Road, increasing accessibility
October 21, 2022: New Speed Humps Installed on 18th Street NE between Michigan Avenue and South Dakota Avenue
Take Action
Contact Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker
Contact DC Council Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs Chair, Councilmember Trayon White, Sr.
Contact Mayor Muriel Bowser
Contact the Department of Parks and Recreation Director Thennie Freeman
FAQ
Q: Is the park's name official? Can we change it?
A: I'm not entirely sure the name for this park is official. I doubt it is. Naming a park is done by the DC Council and would be done after extensive community engagement and feedback.
Is something inaccurate? Want to help out? Come help on a park cleanup? Contact me!