Amidst the urban hustle stands Garfield Park a green oasis steeped in history. This park is a neighborhood gem. It offers a refreshing escape for locals and visitors alike.
Garfield Park’s story began in 1791. The L’Enfant Plan envisioned this space as a grand cascade. Natural springs dotted the area. The plan intended this spot to be the convergence of major avenues and a canal.
Andrew Ellicott expanded the open space in his plan. North Carolina Avenue extended south towards the park. The U.S. government bought the land from Daniel Carroll of Duddington. It became Reservation No 17 or Town House Square.
For a time, Garfield Park served as a tree nursery in 1838. Trees grown here adorned public grounds and Pennsylvania Avenue. However, maps from the mid-1800s show the space as unimproved.
Citizens petitioned Congress to improve the large open common in 1850. Quarried rock was used to pave Washington’s streets. Ignatius Mudd, the Commissioner of Public Buildings, saw the quarry excavations as a nuisance. He urged grading, tree planting and protection of the copious springs.
Leadership changed in 1867. The Chief of Engineers of the United States Army took over care of the park. Congress wanted to retain federal control over parks. This ensured the beautification plans for Washington.
The 1880s brought significant improvements to Garfield Park. The Office of Public Buildings and Grounds restored land taken by roadways. Colonel Almon Ferdinand Rockwell oversaw these embellishments. He secured 20000 dollars to start improving Reservation No 17.
Colonel Rockwell aimed to make Garfield Park a principal city resort. He envisioned carriage drives and pedestrian-friendly walks. Granite blocks were removed for District improvements.
During excavations in 1883, workers found Native American remains. This discovery suggested a possible Nacotchtank settlement. By 1885, reports officially referred to the space as Garfield Park.
Between 1886 and 1892, landscapers planted 6500 trees. They also laid paths and assigned watchmen for protection and maintenance. By 1887, 78500 dollars had been invested in Garfield Park’s improvements.
Heavy traffic damaged the gravel roads in Garfield Park. In 1892, the Grand Army of the Republic reunion caused further damage. Barracks and a mess hall were erected.
By 1901, the adjacent Josiah Dent School used Garfield Park as a playground. In 1902, a Senate report listed Garfield Park as 23.9 acres.
In 1903, Congress granted a portion to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. This led to a redesign of the park. In 1904, a tool house, workshop and office room were built.
In 1905, more than 6 acres were transferred for the Capitol Power Plant. In 1913, the park was completely redesigned with new lights.
By 1916, Garfield Park was reduced to 9.313 acres. A new lodge provided toilets and a playground house for children.
In the 1920s, Garfield Park became a popular recreation spot. Weekly band concerts filled the summer air. The park featured tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.
Elgin Baylor honed his basketball skills in Garfield Park. However, the wading pool was segregated.
In 1948, Garfield Park was part of an experiment on playground integration. Integration proved difficult and the wading pool and baseball field remained segregated.
In 1969, Interstate 695 construction took 95470 square feet. A basketball court was built under the highway to compensate. Second Street traffic was closed.
By 1972, the remaining 7.1-acre Garfield Park was transferred to the District of Columbia. Today, Garfield Park remains a vital community space. It provides recreational opportunities and a connection to the past.