As noted by DPR at our February CCCA meeting, the park at the corner of NJ & O has gotten a long overdue facelift. The benches have been given new seats, some environmentally friendlier non-wood material that will be easier to maintain and clean. The sad looging dirt/grassy patches have been replaced with sprigs of vinca minor which should hold up better than grass and endure with little maintenance once it gets established. It will even produce some colorful flowers in the spring once it gets established. The park still needs to get new brighter lighting to make it safer and easier for MPD to patrol at night to deter illegal activity.

Landscapers working in the park several weeks ago.

Old benches were torn up.

Trees get some mulch and soil conditioner.

New benches and groundcover have been installed.

There were already signs of prohibited activity going on in the park. It will be necessary for DPR and MPD and local residence to keep an eye out for illegal behavior and vigilantly report it.

Signs that "ghosts" of the old park may still haunt this park for some time. More productive activity like concerts in the park and picnics might help to exorcise the "ghosts" or at least get them to find better things to do with their time.

This space just south of the property was tamed back last year, but it looks like the City will need to do more to help keep it looking neat and world class.

The nearby Bundy vacant lot had a vehicle parked on it today. It must be some federally owned vehicle doing something for the feds since the District does not own the property.

As some outdoor areas in this part of Ward 2 begin to be improved, they still don't quite measure up to the amazing, albeit unsung, biker/hiker trails in Wards 7 and 8 where a buddy led me this morning on a 2 1/2 hour moderate single track ride. We hit the Curtis trail through Fort Dupont Park, Fort Davis Park and Fort Stanton Park.

The vista of the city form atop a hill, near the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, in Ward 8 was spectacular. Certainly worth of a visit the next time there are fireworks on the National Mall. A person could probably also take in the Fourth of July fireworks in Virginia from this vantage point.