Well, mercy, mercy me. I mentioned the pending rehab of the Watts Branch Trail and I even mentioned that the park is near where Marvin Gaye grew up, but I didn't realize they were going to rename the Park after him - which I think is a great idea. The park and trail are really underutilized and I think it's great that's it's getting so much attention.
Anacostia, if you're unaware is rather hilly, and the only flat areas you can use to get across it are south, along Shepard Parkway (not too bike friendly), out along the Suitland Parkway, or out through Watt's Branch. The Suitland Parkway Trail is in bad shape and dead ends at the Maryland line.
Watt's Branch was once a major transportation corridor for the city, with two railroads passing through the relatively flat land, and so it stands to reason that it could make a great bike route. Unfortunately it depends a lot on Maryland. A bike trail that dead ends in Seat Pleasant is no better than the Suitland Parkway, but connected to an extended WB&A trail and a Chesapeake Beach Railway Trail and it could really bring the trail (and Park) alive.
My favorite quote from this article about it is this:
"I like to plant trees, and it's for a really good cause," said Miss Frontiera, who volunteered after a professor offered extra credit to those who helped.
Umm, that ain't volunteering. (pictured - a broken bike/ped bridge from Marvin Gaye Park)
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