Georgetown's C&O Canal project scoping has begun

There was a workshop last night on Georgetown's C&O Canal revitalization project. 

The NPS and Georgetown Heritage, with support from the D.C. Office of Planning and the Georgetown BID, are undertaking a plan/Environmental Assessment (plan/EA), and will work with the community and the American public to re-imagine, restore and revitalize a mile-long section of C&O Canal NHP.  

The goals of the plan/EA are to restore the canal and preserve the historic character and cultural significance of the C&O Canal NHP, create active public spaces for people to relax or get active and enjoy history and nature, make it easier and safer for people to get to and enjoy the popular towpath, address maintenance needs, and look at ways to beautify and enliven the space through Georgetown’s Historic District.

The June 14 workshop will focus on the scope of the project and developing exciting concept designs. It will be just one of three workshops over the next year to solicit ideas and feedback as the design takes shape. Following a brief presentation, participants, working in small groups, will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ask questions. James Corner Field Operations (JCFO), renowned urban design and landscape architecture firm, has been contracted by Georgetown Heritage to develop designs and will facilitate the workshop.

Public comments will be accepted from June 14 through July 14, 2017 at the National Park Service’s Planning, Environmental and Public Comments (PEPC) website at  http://parkplanning.nps.gov/Georgetowncanalplan or by mail to:

Superintendent

C&O Canal National Historical Park Headquarters Office

Attention:  Georgetown Canal Plan

1850 Dual Highway, Suite 100

Hagerstown, MD 21740

From the scoping announcement:

• Portions of the towpath are uneven, narrow, and poorly lit, creating potential safety hazards;
• Visitors with limited mobility can only access the towpath from Grace Street, NW (south of the canal). All other access points are not compliant with the Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS);
• Many access points to the towpath are not readily visible or unknown due to lack of signage;
• The park desires to expand opportunities for interpretation, education, and cultural programming;
• The park has limited amenities and facilities for visitor comfort such as seating, drinking fountains, and rest rooms; and

• Several plazas along the canal are underutilized and could be developed to provide additional recreational activities.

Update: 

UrbanTurf has a write-up of the meeting including images.

Comments

[Will H]

Will everyone reading this blog do me a solid and comment that they should look into swimming and ice skating as activities to plan for? I think bicycling is safe, so let's get some other stuff that is a heavier lift.

[washcycle]

Could we "insert" a swimming pool into one of the sections - like that pool that sits in the Hudson. Or we could make it like Barton Springs in Austin.