LeDroit Park

The Park at LeDroit is a public green space located in the LeDroit Park neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Situated near Howard University, this park was developed on the site of the former Gage-Eckington Elementary School, which was demolished in 2009. The park opened to the public in 2011 after successful lobbying efforts by local residents to convert the vacant school property into a community space.

Spanning approximately 1.8 acres, The Park at LeDroit offers a variety of recreational amenities for visitors of all ages. The park features both a playground for younger children and a larger play area suitable for older kids, providing ample opportunities for outdoor play and exercise. A notable feature is the splash park, which provides relief from Washington's hot summer days.

The park also includes the Common Good City Farm, an urban agriculture education center and community garden. This section of the park contains 40 individual garden plots where local residents can grow their own produce. The inclusion of this urban farming initiative adds an educational component to the park, promoting sustainable practices and community engagement.

In addition to its recreational facilities, The Park at LeDroit serves as a gathering place for community events and social interactions. The open green spaces provide room for picnics, informal sports, and relaxation. The park's design incorporates elements that make it accessible to visitors with varying mobility needs, ensuring it can be enjoyed by a diverse range of community members.

Recent renovations in 2019 further enhanced the park's offerings, including improvements to the natural turf field, the addition of a playground shade structure, and updates to the landscaping and circulation paths. These upgrades have helped to maintain the park's appeal and functionality for the neighborhood.