A good friend with a good eye, Cindy Godden spent an afternoon in Marvin Gaye Parkand managed to capture the pure essence of a place that has magic lurking just beneath the surface.
This first meeting of the Watts Branch community Alliance took place in Campbell's Barber shop in the 57th block of Dix Street, NE.
Mr. Campbell stands on the bridge behind his Barber Shop to seek peace in an escape to nature. Unfortunately, this is also a popular spot for dumpers who seek to escape paying for legal options. This section of the park is in need of protective barriers to prevent illegal dumping, and to preserve the sanctuary of a healthy natural habitat for neighborhood residents.
H. D. Woodson Senior High School is the most modern of DC Public Schools and is the only public senior high school in Ward 7. The most dangerous section of Marvin Gaye Parkis located directly behind the school. Students who walk down from Richardson Dwelling were once forced to walk past drug dealers, pushers, and addicts while stepping over mounds of trash and fighting overgrown invasive exotic brush. Thanks to the help of thousands of volunteers, including H. D. Woodson students, sight lines along the path have been cleared to discourage dangerous illegal activities and to create a safe passage to school for our promising young people.
Terrance Johnson, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for ANC 7C03, has been a leading park advocate in the community. He continues to promote community involvement in work days, clean-ups, park program events, and active advocacy directed at the city agencies responsible for keeping Marvin Gaye Parksafe and clean.
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