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Marvin Gaye Park & the Down By the Riverside Campaign

A Partnership of the DC government, non-profit organizations, and the Watts Branch Stream Valley.

2001-2006 Accomplishments:

Galvanized millions in new public and private capital funding for the park
Mobilized over 24,000 volunteers, including every school in the stream valley
Created new jobs in the park, with more coming in the revitalization
Removed 1950 tires, 7,800 needles, and 20,000 bags of garbage
Towed 78 abandoned cars and trucks and reclaimed 40 bicycles for children
Hauled out over 2,700,000 pounds of bulk trash and debris
Cleaned up dozens of old dump and clean-up piles
Cleared 2 miles of trail, stream, and streambank
Removed over 20,000 exotic invasive plants choking the ecosystem
Planted 1,200 native trees and hundreds of flowers
Dramatically reduced crime and improved park safety
Launched Marvin Gaye Amphitheater
Produced Unity Arts Series (art, dance, drumming, talent)
Sponsored Art on the Block mosaic tribute to community heroes

Forged first-ever community park management partnership contract with DC Parks and Recreation(DPR)

Drafted first community/park master plan in 30 years

Launched Watts Branch Community Alliance and Watts Branch Advisory Council

Opened the Riverside Center at the old Crystal Lounge (5200 Foote Street, NE)

Produced 100 park programs, and addressed 90 public meetings and 35 classes about Watts Branch

Held public rallies and galvanized thousands of supporters for Ten-Point Call to Action

Briefed city and federal officials at 20 agencies, City Council, & Mayor’s Cabinet on needed actions

Held community press conferences led by Mayor Williams and Parks & Recreation

Launched D.C.’s first city-wide public-private parks partnership, focused on Watts Branch

Raised over $1,000,000 in private funds and in-kind support, and won $481,700 NPS UPARR grant

Operated Heritage Park Farm Stand, first open air farm market at the park, for three years in a row

Apprehended illegal dumpers and blocked further dumping at most sections of park

Stopped sewage leaks at numerous sites along the stream

Produced new watercolor community heritage map of stream valley

Conducted youth park mapping with the National Geographic and two high schools

Won designation as one of ten 21st Century American Heritage Parks

Won 2004 Kodak American Greenways Award

Won 2003 Helping Hands Award, National Congress for Community Economic Development

The park and campaign has garnered extensive media coverage:

East of the River Magazine	BBC Radio
Channel 16	Fox Morning News
News Channel 4	USA Weekend
District Chronicles	WAMU/ Public Interest
WJLA Channel 7 News	News Channel 8
WUSA Channel 9	Washington Post Style Section
Washington Post Magazine	Washington City Paper
Maryland Public Radio	Black Entertainment Television

Read about the campaign's history as well as articles detailing its revitalization. You may also view the Watts Branch Photo Gallery or a watercolor map of the entire stream-valley. Or find out more about the Riverside Center.

To join the campaign, contact us online
or call Washington Parks & People at 202-GO-2-PARK (202-462-7275).