Parks &
Plazas

The DowntownDC Foundation supports the revitalization of additional parks and plazas throughout downtown including McPherson Park, Indiana Plaza and others, as well as infrastructure enhancements through streetscape changes, planters, landscaping and other elements. The Foundation also supports public art, including in parks and in the New York Avenue Arts Alleé, as a meaningful way to engage the community in public spaces.

After nearly a decade of work with partners including the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) and the District of Columbia, Franklin Park in 2021 reopened to the public. This historic federal park underwent a $21 million year-long renovation funded by the DC Government to restore and enhance the central fountain, add interactive jets, a Children’s Garden, construct a restaurant, repair and enhance walkways, landscaping, improve the tree canopy and seating and reconstruct the central plaza. The Foundation works to support the operations, maintenance and programming of this world-class park, which is operated and managed by the DowntownDC BID under a historic cooperative management agreement. Today, Franklin Park is a place for lunchtime gathering, respite, fun and the stage for diverse and exciting free events for the whole family.