Parks &
Plazas
Pocket Parks
The DowntownDC Foundation and DowntownDC BID in Fall 2026 are embarking on the Downtown DC Pocket Park Initiative to redesign 7 urban park spaces in DowntownDC. We encourage qualified landscape architecture and design firms to respond to our Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
The BID is interested in exploring active recreation options and other design potential for these parks, collect and incorporate public and stakeholder feedback in design refinement, and utilize the final concepts to establish a capital campaign to realize the proposed designs. This Pocket Parks concept design initiative represents a strategic investment in the design, planning, and long-term stewardship of small but highly impactful urban green spaces in Downtown DC.
Franklin
Park
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.
Our Work
The DowntownDC Foundation supports the operation of Franklin Park as well as the revitalization of additional parks and plazas throughout downtown, infrastructure enhancements through streetscape changes, planters, landscaping and other elements. The Foundation also funds public art, including in parks and in the New York Avenue Arts Alleé, as a meaningful way to engage the community in public spaces.