About Eckington Parks & Arts

Eckington Parks & Arts is an action-oriented nonprofit, philanthropic group that supports and activates Eckington’s public spaces. The group is composed of members who contribute either time or monetary resources toward beautifying and activating public spaces in Eckington. Although independent from the Eckington Civic Association (ECA), the two groups work collaboratively to engage neighbors and build our sense of community.

Our Story

Eckington Parks & Arts Founded

Eckington Parks & Arts began in a series of community meetings in the Spring and Summer of 2019. From those meetings with dozens of Eckington residents, the mission, functions, and purpose of the organization were born.

Eckington Parks & Arts Bylaws and Board

In January 2020, the initial leaders of Eckington Parks & Arts were voted into their positions by the Friends of the Eckington Parks & Arts. Although the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted some planned social events, we saw the park take off as a popular destination for adults, teens, children, and pups. The year culminated in a successful, socially distant and family-friendly winter event, which included a kids' scavenger hunt and diaper donation drive.

A new Board was elected in January of 2021, and is very excited to get the ball rolling. The Board meets regularly to plan events, fundraise, and work to improve Eckington green spaces. Friends of Eckington Parks & Arts and interested community members are invited to attend community meetings four times a year (only current Friends may vote on organizational matters). Please refer to the organization bylaws for details.

About Alethia Tanner Park

In December 2015, the NoMa Parks Foundation acquired two acres of vacant land from Pepco. As envisioned in the NoMa Parks 2012 Public Realm Design Plan, the park originally called “NoMa Green” will provide for outdoor recreation and community gatherings and serve as NoMa’s “backyard.” In May 2016, an additional half-acre of park space was acquired at the northeast corner, allowing for the softening of the R Street NE Z-turn on the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). These transactions earned the NoMa Parks Foundation a “Best Community Impact” award as part of the Washington Business Journal’s Best Real Estate Deals of 2016. The NoMa Parks Foundation worked with the community during 2016 and 2017 to design the park, which opened in early 2019.

By the Numbers

2.5

Acres

(making it the largest park in Northeast DC!)

2111

Votes in the online poll for the park's name. Alethia Tanner Park won with 65% of the vote

1810

The year Alethia Tanner (the park's namesake) purchased her own freedom, as well as the freedom of many of her family members

2020

The opening year of the park - we're excited to share this beautiful green space with you!

ABOUT ECKINGTON

The community of Eckington in Washington, D.C., is famous for being one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. The land was first developed as a private estate in 1830 and converted to a neighborhood in 1887. Today, Eckington is a charming, family-friendly residential area that attracts people who prefer a small-town atmosphere, while still enjoying all the amenities of big-city life. Instead of offices and industrial complexes, you'll find historic, single-family houses, townhouses, condos and apartments.

Student life thrives here as Eckington boasts both McKinley Technology High School and Howard University. However, the community is more family-oriented than college-oriented. People of all ages can enjoy the Harry Thomas Sr. Recreation Center, an urban paradise with grassy fields. Nearby, one can enjoy the 412-acre National Arboretum, a botanical sanctuary resplendent with beautiful flowers and trees. Close by is the Howard Theatre, which offers a full roster of live shows and concerts. Eckington restaurants range from fast-food favorites to family-style eateries with D.C.'s nightlife just minutes away.

(Credit: Long & Foster for description)

(Credit: Cherry Blossom Workshop for photo)