Washington, D.C. Memorial Tree Groves Project

David Kamp, Dirtworks, Inc. October 3, 2002 Site Visit

General Notes/Context

  • The Memorial Tree Groves Project proposes a central memorial planting site and eight satellite sites. The Executive Office of the Mayor will lead their effort in cooperation with a number of public and private partners.
  • The central site is located on Kingman Island, in the Anacostia River, which is owned by the District of Columbia. The island is strategically important as it straddles the eastern and western portion of the District thereby representing the entire city, is accessible by existing mass transit routes.
  • The site is part of a proposed park encompassing the northern portion of Kingman Island and is accessed from a large parking lot by two wooden bridges via the smaller Heritage Island.
  • The site has significant ecological benefits and is currently under forest/wetland habitat restoration through a partnership between the DC Departments of Health, Parks and Recreation, US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Army Corps of Engineers.
  • The eight smaller satellite sites will be located throughout the District.
Considerations

The project team, led by the Executive Office of the Mayor, has established a thoughtful list of design parameters, including: native plant materials to complement the site's ecology; design elements such as pervious trails, benches, gathering places and signage that complement the site's topography; a trail plan through the site that also connects to the satellite sites; and an educational component.


David Kamp at a planning meeting. Photo: Erika Svendsen


Adjacent to a major thoroughfare (Benning Road) and the Metro, consider a grove of trees adjacent to the entry to create a distinctive arrival and a highly visible landmark.

Consider a range of sizes and ages for the tree grove. This range will strengthen and celebrate the concept of community and of the continuity of life. Individual commemorative trees could be incorporated within this community of trees.

Parking is easily addressed with the large existing lot at the entry, but the area will require site improvements, including the tree grove, to establish a more welcoming sense of scale.

Consider the proposed Welcome Center/Nature Center at this location which offers the benefit of a protected waiting/arrival area in inclement weather. The structure could be built at a later date if properly coordinated with the tree grove, though consider installing the infrastructure in the early stages of the overall project.

Traffic volumes and noise will need to be addressed. Consider a berm along Benning Road to buffer noise while still allowing vehicular service access. The overhead Metro line will also need to be addressed in determining a quiet location for the Memorial Grove. Evergreens may be necessary along the site's perimeter (including the woodlands) to insure sufficient screening in the winter months.


The healing effects of water and the observation points of bridges are both notable benefits of the Kingman Island site. Photo: Erika Svendsen


Consider using the existing bridges and river platform to create a public place to monitor the wetland restoration project, the invasive plant eradication and native species planting process. Seeing this 'work in progress" will bring people immediately to the site and creates an important educational opportunity while the Memorial Grove is in preparation.

As part of the arrival sequence to Kingman Island, consider designating Heritage Island a nature preserve. The use of a raised boardwalk over the island, with perhaps a viewing platform, would heighten the sensitive ecological relationship - and help address the existing bridge's steep incline for less able and handicapped visitors.

Consider a future water trail connection to the site as part of the District-wide trail system.

Encourage visitor participation through with minimal disturbance to the site or added maintenance. For example, the Jewish (?) tradition of placing a small stone in a special place both personalizes the site and engages the visitor with a tangible memorial act.