ET219 – Franklin Park: Exploring Process, Resiliency, Accessibility, and Inclusion by Design

Additional fee, registration required.

Join a captivating tour of the revitalized Franklin Park, winner of the 2023 AIA D.C. Urban Design Award.

You'll experience the journey of this 200-year-old city block, from its origins as a White House water source to its evolution into a vibrant commuter hub. In addition, you'll learn about the innovative federal-municipal-private partnership that fuels a transformation centered around ecology, economy, and equity.

This tour will reveal Franklin Park's transformation into an active, inclusive neighborhood-serving park celebrating its legacy with water-themed elements. You'll gain inspiration from this urban oasis's past, present, and future, in a space where history and community converge.

This is a walking tour.

Learning Objectives

1. See how the Franklin Park revitalization project engaged the community by removing barriers, promoting accessibility, and fostering economic sustainability through collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders.
2. Analyze the integration of water-themed elements, such as poetry and fountains, within the park's design, and understand how they contribute to the park's identity and history.
3. Consider the sustainable and resilient features of Franklin Park, including its ecosystem restoration, water management, and energy-efficient design.
4. Discover how the park's design and renovation promote inclusivity and accessibility allowing all visitors, regardless of physical or economic abilities, to engage and participate fully in the park's activities.

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