Six Big Ideas

The Capitalspace partner agencies have identified six “big ideas” that will link back to the planning concepts and help make the vision a reality. These ideas were identified as projects that can best be accomplished by these agencies working together. They are intended to maximize existing assets, address current and future needs, and seize opportunities.

To successfully implement these ideas, the partners will address issues related to sustainability, safety, and access. In addition, new funding approaches and creative partnerships will be required. The CapitalSpace partners intend to draw upon innovative models used in Washington, in communities around the nation, and throughout the world.

To learn more about each "big idea", click on the hyperlinked words to the right. Each of the "six big ideas" are linked to the 7 CapitalSpace planning concepts represented by their respective icons.

The Six Big Ideas

LINK THE FORT CIRCLE PARKS

The Fort Circle Parks system has yet to meet its full potential as a connected greenway surrounding much of Washington and as a cultural destination highlighting historic Civil War resources.

DEVELOP A CENTER CITY PARKS STRATEGY

These parks have the potential to be place-makers, serving as the centers of emerging neighborhoods and adding vibrancy to the city. The expected increased demand for these spaces will require creative solutions to balance their historic and commemorative character with the demand for new and more active uses.

IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL PARKS

These small parks are managed by different agencies and are used differently by various groups. Some of the small parks are community assets while others have seen few, if any, improvements.

INCORPORATE ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY INTO PARK PLANNING

There are existing federal and local methods for protecting ecological functions, but they are not always sufficient or effectively applied. We need to ensure ecological functions are preserved and in some cases restored, while still allowing our parks to serve people.

PROVIDE FACILITIES THAT MEET ACTIVE RECREATION NEEDS

Washington needs to increase the capacity and amount of outdoor recreational facilities, especially regulation-sized playing fields.

DEVELOP A SCHOOLS STRATEGY

The condition of the facilities and hours of operation vary, particularly east of Anacostia River, sometimes resulting in discrepancies in access and quality.