‘Secret Park’ Repaired and Reopened

by Margery Elfin

It was last July that we were promised that the small park we enjoy on 36th near Yuma would be restored to its original state in the fall. Fall 2013, that is.

This park, which we have been told is called North West Park (couldn’t someone have been more creative?), was closed to pedestrians for nearly a year as fall and then the truly tough winter and wet spring passed. Casual walkers, dogs and embassy personnel were deprived of a beautiful venue for sunbathing, enjoying a snack or just contemplating nature. In summer, the park is blooming with sunflowers.

It was closed for good reason, though. We had reported on extensive damage to the park’s stonework in the spring of 2013.

After a few months of detective work, we found that a section of the State Department was responsible for maintaining this charming pocket park. We were told by State’s Office of Real Property Management that the park was scheduled for an upgrade, and soon. It was wonderful to hear that we had gotten through to someone in authority.

Then, work proceeded on a seemingly random basis. Some days there would be workers; other days not. The Sanijohn remained. Months and months went by. Stones piled up. Barriers were erected. Nothing seemed to be happening.

A few weeks ago we noticed that the barriers to the park had been removed! The park is still a work in progress, but new plants are growing and flowers blooming. The back section has an empty space where there had been a tree and surrounding plantings. But it’s back and we’re grateful. People are slowly returning and once again enjoying this urban oasis.