The Shutdown In Forest Hills

The good news, if there is any to be found during the federal government shutdown, is that our mayor and the DC Council found a way around the shutdown order. All city workers have been declared essential. Our teachers and our police officers will continue to be paid. Our trash will continue to be picked up. The libraries will remain open. At least, until October 15th.

UDC is still operating, but the shutdown is on the agenda at tonight’s emergency meeting of UDC’s Board of Trustees, its second this week.

So, in Forest Hills, one of the few obvious signs of the federal government shutdown is literally a sign. It’s taped to the Soapstone Valley trailhead on Albemarle Street, just east of Connecticut:

Technically, Rock Creek Park is closed to all users: picnickers, frisbee golfers, hikers, bikers and on some of the park’s roadways, drivers. But that’s not stopping anyone from visiting the park. Just ask Twitter:

But if you enjoy the ranger-led programs or the Nature Center’s exhibits and planetarium, you’re out of luck until the shutdown ends.

If you’re hosting out-of-town visitors, the zoo and the Smithsonian museums are out of the question. But right here in the neighborhood is a beautiful private museum: The Hillwood Estate.

And neighbor David Luria has a special offer for furloughed federal employees: A $10 photo safari this Friday. Just be aware that the tour will be cancelled if the government calls everyone back to work by then.

We can only hope.