Rock Creek Park Golf Course rehabilitation plan receives National Capital Planning Commission’s final approval

Date:
September 6, 2024
Contact:NCR Communications, 703-399-4547
Contact:Autumn Cook, 202-895-6003

WASHINGTON-The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) approved the Rock Creek Park Golf Course rehabilitation project on Sept. 5, 2024. This marks a major step forward in rehabilitating one of Washington's treasured public golf courses.

"We remain committed to balancing recreation and conservation. People care deeply about Rock Creek Park, and public input has been crucial in shaping a plan that respects the park's history and nature while enhancing recreational opportunities for everyone," acting superintendent of Rock Creek Park Brian Joyner said.

Commitments and Plan Enhancements

Public participation played a key role in refining the plan. Based on community feedback, the National Park Service and National Links Trust, which holds a 50-year lease for three historic, public golf courses in Washington, made important adjustments, including:

• Planting 7.1 acres of trees and reducing tree removal to a maximum of 5.8 acres. We will plant 3 native trees for every healthy, native tree that is removed.
• Using an adaptive approach to first remove invasive plants and trees in phases. We will monitor turf and tree health for improvement after each phase with a goal of preserving trees.
• Adding more than 12 acres of new meadow. Meadows help water soak into the soil, reduce runoff and erosion, and support healthy soil - all benefits to Rock Creek and Rock Creek Park's ecosystem.
• Lighting will be used only where it is needed, at the minimum level necessary, with shielded fixtures, and warm-colored light and turning the lights off before true night.
• Redesigning the clubhouse to include bird-safe windows.
• Improving water management and preserving 77 trees by eliminating an irrigation pond.
• Better solar panel placement at the driving range pavilion.

Phases of Project Work The rehabilitation will be completed over two years. In the first year, efforts will focus on reconstructing the clubhouse area and maintenance facility. Work on the golf course itself will follow in the second year.

Project Background
The NPS completed an Environmental Assessment (EA) to assess the potential environmental impacts of rehabilitating the 100-year-old public golf course, culminating in a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on March 28, 2024.

For More Information
For more details on the Rock Creek Park Golf Course rehabilitation plan, visit the Rock Creek Park Golf Course webpage or review planning documents on the National Park Service's Planning, Environment & Public Comment website.

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