Oxon Run Park lies at the heart of Ward 8 in Washington, D.C., providing valuable community green space.
Oxon Run is a stream flowing through Prince George's County, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., eventually joining Oxon Creek and the Potomac River. As it passes through Oxon Run Park in Southeast, the stream is confined to a concrete channel, but efforts are in place to restore it back to its natural state. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Volunteers with The Green Scheme collect trash and debris from Oxon Run during a stream cleanup day. Due to poor water quality, volunteers are required to wear yellow boots and use clamps to pick up trash, and they are advised against touching the water. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)Ronnie Webb, president and founder of The Green Scheme, pushes a city bike out of Oxon Run during a Ward 8 Water Watchers stream cleanup day. "We find all sorts of stuff in the stream. Last week, we found a car," said Michael Settles, an intern working with Webb. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Children from Exodus Summer Camp enjoy popsicles during their weekly visit to the James E. Bunn Amphitheater at Oxon Run Park for storytime with the Metro Police Department, followed by playtime on the playground. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Kennedy Mimms reads a book under the playground at Oxon Run Park. D.C. Public Libraries brings free books to children from Exodus Summer Camp every Wednesday throughout the summer as part of their recreational outreach to the youth in the Ward 8 community. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Makeeda Bandele-Asante, is DC Greens’ farm assistant for the 2024 season at The Well at Oxon Run. She tends to the fields, harvests with community members, and gives tours. “I love being outside,” Bandele-Asante said. “It’s a multi-dimensional experience for me to be able to farm, be in the sun, and exercise that way. I’m a registered dietitian, and food and nutrition mean a lot to me, so it’s almost like a daily lesson. Every day, I learn something new about food, nutrition, and herbs, and I just feel really connected to the outdoors.” (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Ronnie Webb, right, and Michael Settles describe the positive effects of having a fig atrium on The Well’s property to a group of volunteers. Webb founded The Green Scheme in 2011 and has since been on a mission to organize, educate, and empower communities. One way he does that is by teaching the next generation of environmental stewards, like Settles. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)Michael Settles, an intern with The Green Scheme, put what he has learned about tending the garden at The Well into practice by demonstrating to community member volunteers how to use a scuffle hoe to weed and cultivate the garden and its crops. "Today we are going to be doing some gardening if y'all want to get your hands dirty," Settles said. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Kenneth Bridgers, farm manager at The Well at Oxon Run, harvests red onions. All crops grown at the farm are donated to the local community. Residents can also visit The Well during community harvest days to pick their own free produce to take home. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)Volunteers weed the garden at The Well at Oxon Run Park. Its garden and hoop house produce a variety of crops year-round, including kale, collards, cilantro, beets, onions, spinach, broccoli, and bok choy. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Kenneth Bridgers grew up in the Ward 8 community. He now works with the community to share his love for gardening and his knowledge of the holistic benefits of giving back through fresh produce. "Using food as medicine, using the garden space as a therapeutic means to help people process their experiences, whether positive or traumatic, is essential," Bridgers said. (Photo by Rhiannon Johnston/Chesapeake Bay Program)
Comments
I’m old enough to remember a nine hole golf course on that property. No evidence of it now, I suppose.
Thank you Chesapeake Bay Program and Rhiannnon for this wonderful article and video. Rhiannon, it was a true pleasure working with you and the video tell such a poignant story.
But to the "Program" I want to express my heart felt thanks because the article and video that will contribute to educating the contiguous community about the park, it's resources and amenities. This will help in informing and educating the contiguous community about the importance of preserving green space in Oxon Run Park for this and future generations.
Our community is now engaged in a great battle pitting powerful political interest against those of the larger community. A project is proposed that will encompass 4.5 acres and with asphalt parking lots and tennis courts. The project will be an ecological disaster so we would welcome the help of anyone interested in protecting the park. For more information, contact Friends of Oxon Run at friendsofoxonrun.org.
Thank you!
Your comment has been received. Before it can be published, the comment will be reviewed by our team to ensure it adheres with our rules of engagement.
Comments
I’m old enough to remember a nine hole golf course on that property. No evidence of it now, I suppose.
Thank you Chesapeake Bay Program and Rhiannnon for this wonderful article and video. Rhiannon, it was a true pleasure working with you and the video tell such a poignant story.
But to the "Program" I want to express my heart felt thanks because the article and video that will contribute to educating the contiguous community about the park, it's resources and amenities. This will help in informing and educating the contiguous community about the importance of preserving green space in Oxon Run Park for this and future generations.
Our community is now engaged in a great battle pitting powerful political interest against those of the larger community. A project is proposed that will encompass 4.5 acres and with asphalt parking lots and tennis courts. The project will be an ecological disaster so we would welcome the help of anyone interested in protecting the park. For more information, contact Friends of Oxon Run at friendsofoxonrun.org.
Thank you!
Your comment has been received. Before it can be published, the comment will be reviewed by our team to ensure it adheres with our rules of engagement.
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