Hardy Park Gets Spring Spruce Up

Hardy Park drew area residents for a cleanup on April 30, 2016. Crew members included, from left, Bob Avery, President of the Foxhall Community Citizens Association; Caitlin Mackenzie, the Association’s Young Families Liaison; and Richard Jewett. Photo Credit: John A. Bray

The chill and misty gray sky made it a perfect Saturday morning to stay in neutral, let the bed keep its hold for a little longer.

Hardy Park still needed tidying up, and enthusiasts from the surrounding Foxhall Community slipped themselves into drive on April 30, 2016 to get the work done as planned.

They pruned the mulberry tree at the northeastern corner of the big field by Foxhall Road, trimmed shrubs, collected trash, swept away debris, and received a heavy load of sand to replenish the tot playground. About 20 people turned out to help.

The work is part of the efforts of Friends of Hardy of 4503 MacArthur Blvd., NW, Washington, D.C. 20007.

Leo Blyth, left, and Buzz Seltzer bag trimmings for removal. Photo Credit: John A. Bray

The volunteer group, over the past five years, has planted more than 30 trees, with support from the Casey Tree Foundation; built flowerbeds, with support from the Palisades Community Fund; and created community garden plots.

Frank Staroba, the Association’s Friends of Hardy Liaison, and Joan Smith pitch in. Photo Credit: John A. Bray

D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation improvement of the facilities has been progressing. Renovation of the field house was recently completed.

The pothole pocked and cracked tennis courts are expected to be resurfaced soon, according to Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh’s deputy chief of staff, Dee Smith. Citing information from the parks and recreation department, Smith said the resurfacing will be completed before summer camp begins on June 21.