The Volta Park Habitat Project

Volta Park in the heart of Georgetown dates back to the late 18th Century when the land was reserved as a public park. By the mid-1990’s the park had fallen into a state of disrepair. Financial cutbacks had sent the park into a steady decline. The swimming pool had closed, the basketball and tennis courts were all unusable. In 1995, broad community action spurred a grand rescue of the park. A public/private partnership developed between local residents and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation to take on a full renovation.

The 1998 Founders Fund Award went to create three habitats in Volta Park: a sun loving garden, a naturalized shade area and a native plant section. Not only were these areas created to serve as enjoyable gardens for all to see, they allowed for outdoor classroom space for local students to learn about ecology and conservation in the city.

Georgetown Garden Club’s commitment to Volta Park continues with both financial support and regular maintenance. They have hired a firm to monitor the irrigation system. Club members weed out invasive species and replace struggling plants using an updated list of native trees and plants. Volta Park has become a model for the renewal of hope and cooperation among D.C. residents and local government.