Ahead of today’s groundbreaking to begin construction to transform 27 acres of parking lots into park and green space around RFK Stadium, Councilmember Charles Allen issued the following statement:

“Seven years ago I met with neighbors who had a vision for transforming the parking lots at RFK – from an ocean of asphalt to fields and green spaces that could better serve DC neighborhoods. And I’ve fought for it ever since.

An entire generation of Washingtonians has grown up with largely empty parking lots dominating a key part of the city along the Anacostia River. Today’s groundbreaking is a milestone moment as the city reclaims this space for its residents. As we’ve seen, when you build an NFL stadium, it means a whole bunch of parking lots that are only used eight days a year. But today, we change that history and begin of a new life for this corner of our city.

I am grateful for the leadership from residents with Capitol Riverside Youth Sports Park who helped create the initial vision for this space, and to Mayor Muriel Bowser and Events DC leadership who recognized the opportunity and are working hard to bring this vision to reality.

In a city squeezed for space to play outside safely, either for organized team sports or simply to play in a park as a family, leaving so much space dedicated to parking for a stadium is a mistake long overdue to be fixed. Soon, District residents living on the east end of the city will have access to a beautiful new park, new playing fields, and more – all right along the beautiful Anacostia River.”