EXCITING NEW IMPROVEMENTS COMING TO KINGMAN + HERITAGE ISLAND
The District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), along with our operating partner Living Classrooms, are excited to announce an exciting new phase for Kingman + Heritage Islands! As our Kingman Ranger team provides visitor services DOEE is working to design and construct improvements on Kingman + Heritage Islands that will prioritize conservation and restoration of the natural ecology and focus on education opportunities for children and visitors of all ages. By preserving and enhancing nature we will create more opportunities to learn, play, relax, and explore this unique environment in our own back yard. Improvements will focus on three main priority areas: ecological conservation and restoration, environmental youth education, and a rebuilt trail network to improve accessibility and enhance the visitor experience.
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As a natural oasis adjacent to the District’s urban core, the conservation and restoration of Kingman + Heritage Islands are the top priority. The team is on site conducting analysis of bird and reptile species to better understand patterns of movement so that restoration and improvements can support natural ecosystem development on both Kingman + Heritage Islands. Beginning Spring/Summer 2021, crews will begin to remove legacy concrete and construction debris and will remove bush honeysuckle and other invasive plant species. This will allow for restoration of the seed bank and re-emergence of native flora. Wildlife and areas of special conservation need such as the vernal pools and Virginia Mallow field will be preserved and protected.
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As historically envisioned and supported by the natural ecosystems that have developed, Kingman + Heritage Islands will be designed to provide best-in-class environmental education. Classroom pavilions and gathering spaces will be designed to blend into the natural surroundings and will support field learning in each of the mayor ecosystems on the islands – Meadow, Wetland, River, and Forest canopy. Interpretive signage will be installed throughout the islands to highlight key learning opportunities and the history of the islands and surrounding community.
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The reconstructed trail network will be the organizing element for improvements throughout the island. Designed for universal accessibility, a connected network of trails will limit access to environmentally sensitive areas while small bridges and observation platforms will increase views and education opportunities. New trails, benches and natural seating will allow for private moments of reflection as well as gathering spaces along the main pathways.
PROJECT DOCUMENTS
The Kingman & Heritage Island Planning & Feasibility Study of 2017
Read Part 1 | Read Part 2
The overall project scope for the improvements to Kingman & Heritage Island will generally follow and execute the vision of the Kingman Island and Heritage Island Planning and Feasibility Study released in October 2017. Please visit the link above to read the study and learn more.
March 2, 2021 Community Envisioning Meeting
DOEE hosted a kick-off Kingman Community Envisioning Meeting on March 2, 2021 where the project team shared the overarching scope and project goals. Please visit the links below to view the presentation, review the meeting minutes, and watch a recording of the meeting:
Kingman Community Envisioning Meeting Presentation
April 28, 2021 Boating Access & Ecological Restoration Community Meeting
DOEE hosted a Boating Access & Ecological Restoration Community Meeting on April 28, 2021 to share with community members information about the installation of a new ADA accessible floating dock on the Anacostia River as well as planned ecological restoration work set to commence in 2021:
Kingman Boating Access & Ecological Restoration Meeting Presentation
Kingman Boating Access & Ecological Restoration Meeting Recording
Kingman Boating Access & Ecological Restoration Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2021 Education & Programming Community Meeting
DOEE hosted a Education & Programming Community Meeting to share with community members design concepts for outdoor education spaces and collect feedback on these proposed concepts.
May 26, 2021 Inclusive Access & Safety Community Meeting
DOEE hosted an Inclusive Access & Safety Meeting to solicit from community members their thoughts on how these elements on Kingman + Heritage Island could be improved.
Kingman Inclusive Access & Safety Meeting Presentation
Kingman Inclusive Access & Safety Meeting Demonstration Videos:
Getting to Kingman + Heritage Islands
Getting Around Kingman + Heritage Islands
November 18, 2021 Brownfields Grant Public Meeting
DOEE hosted a public meeting informing the public of the intent to apply for a Brownfields Grant to remediate contaminated soil piles on Kingman + Heritage Islands.