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 and Heritage Islands!
Over the next 3 years, our design-build team, led by MCN Build, Hickok Cole Architects, Oehme van Sweden, Applied Ecological Services, and Sarver Ecological will design and construct improvements on Kingman and 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.
GATEWAY MEADOW
The Gateway Meadow is currently the largest open space on the Islands and has one of the richest ecosystems. For this reason, it has the capacity to serve both as a classroom and as an inviting space for a variety of uses Due to the fact that it is highly visible from the mainland, it has the potential to draw people onto Kingman Island. To maximize the Meadow’s appeal, a pavilion is proposed at its edge. For the new visitor, the pavilion becomes a destination. Once there, they will be in a position to discover more of the park.
THE FLOAT
The Islands off er an important connection to the Anacostia River – a body of water that should be celebrated, discussed, and restored. Providing a direct connection to the water enhances a student’s ability to understand the river’s ecosystems and habitats. The Floating Lab on an Anacostia Tributary (FLOAT) is a unique classroom that provides for such an opportunity.
RANGER STATION
The Kingman Island Ranger Station will serve as the interim gateway to the park. The building addresses current programmatic needs for the Islands, namely: an offi ce for park staff , restrooms for visitors, and storage for maintenance equipment and educational supplies.
WETLAND CLASSROOM
The Marsh Landing Classroom is located at the northern edge of Heritage Island, at the meeting point between the bridges that connect Heritage Island to the mainland and to Kingman Island. This classroom sits adjacent to the wetlands that run along the western edge of Heritage Island and in between the two bridges that connect the Islands to the existing RFK Stadium Parking Lot.
OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS
The Understory Classroom is an opening in the landscape on Kingman Island that is currently under utilized. There is an existing concrete pathway and pad that are surrounded by haphazardly placed boulders. The shape, size, and layout of the existing elements hinders rather than facilitates use of this space. This area nevertheless has the potential to augment the understanding of how a woodland forest ecosystem functions.
REST AREAS
The Area of Repose is a clearing in the trees outfitted with a concrete path. This area of Kingman Island is the narrowest. As a result, simultaneous views to Kingman Lake and the Anacostia are possible. With the removal of low brush and invasive species, view sheds can be opened which will heighten the experience of being on the Island.
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 Materials
Meeting Presentation
Meeting Minutes & Breakout Group Notes