Reservoir Park Recreation Center Designation Temporary Act of 2024
Impact
This legislation responds to a community need for open recreational spaces and marks a significant step in the redevelopment efforts of the McMillan site, which has historical connotations linked to segregation and racial inequities. By renaming the park, the District is attempting to dissociate from the controversial legacy of former Senator James McMillan, who is associated with policies that adversely affected African-American communities during the 'City Beautiful' movement. The new designation seeks to reflect a more inclusive and community-focused identity.
Summary
B25-0840, titled the 'Reservoir Park Recreation Center Designation Temporary Act of 2024', seeks to designate the park and recreation center located in Lot 105, Square 3128, as 'Reservoir Park Recreation Center.' This act emphasizes the importance of officially naming the facility at the site of the former McMillan Sand Filtration site, as part of its redevelopment into a mixed-use area. The new park will include significant amenities designed to serve the community, such as a pool, fitness center, and open green spaces intended for public use.
Contention
Discussions surrounding B25-0840 have pointed to the complicated history of the McMillan site and the previous name associated with it. While the Advisory Neighborhood Commission supported naming the park 'McMillan Park Recreation Center,' the decision to designate it as 'Reservoir Park Recreation Center' reflects broader social considerations aimed at rectifying historical injustices linked to urban planning. This change is met with mixed feelings, indicating that while there is support for community enhancement, there is also the challenge of reconciling historical narratives versus contemporary community values.
Requires DEP and owners of certain reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures; authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoirs levels in response to severe weather events.
Requires DEP and owners of certain reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures; authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoirs levels in response to severe weather events.
Requires DEP and owners of certain reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures; authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoirs levels in response to severe weather events.
Requires DEP and owners of certain reservoirs to implement certain flood control measures; authorizes Office of Emergency Management to order lowering of reservoirs levels in response to severe weather events.