History of D.C. Parks Now Online

Group launches database to search history of parks

By JIM IOVINO

Updated 7:05 AM EST, Thu, Nov 5, 2009

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Why visit our nation's beautiful parks in person when you can do it from the comfort of your own home?

A Washington group has created a new way to learn about the history and designers behind the nation's public parks, gardens and other landscapes. The Cultural Landscape Foundation announced Wednesday the launch of its new "What's Out There" searchable, online database. It's a free, wiki-style Web site that includes 650 sites across the country.

It details the history and design of places such as D.C.'s Meridian Hill Park, Atlanta's Piedmont Park and Denver's 16th Street Mall, among others.

Organizers say it's the only online tool to search the nation's landscapes and is designed for tourists, park lovers and heritage
travelers. They're asking the public to contribute details on more sites to expand the database.

Good thing they are asking for help, because one look at the D.C. section of the site shows sparse information. And there's even an entry for the "Park and Shop." Not sure if that means the shopping plaza in Cleveland Park, but if it is, well ... that's a bit weird.

At any rate, the site has the potential to be a good resource for the curious types, so feel free to chime in and check back to see what direction the site goes in the future.

Check out the entire list of D.C. parks by clicking here.