Special Program: Forest Hills Playground
We're excited to announce that Friends of Forest HIlls Playground has joined the Van Ness Main Street family! Sign up for the VNMS newsletter to learn about upcoming events at the playground and along the entire VNMS corridor, here. And be sure to follow us for the latest on FB, Insta and Twitter (@VanNessMainSt). Questions? Reach out to us at [email protected]
About Forest Hills Playground
Forest Hills Playground is located on Chesapeake St, NW between Connecticut Ave and 32nd Street NW. In true neighborhood spirit, Friends of Forest Hills Playground merged with Van Ness Main Street in March of 2022 to strengthen and continue its mission of creating collaborative community events, bringing together family and friends of all ages, and caring for the playground.
FAQ'S
In addition to the playground, does Van Ness Main Street oversee the entire Forest Hills Park?
No, at this time, VNMS has partnered exclusively with Friends of Forest Hills Playground. Forest Hills Park and Playground are run and maintained by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation.
I’d like to host my child’s birthday party at the park. Do I need a permit?
According to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, a “permit is required for any organized activity, program or event on DPR property involving more than ten (10) people.” Apply at dpr.dc.gov/permits. A DPR permit will not reserve any part of the grounds, however. They’re always first come, first served.
Where should I report broken lights/playground equipment/overflowing trash cans?
Call 311 or visit 311.dc.gov to report any issues you see.
Why doesn’t the drinking fountain work?
A drinking fountain was added to the playground during the 2014 playground renovation. Shortly after that, playground users were pouring sand down the drain, clogging it. Other users were using it to wash sand from children’s hands and feet, which also clogged the drain. And, sand gets into the mechanism for starting the fountain, and it gets stuck in the “on” position, wasting gallons of water. There is another drinking fountain by the tennis courts. Outside of winter months, it should be operational. If it is not, please contact 311 to report it.
Are dogs allowed on the baseball field and inside the playground?
DPR says: “To ensure the use and enjoyment of our property by all members of the public, dogs are not allowed on playing fields, in children’s play areas, on courts, in or around pools and in recreation centers. Working service dogs are exempt from this rule.”
About Forest Hills Playground
Forest Hills Playground is located on Chesapeake St, NW between Connecticut Ave and 32nd Street NW. In true neighborhood spirit, Friends of Forest Hills Playground merged with Van Ness Main Street in March of 2022 to strengthen and continue its mission of creating collaborative community events, bringing together family and friends of all ages, and caring for the playground.
FAQ'S
In addition to the playground, does Van Ness Main Street oversee the entire Forest Hills Park?
No, at this time, VNMS has partnered exclusively with Friends of Forest Hills Playground. Forest Hills Park and Playground are run and maintained by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation.
I’d like to host my child’s birthday party at the park. Do I need a permit?
According to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, a “permit is required for any organized activity, program or event on DPR property involving more than ten (10) people.” Apply at dpr.dc.gov/permits. A DPR permit will not reserve any part of the grounds, however. They’re always first come, first served.
Where should I report broken lights/playground equipment/overflowing trash cans?
Call 311 or visit 311.dc.gov to report any issues you see.
Why doesn’t the drinking fountain work?
A drinking fountain was added to the playground during the 2014 playground renovation. Shortly after that, playground users were pouring sand down the drain, clogging it. Other users were using it to wash sand from children’s hands and feet, which also clogged the drain. And, sand gets into the mechanism for starting the fountain, and it gets stuck in the “on” position, wasting gallons of water. There is another drinking fountain by the tennis courts. Outside of winter months, it should be operational. If it is not, please contact 311 to report it.
Are dogs allowed on the baseball field and inside the playground?
DPR says: “To ensure the use and enjoyment of our property by all members of the public, dogs are not allowed on playing fields, in children’s play areas, on courts, in or around pools and in recreation centers. Working service dogs are exempt from this rule.”
Special Program: Forest Hills Connection
In 2020, in an effort to extend our reach and assist an even greater number of small businesses along the Connecticut Avenue corridor, Van Ness Main Street took a giant leap and expanded our borders beyond Van Ness to encompass the communities of Wakefield and Forest Hills. This expansion - from Van Ness Street now to Nebraska Avenue - has not only increased our local footprint, but it allows our main street program to make an even greater impact within the community, benefitting both the businesses and the residents.
The expansion was an exciting and necessary step in 2020 and as VNMS looks to new challenges and opportunities for growth in 2021, we have some very exciting news we'd like to share. Van Ness Main Street and Forest Hills Connection have joined forces and we're happy to say that FHC is now a part of the VNMS family! With Forest Hills Connection's depth of local knowledge, vast and loyal readership and incredible staff led by Marlene Berlin, Van Ness Main Street is excited to discover the many ways our new partnership will allow us to expand our offerings and better serve our community, moving forward with the knowledge that we are #StrongerTogether.
About Forest Hills Connection:
In the past, even longtime residents have struggled to answer the question 'What is Forest Hills?' In order to form a neighborhood identity, in 2012 a group of residents came together and decided to create an online gathering place that would tell their stories.
Forest Hills Connection is an e-magazine about news and life in our neighborhood, which for the purposes of this publication includes Wakefield, North Cleveland Park and the more-famous-but-not-officially-named Van Ness. We want to bring the activities, interests and talents within our community to light. We also hope to create a deeper sense of community.
With the backing of ANC 3F and formerly from the Forest Hills Neighborhood Alliance, we have built an enterprise with contributors of all ages and backgrounds who write about their passions and pastimes. We cover everything from local architecture and history to the wildlife that we frequently spot in Rock Creek Park and our backyards. We also want to know what the kids and public schools are up to, what’s new with our local businesses, and what’s on our ANC’s plate. We want this to be a fun and different kind of neighborhood forum; a virtual town square.
Got a story to tell? FHC is always seeking volunteer contributors to report on news and life in Forest Hills. Send an email to [email protected] and visit Forest Hills Connection at foresthillsconnection.com.
