National Park Service Grants Norton’s Request to Extend Public Comment Period on the Anacostia Park Management Plan until March 31

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that the National Park Service (NPS) agreed, at her request, to extend the public comment period on the Anacostia Park Management Plan until March 31, 2017. The comment period was initially scheduled to close today, but many residents of Wards 7 and 8—where Anacostia Park is located—and Councilmembers Vincent Gray (Ward 7) and Trayon White (Ward 8) were not given enough notice to provide input on the plan. The two-week extension will allow residents and their representatives on the D.C. Council adequate time to review the management plan, which is the first attempt to upgrade this massive green space, and to submit comments.

"It is vital that the public be allowed to engage in the planning process at Anacostia Park," Norton said. "Ward 7 and 8 residents have a vested interest in future of Anacostia Park, and the perspective of residents and their councilmembers is invaluable to this process. I thank the National Park Service, particularly National Capital Regional Director Bob Vogel and Associate Regional Director of Lands, Planning, and Design Peter May, for their quick response in granting my request for the extension."

Residents who are interested in submitting comments can do so online at parkplanning.nps.gov.