Context

Hearst Park + Pool serves DC’s Ward 3 as a multi-purpose public open space suitable for passive and active recreation. The existing park includes three tennis courts, a non-regulation natural grass field predominantly utilized for soccer, and a concrete walking trail on the east side of the park connecting Idaho Avenue to Hearst Elementary School.  A series of heritage Willow Oak trees are located along the east and south edges of the field. These trees are the most significant element of the park and provide a distinct identity for the space in conjunction with the steep slopes on the west and north side of the field.  Ward 3 is the only ward in the District that does not have an outdoor public swimming pool. The need for a pool, in addition to the opportunity to upgrade the existing park, made Hearst a prime candidate for this joint project.

Solution

The DC Department of General Services / Department of Parks and Recreation hired CGS Architects to provide a full range of planning, programming architectural and engineering services required for the Project.  The Project scope included a new playground area, new tennis courts, renovation or replacement of existing soccer fields, renovation of existing tennis courts, the design of a new outdoor pool including a new pool house, new dog park, ADA site accessibility and furnishings, storm water management, remediation of site drainage, runoff, erosion issues, landscaping, fencing, site furnishings amenities, signage, and hard-scaping. The design team was challenged to provide innovation and creativity in the programming, planning and design process and be designed in such a way so as to achieve, at a minimum LEED – Silver certification.