Text Box: PARK IMPROVEMENTS PROCEED, SLOWLY BUT SURELY By Tom Helf With the major renovations of Glen Echo Park’s physical plant nearing completion, Park Site Manager Kym Elder reported on the progress of the remaining construction items at the Town Council’s April 9 meeting. She expected the demolition of the former maintenance pen to begin immediately. This work may require limited access to, and the possible closing of, Tulane Ave., as well as the intersection of Tulane and Oberlin Avenues, for short periods of time. In discussing these streets, Ms. Elder reiterated the National Park Services’ commitment to contributing toward the cost of their repair and re-paving once all of the park construction has been completed. She said NPS’s technical services division has been working on a plan for a one-story building to replace the maintenance pen, to include a bay for vehicle and equipment storage. Because the plans are in their early stages, an estimated construction cost has not yet been determined. NPS has been coordinating with county representatives overseeing the construction budget to prioritize the remaining work based on the remaining funds in the budget. The remaining park construction projects include stabilizing and rehabilitating the Crystal Pool façade, masonry work on and stabilizing the Caretaker’s Cottage (including the removal of the chimney), stabilizing the retaining wall adjacent to the Caretaker’s Cottage and improving drainage in the vicinity, lead abatement to and stabilizing the Crystal Pool First Aid Building, and rehabilitating the Hall of Mirrors. The Federal Highways Dept. has also begun soliciting bids for work to stabilize the support under the entrance to the footbridge over Minnehaha Creek. Ms. Elder also commended the town residents and other volunteers who have spent countless hours moving rocks in the creek to re-direct the water flow away from the pier. Text Box: Second Annual Glen Echo Plant Exchange Sunday, May 6, 11:00 am Town Park at University and Princeton Start, expand, and improve your garden with plants from your neighbors’ yards. This event requires minimal work with maximum reward. Just dig up some plants, bring them in bags, buckets, or wheelbarrows to the town park and exchange them for new plants for your garden. Areas will be designated with signage for "shade plants," "partial shade/sun" and "sun." It would also help if you know the names of the plants you're bringing, so neighbors can find more information on them if they choose. Carol Barton Text Box: LADIES OF GLEN ECHO You are invited to Ladies Night At Raya Bodnarchukl’s 6105 Harvard Ave. Thursday, May 17, 8:00 p.m. Please RSVP 301-229-3413