“People in Ward 8 wanted this project, as small as it was, to be different. They wanted it to enrich the Black community that was already there, not accelerate an influx of white people. They wanted the value created by the bridge park to be invested in their neighborhoods. They wanted to own their own homes. They wanted well-paid jobs. They wanted art and music — and artists and musicians as neighbors. They wanted fresh food and safe streets.

It was a lot to ask of a bridge. But Mr. Kratz quickly learned that he couldn’t just build a bridge and ignore the needs of the community that contained it.” – The New York Times

A $90 million project would add educational and recreational space atop piers and pilings from the old 11th Street Bridge – The Washington Post

The 130,000-square-foot D.C. park is expected to draw 1 million visitors a year. – Washington Business Journal

According to Scott Kratz, senior vice president, Building Bridges Across the River and director of 11th Street bridge park project, these art works “help embellish the park’s soul and ensure it will be reflective of the community.” – The Dirt

“We’re thrilled that the curatorial committee selected artists whose designs help realize the vision for the 11th Street Bridge Park supporting the community’s cultural, environmental, and economic health,” said Scott Kratz, Senior Vice President, Building Bridges Across the River & Director, 11th Street Bridge Park. – EastCity Art

In response to over 200 community meetings where public art was prioritized, a lighted sculpture inspired by plants growing along the Anacostia River; a mural depicting the African American and Native American experiences tied to caring for the land, hammocks created to honor DC culture reflective of the community; and design of a mobile, small business kiosk aimed at supporting East of the River Black entrepreneurs were selected from over 60 entries by the park’s curatorial committee comprised of local residents, experts, and artists. – PoPville

The team behind the 11th Street Bridge Park project has selected four installations by local creatives to enliven the seven acres of new park space set to open in Southeast D.C. in 2025. All four of the pieces have been designed by women, which is becoming a bit of a theme for the park’s larger art collection. Last year, the nonprofit that is raising money to build the park announced it had commissioned a large sculpture by mother-daughter-duo Jackson Jarvis Studio. -DCist

This interview was conducted in November 2021, as part of a series designed to celebrate park visionaries and share inspiring and practical insights into their perspectives, challenges, and advice. Follow the series to learn from developers, planners, and other leaders implementing their creative visions for parks worldwide… – Urban Land Institute

“This is an area where we see a lot of promise and a lot of opportunity, and a lot of need,” said Larry Di Rita, president of Bank of America Greater Washington, D.C. … – Washington Business Journal