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NCPC approves final plans for Peace Corps Commemorative Park after design refinements
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Summary
The National Capital Planning Commission approved final site development plans for the Peace Corps Commemorative Park on Louisiana Avenue NW after staff described material, accessibility and planting refinements; two commissioners abstained and public commenters urged more native pollinator plantings.
The National Capital Planning Commission on Thursday voted to approve final site development plans for the Peace Corps Commemorative Park on Reservation 727 along Louisiana Avenue NW.
NCPC staff said the final proposal retains the approved elliptical world‑map plaza and sculptural benches shaped like hands but refines materials and detailing. The benches will be crafted in a silver‑cloud granite to provide a more abstracted interpretation of the hand motif, and the seating component will sit about 1 foot 6 inches above grade while the benches’ tallest elements reach roughly 3 feet 7 inches, staff said. The park footprint will be less than 5,000 square feet and includes plaza textures, donor signage, site lighting and two bioretention stormwater basins, according to staff.
Tony Barton, identified to the commission as president of the Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation, told commissioners the design reflects the Peace Corps’ mission and thanked the National Park Service and the design team for their work. Staff recommended approval, noting the applicant had addressed prior commission comments about bench form and landscape treatment.
During public testimony Bernard Byrne urged the commission and applicant to increase native plantings, including common milkweed, and to avoid cultivars and non‑native species that he said would not support local pollinators. Staff responded that the NCPC Pollinators Best Practices guide distinguishes meadow landscapes (which the guide recommends be 100% native) from designed landscapes like memorial plazas; in the latter the guide allows non‑native species and cultivars if they are not invasive and if they meet site‑specific design requirements.
Commissioners praised the memorial’s concept and responsiveness to prior comments. Vice Chair Hewlett moved approval and Commissioner Stidham seconded. In the roll call Commissioner Davis and Commissioner Hassett recorded abstentions; the chair announced the motion carried.
Next steps: NCPC approved the final site development plans as submitted; staff and the applicant will proceed with implementation and the commission’s record will document the planting and accessibility details to be included in the final construction submission.
