Marvin Gaye Park to Participate in Community Impact Study

NRPA, GMU Begin Public Health

Study of Marvin Gaye Park

National Recreation and Park Association Teams with George
Mason University to Launch Marvin Gaye Park Research Project

Media Contact
Lauren Meley
Enten & Associates, Inc.
301-913-0010 x 127
lauren@enten.com

Washington, DC – How do parks affect their surrounding communities? The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is teaming up with George Mason University (GMU) to study the health and economic impacts of local parks. As part of this long-term research project, NRPA and GMU will examine the role parks play in building more livable, healthy communities.

Research efforts will focus on a major park revival, specifically Northeast DC’s Marvin Gaye Park. As the park moves through stages of revitalization, teams will monitor the impact on the physical activity and health of the community. NRPA will collaborate with local community residents and community organizations to investigate significant “slice of health” indicators.

“Our goal is to demonstrate how neglected urban parks can be rehabilitated and improve the lives and health of people who live around them,” says Barbara Tulipane, NRPA CEO.

This innovative research project will solidify the effects that policy and environmental changes have on the overall health behaviors of children and community residents within the Marvin Gaye Park area. NRPA and GMU expect the revitalization of Marvin Gaye Park revitalization to serve as a catalyst for improving lifestyles in underserved communities across the country.

Marvin Gaye Park is currently undergoing widespread revitalization by the District of Columbia, and the NRPA and a number of non-profit organizations are contributing to its restoration. The revitalized park will feature new playground equipment, a Marvin Gaye Amphitheater, the restoration of Watts Branch stream and 1.6 miles of newly rebuilt hiker/biker trails.

For more information about this research initiative, contact Richard Dolesh at rdolesh@nrpa.org or at 202-887-0290.

For more information about NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of more than 21,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org.