The park takes on an urban feel because of the apartment buildings along the 15th and 16th Street boundaries of the space. The park also has restroom facilities designed to mesh with the classical motif of the original park design. The upper level of the park has a great variety of open grass lawns and intimate formal tree-lined pathways. The pathways are lined on either side with benches that provide views into the adjacent neighborhood and activity within the central lawn. Image: Glenn LaRue Smith Formal Tree-Lined Pathway The statue of Joan of Arc, on axis with the central upper lawn, stood without her sword for many years. The replacement of the sword brings the sculpture back to its original glory and gives the impression of Joan of Arc watching over and protecting Washington, D.C. Two bowl-shaped fountains anchor each side of the upper terrace after ascending the formal steps from the cascading fountain. This transition space separates the more informal central lawn from the formal stairs down to the fountain. The view south from the upper park level provides great views of the parks symmetrical design and a view of the Washington Monument. Image: Glenn LaRue Smith A Symmetrical Design The steps leading to the upper levels of the park illustrate the site's formal design as well as the extensive use of exposed aggregate (pebble finish) concrete paving and walls throughout the park. Image: Glenn LaRue Smith The Site's Formal Design Lush perennials line the edges of the cascading fountain, providing colorful displays of yellow flowers in the spring. The evergreen shrubs lining each side of the stairways hide intimate seating alcoves that offer spaces for quiet conversations and reading. Image: Glenn LaRue Smith The Cascading Fountain The central fountain creates a dramatic visual affect as water cascades down the tiered levels. The gentle water mist from the cascading fountain water creates a pleasant physical environment and relief from the Washington, D.C. Image: Glenn LaRue Smith The Central Fountain Pruden allegedly frequented the park at night on multiple occasions and assaulted men "by approaching them with a flashlight, giving police-style commands, and spraying them with a chemical irritant," the indictment states.The lower-level entrance to the park at 16th and V streets, NW, provides the most dramatic perspective on the classical formality and signature Italian-inspired fountain element of the park. community as "cruising" spot for gay men, according to the indictment. Meridian Hill Park is informally known in the D.C.
#Meridian hill park series
A Maryland man faces federal hate crime charges for allegedly posing as a federal officer and targeting gay men in a series of attacks at a Washington, D.C., park, the Department of Justice announced Thursday.įederal prosecutors allege that Michael Thomas Pruden, 48, assaulted five men with a "chemical irritant" at Meridian Hill Park on five separate occasions between 20.Ī federal grand jury indicted Pruden last month on five counts of assault on federal land, one count of impersonating a federal officer and a hate crimes sentencing enhancement "alleging that Pruden assaulted four of the victims because of their perceived sexual orientation," the Justice Department said.
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