News: A final design milestone paves the way forward for Peace Corps Park
We are excited to announce that the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) approved the design for Peace Corps Park today, the final regulatory hurdle after approvals from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the National Park Service in October.
Today’s review included a number of refinements made to the design based on feedback from the NCPC, and the commissioners were enthusiastic not only about the symbolism of the Park, but also of the design approach.
Chairperson Teri Hawks Goodmann said, “I’m very moved by this particular commemorative monument. … For all of us who know people who have worked in the Peace Corps and the great work they do, I find the memorial very moving”
Commissioner Paul McMahon shared his personal thoughts on the Park and its symbolic value: “As a brother of a young lady who was in the Peace Corps many years ago, … I think this is a wonderful tribute to the work they and many thousands of others have done over the years since 1960. I appreciate the work of the staff and the Foundation to bring what looks to be a great addition to the D.C. area.”
Vice-Chair Elizabeth Hewlett voiced her support for the design concept, commenting that “the Park is so beautiful and so inspiring. It seems like a wonderful place to go in the midst of a world with a lot of chaos and I can just imagine sitting there and having a calmness and a peace coming over me.”
While the design team will continue to collaborate with the National Park Service (which will own and maintain Peace Corps Park in perpetuity), this final approval allows us to finalize cost estimates and scheduling plans for the project so that we can ensure we have all funds needed to break ground and allow the Park to play a role in the Peace Corps’ 65th anniversary in 2026.
To do that, the only thing standing in our way is raising the approximately $5 million of our projected budget, and we look forward to engaging everyone in our dedicated community to join the effort and help make Peace Corps Park a reality.
