ASLA Legacy Project

The 2024 ASLA Legacy Project, "Reimagining Community Connections in Anacostia," is proudly hosted by the ASLA Potomac Chapter. In partnership with the Anacostia Business Improvement District and supported by the ASLA Maryland Chapter, this initiative aims to enhance connectivity, reimagine accessibility, and celebrate the unique identity of the Anacostia neighborhood as Washington D.C.’s Arts & Culture District.

Through a series of engaging community workshops, ASLA members—including full, associate, and student members—will collaborate with residents to bring their vision to life across four key sites: two underpasses linking the neighborhood to Anacostia Park, a pedestrian overpass at Anacostia High School, and a welcoming gateway at the 11th Street Bridge.

Support the 2024 ASLA Legacy Project by donating $25 mininum. One conference donor will win a painting created live by local Anacostia artist, Rhythm Bowers, at the Potomac Chapter booth (convention center lobby). The winner will be announced at the end of the EXPO on Tuesday, October 8.

2024 Project Highlights
The 2024 Legacy Project team has been working closely with residents through a series of community workshop sessions to hear their feedback, comments, and vision for their neighborhood. Thus far, the volunteer team has:

Led 3 engagement meetings with the community
Created boards, site analysis diagrams, maps and other materials to solicit input from the community
Participated in stakeholder meetings such as the 295 Underpass Stakeholder's meeting and the Washington DC Economic Partnership meeting to solicit ideas and input
Facilitated 2 design charrettes with local landscape architects
Presented ideas to the community for input and feedback

Get Involved
For more information on how to get involved, please reach out to the 2024 Legacy Project co-chairs Lauren Gray (lreedgray@gmail.com) or Mila Antova (mila@moodyarchitecture.com).

Donate
If you would like to support the 2024 Legacy Project effort, donations are accepted when you register for the 2024 ASLA Conference, and additional donation opportunities will be available soon!

The 2024 ASLA Legacy Project takes place in the Anacostia Neighborhood of Washington DC, with 4 sites serving as connection points into the neighborhood and the Anacostia Park. / Credit: ASLA Legacy Project Team

First of three community engagement events for the 2024 ASLA Legacy Project. This one took place in collaboration with the Anacostia BID Juneteenth Celebration - Cookout and Conversations. / Credit: Chloe Gillespie

Coloring page engagement opportunities draw in kids and their parents to converse with the team to gain insight on how the Legacy Project can work with the community. / Credit: Cara Smith

An in-person design charette was held in early August to take what was learned from the previous community engagement events and formulate design ideas to meet the needs of the community. / Credit: Chloe Gillespie

The Anacostia BID worked with the Legacy Project team to hold a third community engagement event with a Jazz Hop at the end of August. At this event, the team was able to showcase the ideas generated from the design charette and gain further feedback. / Credit: Cara Smith