The new Eastern Market Metro Plaza playground will be closed from Monday, Oct. 5 to Friday, Oct. 9 so workers can install a shade structure in the playground area.
The shade structure was part of the original design, but supplies were delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic; now that they are received, the DC Department of General Services (DGS), which built the site, is closing the playground to ensure safety as they are being installed.
DGS has been conducting excavation in the street to connect the waterworks on that site. During the closure of the playground, they will also be replacing plantings and 3 new trees that died in the early days of opening. The old trees have already been removed.
DGS completed the first phase of construction of EMMP in early July. The new park and children’s playground are located on Parcel 1, just north of Pennsylvania Ave SE between Eighth and Ninth Streets SE.
The second phase of construction on the overall project is currently planned to begin in about 3 weeks and will last at least until Spring 2021. Work in Phase 2 includes the median lanes in Pennsylvania Avenue, the slip lanes in front of Trader Joe’s and the Haines building and tsit of the Eastern Market Metro Station entrance.
More details regarding the project process, graphic depictions of design and other information can be found at https://dgs.dc.gov/page/eastern-market-metro-park-project
