The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) would like to inform the community that the 17th & C Playground (located at 17th Street SE and C Street SE) will be closed from approximately March 23 through April 10, pending weather. DPR says the closure is necessary to replace the playground’s poured‑in‑place surface.
Former Hill Rag film critic Mike Canning described the history of the park in his book Hollywood on the Potomac. In 2001, Spielberg filmed scenes for the film Minority Report on the 1700 block of C Street SE. After filming was complete, he paid to have new playground equipment installed and for a party for the street’s residents. After 20 years, the park was in need of work.
The park was renovated in 2024 after a three-year process, opening April 6, 2024 with a kid-led inspection. The playground surface is under warranty and will be replaced at no cost to the District, DPR said.
The playground will reopen as soon as the work is completed and the area is safe for use, DC DPR said in an email to stakeholders.
