Lorenzo Allen Park sits in the middle of Illinois Avenue and Gallatin, 9th and Hamilton Streets NW.

by Cesse Ip

The modernized Lorenzo “Larry” Allen Park opened on Friday, April 9th. This triangle park bordered by Illinois Avenue, Gallatin, 9th and Hamilton Streets NW is named after Lorenzo Allen, who served as the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for 4D04 Commissioner from 1972-1992, and through this role advocated strongly for the community and its beautifications.

Current ANC 4D04 Commissioner Zach Israel said the project began in 2018 when former 4D04 Commissioner Jamie Barden organized a park cleanup. The cleanup renewed community activism, and Barden later collected a questionnaire from the community about the park. Over 130 community members responded to the questionnaire regarding their preferences.

A collaboration began between then-Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). For two years the community provided testimony in front of the DC Council and was able to secure $350,000 in funds for the park. Over the years, designs from landscape architect Lee and Associates were presented and voted on by the community, and in July of 2020, AND4D passed a resolution in support of the final agreed upon design.

On Friday, Councilmember Janeese Lewis George cut the ceremonial ribbon with DPR, DGS, Commissioners Zach Israel and Jamie Barden and residents.

Some of the new amenities include a plaque commemorating Lorenzo Allen, new paved walkways, a new park entry sign, new seating, a bicycle rack, and new light fixtures.