On May 8, benefactors and honorees received recognition at an evening billed as “Illumination & Dedication” with Councilmember Tommy Wells acting as master of ceremonies.
Annual recognition awards were given out at the event. Katie Renwaldt was named District Employee of the Year for her efforts on behalf of the park within the Department of Parks & Recreation, Local Business of the Year was awarded to UDR’s Waterside Towers for their gracious hosting of the group’s meetings, and Greg Schultz was named Volunteer of the Year for coordinating the set-up and tear-down of the events held at the duck pond.
The fountains were dedicated to the memory of the late ANC Commissioner Ron McBee, who was a tireless supporter of park efforts from the inception of the Neighbors of Southwest Duck Pond in 2010 until his recent passing.
A new feature of the park is the recently upgraded landscaping, made possible by the Mary Schmitt Memorial Fund. The plants are local to the region and most prominently grace the park’s entrances and K St. SW.
Entertainment was provided by the Morpheus Winds Quintet, playing Handel’s Water Music. At the conclusion of this idyllic set, timed to coincide with dusk, the fountains and the newly-installed underwater lights were turned on for the first time. The new additions became even more impressive as night fell and it was evident that the lights, combined with the existing lamp posts, now provide a higher level of illumination in the park. This is a welcome safety enhancement for all those who use the park as a thoroughfare.
See www.southwestduckpond.org for more events at the Southwest Duck Pond.
By: Chris Beck
Treasurer, Neighbors of Southwest Duck Pond