The people’s ‘National Mall’, the darty lawn, and the Gemini Park- today we're nestled on the upper portion of Malcolm X. Contrary to the hill in one of it’s names, this flat rectangular patch stretches outwards as Northwest DC slopes down toward the White House. Adjacent to 16th St, the artery running north bound to Maryland, Meridian hill serves as one of the official welcome points to Northwest DC. If the National Mall is what tourists imagine when they think of DC, Malcolm X is reserved for the memory of true locals. The northern half stretches as a green patio for pets, readers, loungers, parties, and picnics. The southern half that slopes down is entirely it’s own park worthy of its own Pleasant Patches entry hosting techno parties, romantics, and a vibrant skateboarding community so for now we’ll just be digging into this upper level.
This sprawling third space accommodates so many park goers with it’s well stocked amenities however it’s simple, grandiose, and flat squared shape give it a magnificent social atmosphere. The center rectangle of the park is lined with walking paths adorned with wide wooden benches every 12 ft apart or so. An underrated addition seldom found in many parks, Malcolm X boasts access to two fully functioning bathrooms allowing maximum relief for all patrons. The park allows only a few entry points at its corners and middle junction requiring you to remain for a bit once entering. Although no trees are planted within the center of the park, enough green giants fence its lawn providing ample shade with preference to those resting on benches beneath them. The quarter mile length makes it a legitimate option for people’s walking routes and provides a generous and inviting area for people to become one with the park. Each group plops down on their small patch of grass creating a collage of colorful blankets contributing to the park’s quilt. Everyone’s in the open, facing each other granting you the warmth and liveliness of being amongst others and still the respectful atmosphere allows your anonymity and privacy to remain in tact. In the more hidden corners of the park behind the trees stand pre-built chessboards and smaller trunks for hammocks to attach to.
On this particular Monday, I’ve caught a leash-less puppy bulldog obediently following its owner skateboarding along, readers occupying almost every bench, people devouring post work dinners, salads, and bowls. I’ve caught runners, pedestrians and dog-walkers alike taking the preferred scenic route. I’ve recently read that DC is regarded as one of the hardest working cities and if so, places like here are essential to revitalizing our liveliness. The park hosts a decent blend of solo comers, entangled lovers and group gatherings. Occasionally sports enthusiasts sprout from the dirt and a short game of catch, paddle, or football runs its course. You can come here to read, to walk, to sit, to eat, to chat and in return the park grants you the feeling, “I did something today” and you feel great about it.
On weekends, you’ll catch plenty of people using this park as their preferred social spot and with good reason. For this price with this view and this energy, it’s a no brainer to host your next gathering here. Drum circles, festivals, concerts, clothing swaps, post-game picnics have all taken stage here before. Despite it’s size and capacity for so much energy, it still retains it’s relaxing and restorative abilities. It’s the benevolent chaos and the similar rowdiness you’d find at any day party packaged into it’s own park. This extroverted park is the perfect example of people recharging from the company of others.