Melvin C Hazen Park Washington DC United States
Melvin C Hazen Park is a creek, trail and park named after Surveyor Melvin Colvin Hazen. It’s part of Rock Creek Park and Piney Branch Parkway in Northwest D.C.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has asked the National Park Service to remove the name because she says Hazen actively participated in razing and dismantling a Black community known as Reno City.
Park History
Melvin C Hazen Park was named for the surveyor who helped set aside a swath of the city’s land as parks. He died in 1942.
But Hazen also was instrumental in displacing African-Americans from their homes, creating an area that resembled a racial enclave called Reno City. In the decades since, neighbors and local officials have been calling for the name to be removed, citing his role in segregationist policies.
The National Park Service announced Wednesday that Hazen’s name would be removed from the park, which was originally named for him in 1942. The agency also will rename the creek, trail and community garden that is connected with the park. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton was among those who called for the change.
Park Amenities
Cleveland Park is a relaxed residential neighborhood in D.C.’s northwest quadrant, convenient for access to Downtown and Reagan National Airport. It’s also home to a variety of parks and recreational businesses, making it a popular choice for families and working professionals alike.
The neighborhood is also a hotbed of social activism, with a community garden known as Rosedale Conservancy and a popular jogging/hiking trail that bisects the forested green space. Residents can enjoy scenic views of a creek and wildlife sightings on the paved path.
Melvin Hazen was the president of the DC Board of Commissioners, essentially the mayor of D.C., from 1933 to 1941. He was instrumental in the displacement of Black residents from an area called Reno, which he said did not fit into the city’s well-organized street grid. The National Park Service will change the name of the area that bears Hazen’s name, as well as the trail and community garden that connect it to Rock Creek Park.
Park Activities
Melvin C Hazen Park is an incredibly peaceful and tree-filled oasis that’s perfect for a stroll or relaxing afternoon with friends. It’s located in the heart of Cleveland Park, a historic neighborhood in the Northwest Quadrant of DC.
The park features an array of fun activities and events for residents to enjoy. From history book clubs and chess club to Zumba and yoga classes, there’s something for everyone.
There’s also a dog park and plenty of parks to explore. And if you’re looking to stay near the park, Vrbo offers a wide selection of vacation rentals that are perfect for hanging out with friends and family.
The Melvin Hazen Trail, a hiking trail in the park, follows a tributary stream to Rock Creek through natural wooded terrain. It runs for about half a mile and has several easy stream crossings.
Park Map
Melvin C Hazen Park is a small green space in Cleveland Park, Washington DC United States. It is a pleasant place to walk your dogs and take a stroll through the woods.
The park follows the path of one of Rock Creek’s tributary streams, and the trail is a good spot to explore the natural beauty of the area. The park is a short walk from Peirce Mill and Cleveland Park Metro Stations on the Red Line, and is close to Rock Creek Park in the east.
The park was named after Hazen, who had a long career in local government. He served as the city’s president of the Board of Commissioners, the top official in D.C. government, and he helped to map streets outside the 1792 L’Enfant-Ellicott street grid that had originally defined the city.
