Driskell Park Master Plan

Help us envision a new Driskell Park!

Project Overview

In 2018, when David C. Driskell Community Park was still known as Magruder Park, the Neighborhood Design Center and Bradley Site Design held an engagement process that included community conversations, surveys, onsite observations, and a community visioning workshop. The goal was to learn from specific groups about park use habits, to learn how people feel about the park, and to create a collective vision for the future of the park. Design principles and two initial design concepts were developed in response to what was heard. Both design concepts went through an additional round of feedback which resulted in majority votes advocating for initial Concept 1. The design principles from Phase 1 are:

• Create a welcoming space for all
• Design with teens in mind
• Design with and for the natural environment
• Create safe entry points and paths for people walking, running, riding bikes, and driving cars

After learning that the original 1927 park deed for Magruder Park contained racist and restrictive language, the City of Hyattsville decided to undergo a renaming process. This intensive effort resulted in about 800 suggestions from city residents and community members, the majority supported naming the park after David C. Driskell, a former Hyattsville resident, internationally renowned curator and artist, and someone who left a mark on many people’s lives across the nation. The City and Council passed the resolution to rename the park in June 2021.

After renaming the park, the City of Hyattsville decided to revisit the initial park design, with an eye toward understanding how David C. Driskell’s art and legacy might be integrated into the final concept. This process resulted in the following themes:

• A place for discovery and creativity
• A place where everyone belongs
• A place for contemplation in nature
• A place where everything has value
• A place where barriers are broken

Now, we’re looking to learn from park users like you how you’d like the park to look and feel. Your feedback will inform a refined Concept 1 from Bradley Site Design. 

Overview of Current Timeline

June 2023-September 2023: Site Analysis & Same-Paging with the Community

October 2023-December 2023: Community Meetings, Design Refinement, and Community Center Concept Development

December 2023-Year End 2024: Final Design Development, Community Conversations around Placemaking, Community Meetings

This timeline is an estimate and subject to change.