Friends of Oxon Run

The Friends of Oxon Run Park is chaired by Absalom Jordan. The history of the Friends' designation goes all the way back to Councilmember Marion Barry's Ward 8 Parks Council. There was a particular interest in Oxon Run Park not only because it is the largest park in the DC Department of Parks & Recreation inventory, or the stream restoration project by DC Department of Energy & the Environment, but also improving the tree canopy with the D.C. Department of Transportation and to ensure that green space is preserved on this precious land for future generations. The Friends group meets monthly and has a board along with partners that represent the local and federal governments.

The Trees

200 Legacy Cherry Blossom trees were planted in Oxon Run Park in the early 2000s. Since then, DDOT is on a mission to plant and replace hundreds of trees in Oxon Run Park and the community to improve the tree canopy in Ward 8. The students at Eagle Academy have planted trees along with MPD police cadets on two separate occasions in Oxon Run Park.

Forest Bathing

Forest bathing is the full sensory immersion in the beauty and wonder of nature. Melanie Choukas-Bradley conducted the first forest bathing guided tour in Oxon Cove, a hidden national park service jewel in the heart of Ward 8. In light of all the community trauma that overwhelms pockets of the community this is a wonderful form of free meditation.

The Walking Club

There is also an Oxon Run Park Walking Club. It was originally designed for seniors in partnership with DDOT and MPD. The club is open to all neighbors to improve mental and physical health. It is also an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of our trees and the joy it brings to the community.