We support conservation, preserve green space and improve safety
Our mission
Our Mission is to address the needs of conservation of natural resources and preservation of green space in Ward 8.
The Friends of Oxon Run (FOR) was formed in 2017 through an agreement with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation. The Friends group is the keeper of the entire park. The 501c3 organization is also responsible for fundraising to help improve the park for programming and a bathroom facility among other things. FOR works collaboratively with representatives from the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation in an effort to populate the calendar of activities, improve safety, preserve green space and make the park a viable destination.
Our team
Absalom Jordan, Chair
Absalom Jordan is the Chair of Friends of Oxon Run Park. Mr. Jordan is also an illustrious Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner who has served in this position for many years. Mr. Jordan has always been a champion for parks, trees, nature, flora and fauna. Our beloved Councilmember Marion Barry appointed him as the Chair of the Ward 8 Parks Committee during his tenure. Mr. Jordan then formed ORCA, Oxon Run Park Community Association. In his tireless efforts to activate the park, he then took on the challenge to make it official with an agreement from the DC Parks & Recreation Department.
Brenda Lee Richardson, Vice Chair
Brenda Lee Richardson is a an eco-feminist and long-time Ward 8 resident. Ms. Richardson has a vested interest in nature, environmental justice and health. Oxon Run Park graciously gives an opportunity to improve our physical, mental and spiritual well being if we take the time to see the great beauty of the park and the benefits those majestic trees bring to enhance our air quality, calm our spirits and connect with nature.
Our history
There is a stunning hidden treasure quietly nestled in the heart of Ward 8. The span of Oxon Run Park is from Southern Avenue and Mississippi Avenue, S.E. to Oxon Cove. It is the largest city park in the DC Department of Parks & Recreation inventory. This lusciously green 3-mile, 128 acres is adorned with towering majestic trees that include the “Legacy Cherry Blossom Trees” and Magnolia Bogs.
A very interesting fact is that Oxon Run has the largest number of Legacy Cherry Blossom Trees outside the Tidal Basin in our nation’s capital. The trees are clones of the original trees which were gifted to the United States in 1912 by the people of Tokyo as a sign of friendship with the peoples of America.
In 1971, the control of Oxon Run Park was transferred to the District of Columbia from the federal government.
The park has a plethora of recreational and programming activity that features sports activities, new trails, baseball field, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, outdoor gym, amphitheater, playgrounds and includes outdoor learning.
There are also facilities that include the District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Southeast Tennis & Learning Center, University of the District of Columbia’s Aquaponic Farm, as well as the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Solar Farm.
There are other projects in the pipeline that include DC Green’s Well Farm as well as the DOEE Stream Restoration Project.
Our partners
