Stead Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stead Park |
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Stead Park, looking north
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Area | 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) |
| Created | 1953 |
| Operated by | D.C. Parks & Recreation |
| Status | Open all year |
Stead Park is a fun 1.5-acre park in Washington, D.C.. It's located in the Dupont Circle area. The park has many cool things to do. You can find the Stead Recreation Center there. It also has a basketball court where you can play. There's a big field for sports, including a baseball diamond. Plus, there's a playground for younger kids to enjoy.
The park often hosts special events. For example, the city government sponsors "Summer Movie Mania." This is an outdoor movie night for everyone. Stead Park is also a practice spot for sports teams. The park and its staff are managed by the city's Department of Parks and Recreation. A private fund helps pay for the park. This fund was set up by Robert Stead, an architect. The park is named after his wife, Mary Force Stead.
What is the History of Stead Park?
The land where Stead Park now sits has a long history. In the 1800s, there were houses on the part of the park near P Street. When the park was updated in 2008, workers found old items. They also found brick foundations from these old houses. Researchers learned that one house was built in 1878. It belonged to Henry Hurt, who was a president of a railroad company.
How Was Stead Park Created?
Work on Stead Park started in 1951. It was designed to be a place for everyone. This meant people of all backgrounds could use it together. Some old buildings from the houses were used to create the recreation center. These buildings were made bigger and a second floor was added.
The park officially opened on November 13, 1953. It cost about $80,000 to build back then. That would be a lot more money today!
When Were the Park's Updates?
In 2008, Stead Park got some big improvements. The recreation center and the playground were updated. The work started in April and finished by December 15. This made the park even better for everyone to enjoy.
