DC won't commit to prohibiting future giveaways of public parks to private institutions

[Anonymous]

In the aftermath of the Maret School backroom Jelleff giveaway, DC Parks are still reluctant to commit to not giving a public park to a private institution in the future. Is it so controversial that public parks should be public, particularly in a city that's "flush with cash" (to quote architect of that deal Jack Evans)?

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/nw-dc-residents-voice-concerns-over-future-of-recreational-field/65-0b73471d-bb32-42c7-80cd-0733a2c8e531

Tommie Jones, DPR's Chief of External Affairs, said the agency would put language into its transfer agreement with DCPS that would ensure Duke Ellington School for the Arts, Hardy Middle School and the School Without Walls would have "first priority access for school-related events" at the field.

But, the language did not include a guarantee that the District would not enter into an agreement with a private institution to grant them access to Duke Ellington field in the future.

DPR said it would look at possibly putting that language into the transfer agreement before it is finalized.

[Anonymous]

When used properly, public-private partnerships can be an effective way to develop and maintain infrastructure with limited public resources. I don’t blame them for not wanting to completely bind themselves against future needs.

[Anonymous]

That clause, "for school-related events" makes me suspicious. How would those schools have non-school-related events? What are they envisioning?

I suspect DPR would use that as an out to deny permits for school-related events that are not team sports games or practices. Schools with fields often use their fields for non-athletic school events like picnics, fairs, etc.