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The Town of Brentwood and Town of North Brentwood unveiled the Windom Road Historic Barrier Park on June 29. The unveiling turned a segregation-era barrier between the two towns into a historic park. The Towns’ unique collaboration stands as a testament to the significance of public art and environmental stewardship, uniting to create a space that honors past histories while committing to shared futures.
Through collaborative partnerships with Gateway Community Development Corporation Neighborhood Design Center, Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council, Red Dirt Studio, And The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; and funding provided b Chesapeake Bay Trust, Maryland Area Heritage Authority – Anacostia Trails Heritage Area Maryland State Arts Council, the Towns established a shared vision to reimagine the look and experience of the barrier at Windom Road.
“Today we reflect on the cause that unites us and also celebrate the community efforts that got us to this solemn and joyful event,” said Petrella Robinson, mayor of Town of NorthBrentwood. “Growing up in North Brentwood, I know the offense school children and families have felt with having to cross this barricade to walk to school. We honor the residents who fought against this blatant discrimination, and we pave the path for unity and equity.”
Mainsprings of the Gateway Arts District, the Towns commissioned the artist team of Nehemiah Dixon III and Wesley Clark along with RL Martin and Bob Donahue to reclaim and rebirth a segregation-era barrier between the two towns into memorial sculpture within park designed by the Neighborhood Design Center. Strong commitments to green infrastructure and sustainability, the Towns selected Ecosite LLC and E&R Services LLC to engineer and construct the functional design elements to address historical flooding and
manage stormwater.
“This is the culmination of the deep partnership between the towns and proof of what happens when communities fight racism together,” said Mayor Rocio Treminio-Lopez. “As an immigrant who grew up in this community, today’s unveiling cements a commitment to pave the way for a future of inclusion and rights for anyone who lives here.”
Click here to learn more about this project.
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