About Anacostia Park and Community Collaborative

APACC is a network of organizations committed to maximizing the value of public spaces along the Anacostia River to residents of Wards 7 and 8 in the District of Columbia.

🌿 Goals for the Anacostia Parks & Community Collaborative

Improve Access to Parks and Green Space

  • Increase safe and equitable access to parks east of the river.

  • Advocate for improved maintenance, lighting, and amenities in neighborhood parks.

  • Expand community awareness of local trails, parks, and outdoor recreation.


Promote Environmental Justice

  • Address environmental disparities in Wards 7 and 8.

  • Advocate for clean air, clean water, and healthy ecosystems along the Anacostia River.

  • Ensure communities most impacted by environmental issues have a voice in decision-making.


Engage Residents in Park Stewardship

  • Organize community cleanups and restoration projects.

  • Develop volunteer programs for park stewardship.

  • Encourage community ownership of neighborhood green space

Strengthen Community Health and Wellness

  • Promote walking, biking, and outdoor recreation.

  • Organize community trail walks, fitness activities, and wellness events.

  • Connect residents with nature to support mental and physical health.


Build Strong Community Partnerships

Collaborate with local nonprofits, schools, and neighborhood groups.

  • Partner with government agencies to improve park investment.

  • Engage businesses and institutions to support community green spaces.


Secure Sustainable Funding

  • Develop a diversified fundraising strategy.

  • Increase grant funding and corporate partnerships.

  • Build a strong base of community donors and supporters.

 

Our work is grounded in equity. We are building our collective capacity to meaningfully engage, invest in and improve the quality of life of marginalized communities. We work to elevate the voices of those historically silenced or left out of decision-making.

 
 

Our membership includes both environmental advocates as well as community groups. We are collaborating to build a community-based vision for how the Anacostia River corridor can support the social, mental, physical, spiritual and economic health of Ward 7 and Ward 8 residents. Learn more about getting involved here.

The Collaborative is led by a steering committee that meets every two months. In between our steering committee meetings, we engage our constituents through shared events and programming. See upcoming meetings and events here.

The Collaborative is in part supported by the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network's Capacity Building Initiative. The Initiative is a three year, comprehensive program of the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network that provides support to watershed organizations and Riverkeepers through grants, one-on-one training, networking, and tailored technical assistance to increase the operational effectiveness of these organizations.