Building Peace Ep. 8: Designing for Peace

Dear Supporters,



In previous emails taking you behind the scenes of the construction of Peace Corps Park and onto the fabrication shop floor, we’ve focused mainly on the stone elements, which communicate the magnitude and symbolism of what we are doing together: Building a new, permanent tribute to peace in the heart of Washington, D.C.

Today, I want to tell you more about how the other elements of the Park will work together to create a sense of peace in this triangle of land a short walk from the National Mall, realizing lead designer Larry Kirkland’s vision to create a space for visitors from everywhere to reflect on our shared humanity.

To achieve it, Larry partnered with artist and landscape architect Michael Vergason, who in turn brought longtime collaborator Doug Hays out of retirement to conceptualize how the site will relate to its historical, environmental and geographical context, using landscape design to ensure Peace Corps Park exists in harmony with its surroundings.

“Our process always starts with the history of the site and the broader context of where it is located,” Michael told me, “then collaborating with Larry to develop the sculptural idea and actually turn it into a place that supports the artistic vision.”

We’ve talked previously about how the team addressed the first goal of making the small site feel larger by connecting it with the Capitol grounds across the street, but the compact dimensions bring with them a second challenge in the Park's exposure to vehicle traffic on its triangular perimeter.

“You’re really exposed on two sides with busy streets, and to create a place of solitude and contemplation in such a small space is a tough challenge,” Michael said.

While canopy trees will provide coverage for the Park’s three benches, the design team has also included a shaded allée, a wide and peaceful walkway with trees on either side, along the longest and busiest edge of the site at Louisiana Ave.

“We wanted to provide shade and comfort,” Michael said. “There are existing canopy trees on the street side that we are saving, and we’ll build upon them to create this allée using some of the same species.”

While trees will be used to provide a sense of isolation at Peace Corps Park, the site’s history presents a constraint on how many can be planted there.

In 2023, the Foundation commissioned a detailed archaeological survey of the land that included geotechnical borings and a review of historical maps to determine if any prehistoric artifacts might be present underground. The survey found no evidence of ancient settlements needing to be preserved, but the location of historic Tiber Creek and the stormwater channel later put in its place meant that the design had to ensure that the Park wouldn’t affect drainage during heavy rains.

Left: A 1792 map of D.C. shows Tiber creek and forested land on the Peace Corps Park site. Right: A 1919 map shows the site with more development and underground sewage lines.

To deal with this requirement, Doug and Michael included a pair of stormwater management basins, one on either side of the main Park space, to clear water from the site. They had two main options for the basins: fill them with plants or turn them into lawns.

While the team initially favored a mix of native grasses and bushes that would attract pollinators, maintaining these plantings would require significant resources. So the team landed instead on gently sloping grass lawns that can be used for sunning and reclining on dry days, and that will meet drainage requirements on wet ones.

Not only will these open spaces provide additional real estate for visitors to relax and reflect, they will also create an opportunity for outdoor events at the space like reunions, storytelling events, maybe even a wedding or two.

Our immediate milestone is to fund the construction of the Park, but we are also excited to start thinking about how it will feel once it’s built. 

The generosity of this community has gotten us within arm’s reach of meeting our fundraising goals with almost two thirds of the funds raised, and your support will make that vision a reality. 

Please consider adding your name to this landmark project with a donation, and let us know if you or your group might be interested in planning an event once the Park is open. We'd love to hear your ideas!

Yours in service,

Glenn A. Blumhorst
Chief Advancement Officer
Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation

President and CEO, National Peace Corps Association (2013-22)
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Guatemala (1988-91)

GBlumhorst@PeaceCorpsCommemorative.org

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PeaceCorpsCommemorative.org

PEACE CORPS COMMEMORATIVE FOUNDATION

5636 Connecticut Avenue, NW Ste 42143
Washington, DC 20015

The Peace Corps Commemorative Foundation is the trade name of the Peace Corps Foundation,
a District of Columbia 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
EIN: 01-0554700