Centering Community and Connection at Anacostia Park — Episode 169

Earlier this spring, we had the chance to attend an incredible
event in Washington, D.C., where we caught up with Akiima Price,
co-founder and program advisor for Friends of Anacostia Park — an
organization with a mission to enrich the lives of D.C. residents
by preserving the park and connecting the surrounding communities
to its restoration.


We met Akiima at NatureFest, a lively week-long celebration
during D.C. Public Schools’ Spring Break that provides a safe,
engaging space for kids and their families to explore nature,
have fun and create lasting memories. From boat rides and
scavenger hunts to roller skating and live animal encounters, the
joy was infectious. This event was a wonderful reminder of how
parks can nurture community and connection.


After hearing Akiima speak at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference, we
were inspired by her commitment to restorative park engagement —
a human-centered approach to environmental education and
programming. One that focuses on a person’s immediate environment
and all the factors that contribute to it.


In this episode, Akiima shares how her lived experience shapes
her work and why centering humanity is crucial when building
deeper relationships with nature and community. And, some very
enthusiastic attendees, both kids and parents, shared with us why
they appreciate NatureFest so much and all the things they
learned.


Tune in to learn:


What restorative park engagement is and why it matters

How NatureFest helps families build lasting memories in
Anacostia Park

Why meeting someone’s basic needs is essential for deeper
environmental engagement

How lived experience and empathy drive Akiima’s approach

What it looks like to design nature programs with the
community, not just for them

And much more!



Learn more:


Friends of Anacostia Park