July 22, 2002
State-of-the-art facilities at Glen Echo Park are intertwined with the park's rich past, creating space for exploration and growth.
"A lot of people walk through the park and don't realize the depth of activity — the wide range of interests of the people who come here," said Sam Swersky, park registrar.
The park draws over 400,000 visitors each year and "has never been more popular," according to Swersky.
This year, the park is in the midst of a transformation. Glen Echo is actively refurbishing many of the park's original structures as part of a county, state and federal partnership, providing $18 million.
ADVENTURE THEATRE offers eight stage productions each year and holds classes and workshops for all ages. "Glen Echo is a magical place. I can't imagine Adventure Theatre anywhere else," said Tyler Whitmore, the theater's executive director of Adventure Theatre.
THE CLARA BARTON House, Chautauqua Tower and Dentzel Carousel are historical landmarks that maintain the tradition central to the park's spirit.
The Yellow Barn Studio Gallery, which exhibits work of local artists on weekends, was established in 1995 and houses drawing and painting classes during the week. Exhibits are free to the public.
"The Yellow Barn has given many people the chance to attend classes and shows," said Robin Bartman, whose husband, Walt Bartman founded the painting residency. "It also gives them the opportunity to be a part of something so important to the community."
DISCOVERY CREEK Children's Museum of Washington is open to the public on weekends and by reservation on weekdays. Weekends include hikes, self-guided or led by park rangers. The most recent addition to the museum is the climbing wall, constructed in spring 2002. There are many nature programs for families, including wildlife visits, scavenger hunts, lectures and interactive learning about local ecology.
THE PUPPET CO. Playhouse is one of the most popular attractions in the park. Children's first experience with Glen Echo is often through its shows which have included "Little Red Riding Hood" and "The Three Little Pigs," told from the wolf's point of view, as well as "Dinosaur Rock!" The Puppet Co. sells over 100,000 tickets each year.
Glen Echo offers summer art and nature camps for children. Over 150 classes are offered year-round, including drama, ceramics and sculpture, dance, drawing and painting, glass and metal, music and photography.
"The park has a life all its own. What you see and experience changes depending on when you come," said Swersky.
"I feel like I can be a better artist when I come here," said Torunn Stejern, 12, an art student at Glen Echo. "It's great. I get time to draw."
Walt Bartman, painting teacher at Glen Echo, adds, "You're not around the TV. You're in nature."
THE RESTORATION project is crucial to maintaining the park and its role in the community, Swersky said. "All you have to do is look at the people who enjoy the park and you'll see how important it is."
Condemned in 1997, the Bumper Car Pavilion has been restored and reopened, thanks to volunteers who replaced rotted wood beams and columns and recreated the 1930s look of the pavilion. Many activities, such as classes and dance socials, are held in the Bumper Car pavilion while the Spanish Ballroom is under construction.
The ballroom was built in 1933 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once restoration is complete, the ballroom will reclaim its original character, when it hosted dances during the World War II era. A refreshment stand and lounge will be added, and guests will use the original streetcar park entrance, which is also being restored. Complete with preserved, original streetcar tracks, all construction is designed with sensitivity to the art deco theme of the park.
THE NORTH ARCADE, built in 1938, was deemed beyond repair and demolished. Construction is underway on a new version, with the arts program in mind. It will house the new puppet theater, 10 studio classrooms, management offices, a visitor center and shops.
A tentative completion date is set for spring 2003.
"Everything about it is special because it's ours and we've got to keep it going," said Gloria Sabatini, of Bethesda, who has been visiting Glen Echo Park for over 40 years. "It's a sentimental favorite for people in the area."