Purpose: The project website states that “the Memorial Tree Groves Project will pay lasting tribute to the tragic events of September 11, 2001 with one central and eight ward-based neighborhood memorial tree groves." This is one of the eight neighborhood groves that will be created both to remember September 11 and to celebrate the community that surrounds it. Reason site was selected: Oxon Run Park was selected as the official Ward 8 grove by the steering committee of the citywide project because of its ties to the development of THE ARC center, as well as the master planning now underway for the entire park. According to their USFS Application, "at the site of THE ARC, this grove will be close to a host of arts, educational, healthcare, and recreational programs, as well as an adaptive playground and children's garden."
Events planned for site: Goodinson is planning for a community organizer who can help work with all of the pending satellite groves. All the sites are currently being surveyed to create base maps for initial site analysis and design concepts. Eventually, as the projects grow, there will be participatory design meetings, community plantings, dedications, and possibly ongoing events. The project remains to be shaped by the local stewards in concert with GreenSpaces for DC and the parks department. GreenSpaces for DC Director Barry Goodinson believes it is likely that the proximity to THE ARC will ensure that this site will remain interactive, stewarded, and used.