Tugwell’s Dream: A walk around Greenbelt Historic District
Details
Let’s take a walk around historic Greenbelt!
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Greenbelt was established in 1937 as one of three planned communities envisioned by Rexford G. Tugwell, a member of FDR's "Brains Trust" and head of the Resettlement Administration during the New Deal Era. It was a "quasi-utopian urban development project that sought to construct a new self-sufficient city from the ground up" and provide housing for young government workers. At the center of the community was a group of cooperatives, such as the Greenbelt Consumer's Coop, managed by citizens’ committees. The cooperatives were surrounded by the homes and churches, which were in turn surrounded by a "green belt" of parkland. The layout of the town was based on turn-of-the-century English urban planning ideas and designed by Tugwell himself, assisted by Eleanor Roosevelt, Charles Yost, and a team of architects and planners. Social engineering had a central role as well: applicants for residence in Greenbelt were carefully screened for appropriate age, race, religion, income, health, family size, financial reliability, clean living habits, and community spirit. African-Americans were excluded until 1963, and wives were not permitted to work, being expected to stay home and take care of children.
Thankfully times have changed since then, but the pleasant walking paths, Art Deco buildings and statues remain. Let's go have a look!
The route: From the parking lot north of the Greenbelt Library, we’ll hike along the streets, sidewalks and trails that wind through the historic district. The total walk is 4.75 miles of smiles and should take about 2 hours at a moderate pace. The route is relatively flat and surfaced throughout, with patches of snow and ice.
Google map: http://tinyurl.com/la33umt
How to get there:
• Driving - The Greenbelt library is located at 11 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770. From the I-495 Capital Beltway (either direction), take exit 22 for the Balt/Wash Pkwy towards Baltimore. Exit onto MD-193 W/Greenbelt Rd, then take Southway to Crescent Rd.
• Metro – From Greenbelt or New Carrollton Metro stations, take the Greenbelt/New Carrollton Metro Bus G12-16, which runs Mon-Sat: 6:30am-9:30pm every 30 min. Map/timetables (pdf): http://tinyurl.com/l7bngxo
What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). Consider the layered look against the cold!
Weather: The forecast is sunny and a high of 29 degrees. Updates: http://tinyurl.com/o9hrs7m
Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is permitted in this group.
Administrative stuff: The Greenbelt Library opens at 10 am and has restrooms and drinking fountains. There are also local businesses around the area for a pit stop en route to the hike; please see the Google map.
Notes:
• Greenbelt Historic District: http://tinyurl.com/o49rfw7
• Greenbelt Museum: http://tinyurl.com/ka6sx2k
• Rexford G. Tugwell: http://tinyurl.com/k4h3y9w