About Us

Stead Park was established by a private bequest from Robert Stead for the specific purpose of creating a playground for the children of Washington, DC, in memory of his late wife, Mary Force Stead. It is a public park administered by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) with a small staff, and it is financially supported in part by funding from a private trust also created by Robert Stead. Stead Park is composed of a playground, basketball courts, a multi-use playing field, picnic areas, splash park, performance stag and indoor recreation facilities.

Friends of Stead Park (FOSP) is an organization of concerned citizens who recognize that Stead Park's founding and primary purpose is to serve the children of Washington, DC. The group actively works toward achieving the park's great potential as a broader resource for education, enrichment and engagement.

Mission: The mission of Friends of Stead Park is to create a safe space where children and families can connect and create a greater sense of community in the heart of Washington, DC.

Friends of Stead Park shall achieve its mission by:
*  Producing child and family friendly programs and events.
*  Maintaining an attractive, welcoming environment.
*  Collaborating with the Department of Parks & Recreation, local residents and existing users of the park to create an accessible, inviting space for all ages to enjoy.

Examples of projects Friends of Stead Park has spearheaded:
*  Renovation of the playing field (2014)
*  Renovation of the playground (2008)

For park updates, like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofSteadPark

Friends of Stead Park Board Members
Randy Downs —President
Christopher Davis —Vice President
Adam Carter—Treasurer
Sarah Rabin Spira—Secretary
Gretchen Berlin
Mimi Dorment
Will Drake
Nicole Duvall
Brooke Fink
William Herbig
Kyle Mulhall
Kishan Putta
Natalia Sorgente
Tatiana Stead
Abid Shah
Vashti Smith, Director of Programming and Operations