Bug detail on the new mural. Image by DDOT.

A new “playable” mural has been painted on a small segment of street that’s been closed to cars in the Near Northeast neighborhood. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) just finished these kid-friendly designs on a short section of West Virginia Avenue at 8th and K streets.

The whole design. Image by DDOT.

DDOT’s Lauren Stephens said in an email: “we expect future projects to incorporate hopscotch or the like.”

Here's where the mural is located. Image by DDOT.

“This is a collaborative effort between DDOT and the community. For this pilot project, DDOT engaged with the ANC and worked with them on the final design,” Stephens added. “This is a first of its kind project for DDOT, a new initiative the agency is piloting with the goal to activate the public space with art and make these safety projects more fun and interactive. A Capital Bikeshare station will also be added in the coming weeks.”

The mural has gotten a positive reception.

This underutilized segment was closed to cars last year.

And it’s since been the site of at least one dance party.

Bloomingdale is also getting colorful new pedestrian “bumpouts” that are both beautiful and help keep vulnerable road users safe. Readers: What do you think of the new murals?

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Tagged: arts, car free, dc, families, murals, near northeast, roads, streetscape

Julie Strupp was Greater Greater Washington's Managing Editor from 2017 to 2019. Previously, she had written for DCist, Washingtonian, the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, and others. You can usually find her sparring with her judo club, pedaling around the city, or hanging out on her Columbia Heights stoop.