In July 2009, Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Jim Graham introduced a resolution to rename the then-recently renovated community space at 14th and Girard Streets NW as "Barack Hussein Obama Park." DCist commenters immediately took umbrage, dubbing such a dedication as a "smidge too soon" and suggesting, as y'all are wont to do, your own suggestions about what the little park should be called. more ›

On Tuesday, the Post's D.C. Wire blog reported that Ward 1 D.C. Council member Jim Graham's proposal to name the recently renovated park at 14th and Girard Streets NW "Barack Hussein Obama Park," wasn't allowed under D.C. law, which prohibits the city from naming things after people who are still alive. Not so, according to Graham. He wrote in an email to constituents today:

While the Washington Post accurately quoted law, it did not accurately state the legal situation. For years, the Council has been naming "public spaces" after living persons. The Council in the last year "renamed" roadways to honor Kathy Hughes and Chuck Brown. One of my first acts as a Councilmember in 1999 was to successfully sponsor a bill naming the alley next to Ben's Chili Bowl "Ben Ali Way" to honor the restaurant's founders. All these folks are happily still with us! There are other examples. more ›

The recently renovated community park at 14th and Girard Streets NW now has a potential name: Ward 1 D.C. Council member Jim Graham introduced a resolution today to rename the park "Barack Hussein Obama Park," D.C. Wire reports. If the resolution is passed, the park, which features a basketball court, year-round chess tables and an interactive water jet play fountain in the summer, would be the very first official anything to be named after President Obama in the District of Columbia. more ›