Over the last few weeks we’ve been highlighting some of the proposals coming into the Solving D.C. Problems website, an initiative launched by the D.C. Appleseed Center for Law and Justice earlier this month to encourage residents to identify local problems and propose solutions. Today we focus on two ways to make the District a more entertaining city. The first proposes that the city invest in its own climbing wall:

The city owns the historic MacMillan reservoir off North Capitol Street and Michigan Avenue. The spot has been fenced off and abandoned for many years. It’s a beautiful spot and close to the center of the city, plus easily reachable from any corner of the District. Recently, plans were announced to develop the site with the typical mix of housing, etc. Instead, we should construct an eight-story climbing wall, with varying degrees of difficulty so that everyone from young children to advanced experts could tackle the wall and enjoy the challenge. The project would be run by the Parks and Recreation Department and participants would be required to follow strict safety rules, sign waivers, etc. The site would be unique in our area. Climbers would have an outstanding view back towards the Capitol and the center city, as well as east toward Catholic University, etc. People would be encouraged to climb, which is a great way to stay healthy. And the novelty of the giant wall, and the ability to view the Capitol, would encourge even more people to come to the city.

The second advocates turning RFK into a dog racing park:

Right now both the Nats and DC United are planning to leave RFK Stadium in the next few years. That will leave his landmark empty and unused. The probable outcome is that it will be knocked down. Instead, I suggest building and hosting greyhound racing once a week inside the stadium. A track could be built pretty easily and without a lot of cost. It would allow use to continue to use the stadium in some fashion and enjoy a sport that is a lot of fun to watch. Unlike other greyhound parks, RFK could be turned into a kid friendly avenue where people who come to the park are educated about pets and their care, etc. Since there is nothing like this anywhere nearby, the dogs could be sponsored – potentially raising money for other government programs.

Though unlikely, both are relatively creative ideas. We’d personally like to see a giant waterpark on the site of the old Convention Center.