Green Valley in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Welcome to Jennie Dean Park
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 29, 2019
Ernest E. Johnson: His work let Arlington play.
In 1949, Arlington County formally established a Department of Recreation. Mirroring the public school system, all classes, clubs and activities sponsored by the Department were segregated. In 1950, the Negro Recreation Section was created. Its director was Ernest E. Johnson, a vital figure in the County's African American community, who ultimately oversaw the desegregation of Arlington's public recreational facilities in the early 1960s.
On May 8, 1982, Arlington celebrated Ernest E. Johnson Day with a parade that began at the Walter Reed Recreation Center and ended at the Carver Recreation Center, a softball game that afternoon, a senior tea, and a testimonial dinner that evening.
[Sidebar:]
Under the Department of Recreation's Neighborhood Playground Program, 30 playgrounds operated in the summer of 1950, with Jennie Dean Park the only facility for African Americans. It wasn't just sports—music, storytelling, group singing, picnics, movies, special events and performances were part of the outdoor programs. Softball leagues, tournaments, field trips, pageants and talent show were featured as well.
Erected by Arlington, Virginia.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1982.
Location. 38° 50.574′ N, 77° 5.36′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Virginia, in Arlington County. It is in Green Valley. Marker is on 27th Street South east of South Nelson Street, on the left when traveling west. On the grounds of Jennie Dean Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2710 South Nelson Street, Arlington VA 22206, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Welcome to Jennie Dean Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 2021 (about 400 feet away); 2019 (about 400 feet away); 2018 (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Welcome to Jennie Dean Park (about 400 feet away); 1990's - 2000's (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Welcome to Jennie Dean Park (about 400 feet away); 1990's (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 29, 2019
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 177 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 29, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.