People in the Park

Judy Goodman

People in the parkJudy Goodman has lived on Quesada St. for over three decades and began adding extra plants from her garden to the corner of Broadbranch and Quesada many years ago. With the help of Suzanne Hurwitz and other volunteers the garden has grown and expanded. With her husband, Frank Van Riper, Judy runs Goodman/Van Riper Photography and teaches workshops in Maine and Italy.

Bill Mullan

People in the park Bill Mullan, who passed away in 2019, volunteered for over two decades to maintain the gardens in the park by weeding an area at the corner of Quesada Street and Broad Branch Road. He had moved to Chevy Chase, DC in 1957 so that he and his family could be close to Lafayette School and the park. Bill slowly began weeding and planting continuing farther down Broad Branch in order to enjoy the gardens while looking out his front window. He used to enjoy the fresh air and observing people admiring the special flowers he nurtured.

Merrill Hare

People in the parkMerrill has lived in the neighborhood since 1965. She and her husband have been high users of the Park since the early 1980’s and involved with the Friends of Lafayette Park since its inception in 1999. Merrill, an avid gardener, considers the Park an extension of her backyard. She can be easily spotted in her trademark floppy brimmed hat tirelessly working away in the garden beds. She has devoted countless hours and years working to improve the park’s gardens.