Dr. Loesch Family Park is named after Rev. Dr. William Loesch who lived across the street from the park for 33 years and spent much of his time planting flowers and trying to make it safe and more attractive for for the community. The park completed its recent capital improvements in 2012 and Rev. Dr. Loesch passed away in 2018.
The Friends work to support activation, investment and beautification of the park. It supports the various annual events in the park including Friday Movie Nights and Playtime in the Park with the BOLD Teens; Family Restoration Day and Remembering Our Babies with Propa City Community Outreach; Black Forest and Tree Plantings/Care with Speak for the Trees; Ice Cream Social and Rodeo with Style House Events; physical activity and play with local schools and daycares including Codman Academy Charter, Neighborhood House Charter, Epiphany School and Flora’s Daycare.
Rev. Dr. Loesch’s daughter, Cynthia Loesch-Johnson, and neighbors surrounding the park keep his legacy alive through the park. “I’ve always been a person who was raised to be very active in my family and very active in whatever church or group that I’m involved with. Be very active with those right around you because what counts is getting to know people and work with them. I’ve sort of lived that way” Rev. Dr. Loesch said. The 2.24 acre park was popularly known as Wainwright Park for the street that defined its western edge. Rev. Loesch said he had suggested the park’s name be changed to “Peace Park” or “President Barack Obama Peace Park.” “Then the next thing I know, they didn’t take my suggestion. But it’s very humbling. They don’t name parks after living people. I’m very honored to have been active with the park and have it named after me, and then to be part of watching all these folks use the park and enjoy it.”
Codman Square Neighborhood Council 