Former Historic Preservation Student at GW Leads Rock Creek Park as Superintendent

By Bryson Kloesel, Reporter

Former GW student Brian Joyner last month assumed responsibility for maintaining and managing Rock Creek Park after spending two decades exploring his passions for preservation and D.C.

The park service late last month appointed Brian Joyner — who took graduate classes in historic preservation at GW from 2001 to 2004 — as the superintendent of the District.

“Rock Creek Park has always been a part of my life,” Joyner said.

Rock Creek Park is divided into more than 20 green spaces, spanning 2,749 acres. The largest area falls between the National Zoo and Silver Spring, Maryland, making up 1,754 acres, according to the park service.

Joyner, who served as the park’s deputy superintendent since 2022, succeeded Superintendent Julia Washburn, an adjunct professor of educational leadership at GW who served in the role since 2017.

Joyner said he will oversee significant rehabilitation efforts at Rock Creek Park, focusing on the restoration of two major facilities — the Rock Creek Golf Course and Carter Barron Amphitheatre.