The grounds of Rosedale were shaped by landscapers over 200 years ago and are of great historical significance. The features that were created in front of the farmhouse- the ramps, bowling greens and falls- are characteristics found at only a few remaining landmarks in the mid-Atlantic states. For this reason, the grounds were given landmark status and the Rosedale Conservancy was able to organize to protect them from further development.
It is therefore our moral and legal responsibility under our historic easement and landmark designation to protect them for future generations. To protect the historic features and protect the lawns from erosion and destruction, we unfortunately have to restrict usage after it rains or snows.. The grounds are characterized with soil that contains a lot of clay and it retains water and drains very slowly after rainfall. So the grounds can be easily damaged when it is still retaining the water from recent rainfalls.
Closures are particularly common in the winter months when the grass is dormant and the moisture forms wet spots around the property which can easily cause damage to the grounds with any foot traffic, human or dogs.
Fianally, the two bowling greens (the large flat areas on the northern side of the property) act like containment areas or retention basins that soak up the water from rain storms and melting snow and slowly release the water towards Newark Street. Topographically, this becomes the headwaters of a natural spring that starts at Rosedale, the highest point in this part of Cleveland Park. The water is released onto the brick sidewalks of Newark Street where after a rainfall or snow storm, you can often see standing water or ice on the bricks. The moisture then goes underground, under the houses on Newark Street and adjoining streets where the spring reappears east of the Macomb Playground and travels down behind Macomb Street and through the northern border of Tregaron down to the Rock Creek. So Rosedale, being the high point, is the originating point or headwaters of this stream.
We appreciate the patience of all of our Rosedale friends who love to use Rosedale for dog walking and other activities. We all have a shared responsibility to protect its unique features and status and that sometimes requires us to stay off the grounds until we can again safely use them without causing unnecessary damage to its historical features and beauty.