Sonny Bono Park

The Story Behind This Little Spot

Sonny Bono Park was established in 1998 as a memorial after Sonny Bono's tragic skiing accident that same year. It sits at the intersection of 20th Street NW, New Hampshire Avenue NW, and O Street NW near Dupont Circle - one of those cozy spots you might walk right past if you weren't looking.

The park exists thanks to Geary Simon, a local real estate developer who actually knew Sonny personally. Simon adopted this formerly neglected space through DC's Adopt-a-Park program and poured nearly $50,000 of his own money into transforming it from a forgotten traffic island into something special.

What You'll Find Here

Don't expect sprawling grounds - this triangular traffic island measures just 800 square feet, about the size of a small apartment. At the entrance, you'll find a bronze circular plaque with the inscription: "In Memory of My Friend Sonny Bono 1935-1998" surrounded by "Entertainer, Entrepreneur, Statesman, Friend."

Hidden beneath this plaque is a time capsule containing Sonny memorabilia, including sheet music for "The Beat Goes On," his Congressional cufflinks, and a mug from his restaurant chain - all representing different aspects of his varied career.

A bronze memorial plaque at the park's entrance honors Sonny Bono

Photo: Ted Eytan (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A Tiny Green Oasis

The landscaping is simple but thoughtful, featuring Kentucky bluegrass, some shrubbery, and a tree that was specifically brought in from Bono's California congressional district. Day lilies add a splash of color against the brick paving, but like many small parks, how lush it looks really depends on the season and recent maintenance.

While it's certainly compact, there's something charming about finding this unexpected tribute in the middle of bustling Dupont Circle. It's a quiet reminder of a man who wore many hats during his lifetime.

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Worth A Quick Stop?

Just so you know - while it's called a park, this is really more of a memorial space or tiny parklet. You won't be spreading out a picnic blanket here, but it makes for an interesting stop if you're already exploring the area.

Its location makes it super easy to include during a wander around the Dupont Circle neighborhood, especially if you're also checking out nearby spots like the Heurich House. It's one of the quirky D.C. details you might discover while exploring the city on foot.