Anacostia Park is success story of an urban environment.  Authorized by Congress in 1926 to be one of the first U.S. flood plain projects to incorporate multiple uses, the park is one of the region’s largest and most important recreational areas as well as an important natural resource.  The upstream section of the park protects a natural quality including Kenilworth Marsh and the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.  These begin filtering water coming down from Maryland as well as provide a catch basin in times of flood.

Downstream are hundreds of acres for athletic events, picnicking, biking, walking, and fishing. Anacostia Park Pavilion has some 3300 square feet of space for roller skating and special events. The Langston Golf Course offers an 18-hole course as well as a driving range. Three concession-operated marinas, four boat clubs, and a public boat ramp provide access to the tidal Anacostia River for recreational boating. Visitors are encouraged to relax or get some exercise

Active recreation is permitted through reserve field use and picnic systems, mostly in the area of the park below the Benning Road Bridge.  More passive recreation is preserved in the area of the park above the Benning Road Bridge.

Picnics, bike riding, and walking are allowed through most of the park, but grilling is restricted.  See the reservation section for more information on reserving an area.

Skates are available at the pavilion, but call the park ahead of time at (202) 472-3873 to ensure availability.

For more details, click here.

Updated 11-6-10  Please call the park at (202) 426-6905 if you have trouble using these pages.