Reimagine Anacostia Park

The National Park Service is preparing a Development Concept Plan for sections D & E of Anacostia Park, the area of the park east of the Anacostia river between the 11th Street Bridge and the CSX railroad bridge. The plan will provide a framework for future development and use of the park. Throughout the development of the plan, the NPS would like to hear from park users, the surrounding neighborhood, and the public about how visitors currently use the space and your ideas for the future of this unique landscape in the heart of DC.

 

Cows wade in the Anacostia River with wetland vegetation in the foreground and the Capitol building in the background.

Background

Anacostia Park was envisioned more than a century ago when its development was recommended to the US Congress in 1901, and it took more than three decades to construct. Development of the park required seawalls along the banks of the Anacostia River to convert the existing wetlands into uplands that could host the park amenities that many enjoy today. Managed by the National Park Service (NPS), Sections D and E of Anacostia Park provide hubs for recreational activities, including maintained sports fields for league play; community activity spaces for picnicking, roller skating, educational use, and special events; and preservation of the natural landscape. Anacostia Park is an important neighborhood resource and is a regional destination for bicycling, fishing, special events, waterfront recreation, and more. More information on the history of this portion of the park can be found here.

 

During the initial planning phases (happening now), the NPS is asking for input from park users and other key stakeholders to develop a vision and goals for the plan. After reviewing input on a vision and goals, the NPS will develop concepts for potential recreational, educational and uses and facilities for this area. These concepts will be made available for public review (anticipated in early 2022) prior to the plan being finalized. The sections below provide more detail on the project schedule and ways to get involved!

 

Sections D and E of Anacostia Park are located between the 11th Street Bridge and the area north of Pennsylvania Avenue to the railroad crossing.

 

Project Schedule

Planning Phase	Timeline	Opportunity for Public Input
Publicize Vision and Goals for the Plan	Summer 2021	>>> We are here! <<< Provide your thoughts and ideas for the future of this portion of Anacostia Park.
Develop Concept Options	Fall 2021
Publicize Concept Options	Early 2022	Provide your reactions to concepts developed for this portion of Anacostia Park
Review input and finalize the plan	Spring 2022

 

To get more information and updates on the project: visit the NPS planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/Reimagine_AnacostiaPark

To view the 'Reimagine Anacostia Park' visions and goals: view the presentation here - https://parkplanning.nps.gov/showFile.cfm?projectID=102870&MIMEType=application%252Fpdf&filename=&sfid=483932

To comment online: go to https://parkplanning.nps.gov/commentForm.cfm?documentID=113171

To comment via email: write to e-mail us with the subject line: 'Reimagine Anacostia Park.'

To call and leave your comment via phone: please dial 1(888)345-2823.

If you prefer to mail your comments: make sure they are postmarked by Aug. 15, 2021 to receive consideration. Mail comments to the following address:

National Capital Parks – East
Superintendent
Re: Reimagine Anacostia Park
1900 Anacostia Drive SE
Washington, DC 20020

All comments submitted will be considered during the planning process. The NPS will provide additional opportunities to submit public comments as the project continues.