Physical / Mobility

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Come learn about native birds and animals while enjoying the year-round beauty of the marsh and ponds. Depending on the time of year, you might see flowers in bloom, migratory birds, turtles, fish, frogs, and even the occasional muskrat!

Please note: None of the paths in the park are paved except the Anacostia River Trail. You will have to use gravel, dirt, and grass paths to reach many parts of the park. There are lots of places to sit, rest, and enjoy the views.
 
 

Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

1550 Anacostia Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20019
 
A small concrete ramp from a paved parking lot up to a gravel path leading towards a park.
The visitor center and aquatic gardens are a short walk from the parking lot.

NPS / Laurel Brodsky

Parking and Entrance

There are four accessible parking spaces in the parking lot right next to the entrance path to the park and aquatic gardens. Two of the parking spots are van-accessible with an access aisle.

Learn more about directions and transportation.

Getting to the Park

A gravel path connects the parking lot to the visitor center, park, and aquatic gardens.
  • Average width: 5 feet
  • Minimum width: 4.5 feet
  • Surface: gravel
  • Average running slope: 5%
  • Maximum running slope: 10%
The curb cut that connects the parking lot to the trail is 42 inches wide. There is some loose gravel on the path that might be a challenge with some mobility devices. The parking lot is about one-tenth of a mile to the visitor center and the aquatic gardens.
 
A park ranger speaks with visitors using a wheelchair and walkers.
You can explore the park and aquatic gardens by wheelchair.

NPS / Laurel Brodsky

Wheelchairs for Loan

Two wheelchairs are available to borrow at no cost. They are first come, first served. Ask a ranger, request help at the visitor center information desk, or contact us by phone for assistance.
 
A wide gravel path in front of a two-story wood building with a front porch and a visitor center sign.
Start your visit to the park and aquatic gardens at the Visitor Center.

NPS / Laurel Brodsky

Visitor Center

There are stairs and a wood ramp with handrails that give access to the visitor center and restrooms. There are lips up to half an inch between wood planks on the ramp. On the porch, there are two benches. Inside you'll find a small exhibit area, a bookshop, and an information desk where you can speak with a ranger.

There is a lip at the entrance greater than a half-inch, and the doorway is 30 inches wide. The front door is not automatic. There is limted space inside to move around with a wheelchair or a mobility device.

See park and visitor center hours.

 
Displays of pins, hats, books, and other souvenirs on the walls next to an information desk.
Take home a souvenir to remember your visit to Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens.

NPS / Laurel Brodsky

Information Desk and Bookstore

The information desk is inside the bookstore. Rangers and staff are ready to answer your questions and help you plan your visit.

The bookstore is a small room that may be difficult to move around with a wheelchair or mobility device. Some items are on high shelves. Staff can assist you in getting anything that is out of reach.
 
Two buildings directly next to each other with a ramp and connecting porch between the two.
The restrooms and drinking fountain are right next to the visitor center.

NPS / Claire Hassler

Restrooms

There are men's and women's restrooms in the building next to the visitor center. There are stairs and a ramp up to the entrance. There are lips up to half an inch between wood planks on the ramp.

Men's Restroom

  • 2 standing-height urinals
  • 1 larger stall intended for wheelchair users
  • 1 lower height sink

Women's Restroom

  • 2 standard stalls
  • 1 larger stall intended for wheelchair users
  • 1 standard height sink
  • 1 lower height sink
 
A visitor walks on a grass path lined with lotus flowers in bloom.
See the ponds and the animals that call them home up close.

NPS / Laurel Brodsky

Lotus and Water Lily Ponds

The lotus and water lily ponds are by the visitor center, a short walk from the parking lot. Wide grass and dirt paths wind through the collection of more than 40 ponds. You'll find benches and chairs throughout the area. Some areas between the ponds are uneven and will flood after heavy rain.
 
Multiple picnic tables on grass and dirt surrounded by trees.
Take a break from exploring the park and enjoy a picnic with views of the aquatic gardens.

NPS / Laurel Brodsky

Picnic Area

A picnic area is next to the visitor center and lotus ponds. There are about 30 picnic tables spread across a dirt and grass area. The ground may be uneven in some places. Some picnic tables have an extended tabletop to better accommodate visitors using wheelchairs. The picnic area is first come, first served.

Additional picnic tables are scattered throughout the park and aquatic gardens.
 
Visitors walk on a dirt path between trees and a large pond.
The garden trail connects the visitor center to the boardwalk in the tidal marsh.

NPS / Laurel Brodsky

Garden Trail

The Garden Trail starts at the parking lot and loops around the lotus and water lily ponds. It passes by the visitor center, restrooms, and picnic area, as well as the trailheads for the River Trail and the boardwalk. This trail is mostly wide, flat, and compact dirt and gravel paths. Some areas closer to the edge of the ponds and marsh may be uneven. There is no railing to designate the edge of the water.

Trail Information

  • Length: 0.6 miles for the full loop from the parking lot
  • Average width: 5 feet
  • Minimum width: 4.5 feet
  • Surface: compacted gravel
  • Average running slope: 5%
  • Maximum running slope: 10%
 
Visitors walk on a wood boardwalk through a marsh.
The boardwalk is the perfect spot for birdwatching.

NPS / Laurel Brodsky

Tidal Marsh Boardwalk

The boardwalk crosses tidal marshes to two viewing platforms with seating and information signs. Both platforms have excellent views of the surrounding area. The entrance to the boardwalk trail is on the southwest corner of the aquatic garden ponds.

Boardwalk Information

  • Length: about 0.5 miles round-trip stopping at both viewing platforms
  • Width: over 7 feet wide
  • Surface: wooden planks
  • Average running slope: less than 5%
  • Maximum running slope: 10% by the first viewing platform, though this section is avoidable
  • There are handrails on the viewing platforms and the section of the trail that pass through the marsh. There are some sections without handrails.
 
A dirt and gravel trail lined with bike racks leads through a grassy wooded area.
Take the River Trail to reach the Anacostia River Trail.

NPS / Claire Hassler

River Trail

The River Trail leads to the Anacostia River and connects to the Anacostia River Trail. The trailhead is close to the park entrance on the north side of the aquatic garden ponds. There are bike racks at the trailhead.

Trail Information

  • Length: 0.5 round trip (out and back to the river)
  • Minimum width: 4.5 feet
  • Surface type: dirt
  • Running slope: 5-10%
 

Questions?

Please contact us for additional information or for help planning your visit.
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Voice: 771-208-1571

Last updated: July 21, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1550 Anacostia Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20019

Phone:

771-208-1571

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