News from NPS: Find Your Way to Anacostia Park
Information-sharing from the National Park Service:
Know the best ways to access the park during major construction
Park ranger provides directions to visitors on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. (NPS Photo)
WASHINGTON - Construction projects on bridges near Anacostia Park will affect the way you access the park via driving, walking or mass transit. The District’s Department of Transportation (DDOT) has started the first phases of rehabilitation projects for South Capitol Street SE, also known as the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, and for the I-295 Anacostia Freeway Bridge over Nicholson Street SE.
The projects are part of the District’s Anacostia Waterfront Initiative, which will reshape the area’s transportation infrastructure to improve access to the Anacostia River waterfront for residents, commuters and visitors, while also improving the area’s environmental quality.
DDOT will permanently close access roads to Anacostia Park via South Capitol Street, temporarily close access via Howard Road SE and reduce access on Nicholson Street with intermittent lane closures and flaggers directing traffic.
Here are four ways to access the park to bypass construction:
Anacostia Riverwalk Trail- Bike, skate or walk along the scenic paved trail that runs through Anacostia Park. Start your trip at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Navy Yard or the National Arboretum.
Anacostia Park Boat Ramp- Land your canoe, boat or kayak at the public ramp located in Anacostia Park. The ramp is located right next to the only skating pavilion in Washington, D.C.
Anacostia Metro Station- Use the Green Line and exit the station by following signs toward the Metro parking lot. With just a few short steps, enter Anacostia Park to join friends and family for a day in the park.
Good Hope Road SE- Cross the 11th Street Bridge or drive through Historic Anacostia and see the “big chair,” as you make your way into the park via Good Hope Road SE.
“We want visitors to find the best ways to come to the river and visit Anacostia Park for its centennial and the Year of the Anacostia,” Anacostia Park Superintendent Tara Morrison said. “DDOT’s construction should not deter you from celebrating these milestones, and you can still have a great visit by doing a little planning and learning the detour routes or using other access points.”
For more information on finding your way to Anacostia Park, visit go.nps.gov/visitAnacostiaPark. To learn more about DDOT’s construction projects, visit nicholsonse.anacostiabridges.com and newfrederickdouglassbridge.com.
The National Park Service envisions Anacostia Park as a signature urban park that offers fun, learning and inspiration for residents, visitors and future generations. DDOT’s construction projects will improve access to the park and help further the National Park Service’s commitment to enhance Anacostia Park resources and improve river access.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 417 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities.