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Anacostia Parka view from the banks of the Anacostia River
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Anacostia Park
Plan Your Visit

Anacostia Park was authorized by Congress as a multiple use park to protect public access, scenic value, and water flow of the Anacostia River.  To that end, the park has been developed with different ideas of recreation in mind, but always to preserve a quality park experience for this and future generations.

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 permit 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 ideas on things to do, click here.

Updated 8-12-07.  Please call the park at (202) 426-6905 if you have trouble using these pages.

 
fields are usually available by permits.
Park photo
Everyone has fun here.

Save a crab, rescue an oyster. Trash from here ends up in the Chesapeake Bay where it destroys fin and shell fish habitat. Help keep oysters on the picnic table and stimulate your creative energy through the Leave No Trace Program.

Did You Know?  

Did You Know?
Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens is the only national park established for the propagation of water plants. This site is part of Anacostia Park in National Capital Parks - East.

Last Updated: August 12, 2007 at 14:18 EST