Anacostia Park, one of Washington D.C.?s largest and most important recreation areas, is operated by the United States National Park Service with over 1200 acres stretching along the Anacostia River from the Frederick Douglas Memorial Bridge to the Maryland border. The park has shoreline access to the Anacostia River for recreation boating. Other park features include a swimming pool, driving range, ball fields, trails, three concession-operated marinas, four boat clubs and various picnic facilities.

The Anacostia Park houses a number of major sites and recreation facilities. The Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is dedicated to water plants such as water lilies, bamboo, lotus, water hyacinth, and is a great venue for bird watching. The Langston Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course, perfect for all golf enthusiasts. The RFK Stadium seats 56,000 and serves as the home of the DC United as well as an arena college and high school athletics, musical concerts and other major events. The Anacostia Park Pavilion has some 3300 square feet of space for roller skating and special events. The Eagles Nest, the headquarters of the United States Park Police helicopter aviation unit, can also be found in the Anacostia Park as well as the headquarters of the National Capital Parks-East.

This urban park was once home to the Nacotchtank Indians and later to prosperous farmers before becoming a multi-use recreational park with extensive shoreline access. The Anacostia Park was built along the Anacostia River. It is open land with no fences between the public and water which is why children should be supervised at all times. Open fires, dumping hot coals, and other acts that damage vegetation, structures, or endanger others are not permitted in any part of the park. If you?re interested in Ranger assisted programs, be sure to make a reservation.