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Anacostia ParkLooking along the Anacostia river at Anacostia Park.
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A River of Unexpected Opportunities

Listen! Beneath the bustle of busy Washington, DC, the sounds of friends, families, and fun can be heard. Authorized almost a hundred years ago as a multiple use park, Anacostia Park serves as a city playground while protecting the natural scenery and water quality of the Anacostia River. The park serves as an example of how far-sighted urban planning of Congress serves today’s generation as well.
 
Checkerspot butterfly

Checkerspots

Meadows and wildflowers attract butterflies each summer. For the birds, the wetland plants, fish and shellfish are a year round feast. For people, it's a feast for the eyes.
 
Urban river

Far-sighted Planning

A few decades ago, in the face of huge financial losses from floods, federal and local governments began buying up flood prone land along urban rivers to make parks. This plan reduces flood costs to residents and flood damage in cities around the country.

For almost a hundred years, that plan has protected the businesses and residents of Washington, and given the public access to enjoy our urban rivers. There's a place here for all.
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Children exploring the natural world

Education Opportunities

The river, wetland, fields, and facilities make it easy to bring life to education at Anacostia Park.
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Relaxing in the city

Relaxing Comes Easy Here

Anacostia Park is the place to exercise, or exercise your right to relax.
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Write to

Site Manager
1900 Anacostia Dr SE
WAshington, DC 20020

Phone

Anacostia Office
(202) 472-3884

Site Manager
(202) 472-3884

Fax

(202) 426-1889

Climate

Spring and fall in Washington, DC are characterized by warm days and cool nights.

Summers can be quite warm and humid, with sudden, severe, localized thunderstorms in the late afternoon.

Winters tend to be at, or just below, freezing.
brown cattails against a clear blue fall sky  

Did You Know?
Cattails may be among the most useful plants in North America. Amost all parts of the plant were eaten providing year round food. The brown fuzzy part has shown antibacterial properties. The leaves can be made into many household goods including shingles for the house.
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Last Updated: June 23, 2007 at 13:13 EST