Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens is a park which is devoted to the display of aquatic plants. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens constitutes some 700 acres and is part of Anacostia Park. The Park includes the "Gardens", Kenilworth Marsh, ballfields and recreational facilities.

The origins of Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens lie not only in the 1791 L'Enfant Plan for the District of Columbia, but also the McMillan Plan of 1901 which specifically recommended extension of public parkland along both sides of the Anacostia River.

It was originated as hobby of Civil War veteran and operated for 26 years as a commercial water garden. In 1938, the Gardens were purchased by the Federal Government. It was at that time that the facility ceased operating as a commercial enterprise and became part of the National Park system.

Run by the National Park Service, the 12- acre marshland park is often overlooked by visitors who head for better known Washington sites. As a result, the park is an uncrowded getaway.

Early morning is the time to catch the blooming water- bound plants of this park. Nature lovers and children especially will enjoy more than 100,000 flowering plants and fauna sightings.

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Contact Information

Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens
National Capital Parks – East, 1900 Anacostia Drive, S.E
20020 Washington, DC

Tel. +12024266905

http://www.nps.gov