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Yards Park
Park Hours: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

A SCENIC, VIBRANT, RIVERFRONT ESCAPE

The Yards Park, a premier waterfront destination, provides green space and water features for all to enjoy the outdoors along the Anacostia River. This award-winning park is an ideal place for recreation and special events for the Capitol Riverfront community.

Yards Park water features are now closed for the 2023 summer season.

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Address355 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003   Get Directions
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DANCING FOUNTAINS

DANCING FOUNTAINS

The Dancing Fountains at the entrance to Yards Park combine playful water jets and water scrims for kids and adults to enjoy. At night, the fountain area is illuminated with color-changing lights.

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CANAL BASIN & WATERWALL

CANAL BASIN & WATERWALL

The Canal Basin and Waterwall pay homage to the historic canal that once ran from the Anacostia River to the U.S. Capitol Building. Visitors enjoy splashing, wading, and cooling off in the fresh water of this decorative water feature on hot summer days.

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DOG RUN

DOG RUN

Though leashes are required elsewhere in the park, the Dog Run gives furry friends the opportunity to run free. This fenced area is located on the western side of the Great Lawn.

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GREAT LAWN

GREAT LAWN

The Great Lawn is a large open green space framed by shading trees, unique wooden benches, and a scenic pathway to the Riverwalk Trail Bridge, leading to Diamond Teague Park and Nationals Park. This lovely spot is ideal for quiet picnics, tossing a ball, and generally enjoying the outdoors.

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YARDS PARK BRIDGE

YARDS PARK BRIDGE

The sculptural bridge is the architectural icon of Yards Park, spanning the Canal Basin as it connects the Great Lawn and the Overlook. The bridge also serves as a landmark link on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, a scenic destination for runners, bikers, and strollers to enjoy our river.

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OVERLOOK

OVERLOOK

Enjoy beautiful river views from The Overlook. Stretched canvas awnings, recalling sailing ships on the water, provide shade over bistro tables and chairs for a lovely al fresco picnic lunch.

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LIGHT TOWER

LIGHT TOWER

The Light Tower stands 60-feet tall on the water’s edge. Designed by renowned artist Jamie Carpenter, this sculpture features prisms that reflect light by day, and are illuminated from within at night.

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TERRACE LAWN STEPS

TERRACE LAWN STEPS

The Terraced Lawn Steps provide four levels of seating in the park leading down to the boardwalk. These green steps create a natural amphitheater-like space to read, people-watch, and enjoy the river view.

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BOARDWALK

BOARDWALK

The Boardwalk is a part of the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail System, running a quarter mile along Yards Park. Made of IPE decking, the boardwalk provides a water’s edge experience throughout the length of the park.

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RIVER STREET GARDENS

RIVER STREET GARDENS

Located on the eastern side of the park, the lush River Street Gardens provide a quiet area to sit, relax, and enjoy the shade on decorative wooden benches & chaise lounges.

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DANCING FOUNTAINS
CANAL BASIN & WATERWALL
DOG RUN
GREAT LAWN
YARDS PARK BRIDGE
OVERLOOK
LIGHT TOWER
TERRACE LAWN STEPS
BOARDWALK
RIVER STREET GARDENS