General Questions
How do I get to Yards Park?
Yards Park is easily accessible via MetroRail (Green Line), Metro Bus & Circulator, Capital Bikeshare, and bicycle racks are available on-site. The nearest stops are located by the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, New Jersey Avenue exit at the corner of M Street SE and New Jersey Avenue SE. From here, walk 1 block south on New Jersey Avenue SE, with the US Department of Transportation on your left. Turn left on Tingey Street, then right on 3rd street. This road leads directly to the park's "dancing fountains." The address for GPS is 355 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003.
Is parking available near Yards Park
Parking lots are located between Yards Park and Nationals Ballpark, managed by ABM Parking. Availability is first-come, first-served. The rate is $2 per hour for a maximum of 3 hours, then a daily rate charges apply. These prices rise to a flat fee of $35 or more during Washington Nationals home games or other special events. For more details, visit Capitol Riverfront Public Parking. Limited metered street parking is also available.
Is the park handicapped accessible?
Yes, there are ramps and sidewalks that provide wheelchair access to all areas of the park and boardwalk.
Is alcohol allowed in the park?
Alcohol is prohibited in the park in accordance with DC public park regulations. For rules regarding alcohol service during reserved events, please read Park Rules.
May my dog come along to enjoy the park?
Yes, but dogs must be on a leash in the park. Furry friends can play off leashed in our fenced Dog Run, just east of the Great Lawn. Dogs are not allowed in any of the water features. As a courtesy to everyone, please clean up after your pet.
Is smoking allowed?
By DC law, smoking is prohibited in Yards Park.
Can we grill in the park?
No, we do not allow grilling or open flames in the park. Please bring a picnic instead.
Are there restaurants where I can have a meal close to the park?
There are a large variety of restaurants near Yards Park with something for everyone. Check out Eat & Drink on the Capitol Riverfront page for a restaurant map and details.
Can we fish from the boardwalk?
No fishing is allowed.
Is WiFi available in the park?
No, there is no WiFi in the park.
Does Yards Park have a lost and found?
All lost and found items are kept at the Capitol Riverfront BID office. Contact office@capitolriverfront.org with any inquiries.
When does the park open and close?
The park opens at sunrise and closes 2 hours after sunset.
When is the Navy Yard segment of the Riverwalk open?
From sunrise to 2 hours after sunset daily, though it is sometimes closed for Navy Yard events that require security, or due to their own security concerns. You can check status of the Riverwalk on its Twitter feed: @WNYRiverwalk.
Water Features
Can kids play in the fountains and canal basin?
Yes – The canal basin is 11 inches deep. No cloth diapers - only swim diapers allowed. No dogs allowed. There is no lifeguard on duty so use at your own risk. Please follow all rules posted - click here for a list of the rules and regulations.
Where does the water come from that is in the canal basin and fountains?
The water is DC city water and is chlorinated through the fountain pump and filtration system. The chlorine and pH levels are monitored daily. It is NOT water from the Anacostia River.
How do I know if the fountains will be running?
Please check the homepage of the Yards Park website or the Yards Park Facebook page (The Yards Park) for status update on fountains. At the discretion of park management, fountains may be shut down at any time.
Development
What will happen in the retail bays along the boardwalk?
The bays are for retail and will be leased by Brookfield Properties.
What will be developed on the parking lots surrounding Yards Park?
These parcels will be developed as apartments, condominiums, hotels, and retail by Brookfield Properties, the developers of The Yards. For more information visit www.theyardsdc.com.