Public Comment Period #2 / Preliminary Concept Designs

The National Park Service has developed preliminary management concepts that offer a range of actions to improve access and circulation from adjacent neighborhoods and trails to the park; support current and future recreational and community use, programming, and special events; address maintenance issues; adapt infrastructure to support current and future recreational uses; and increase resiliency of facilities in areas subject to frequent flooding.

In 20​21, the NPS developed the vision and goals for the project with public input and an initial set of design concepts were shared with stakeholders for feedback. To address concerns that design concepts needed to be rooted in an appreciation for the culture of the surrounding neighborhoods and community desires for the future, the NPS and stakeholder partners delayed progression of design concepts to broaden community engagement efforts. The current and upcoming comment periods have been enhanced to engage larger numbers of stakeholders representing Ward 7 and 8 residents, and to include activities that engage individuals and organizations historically less involved in NPS planning efforts.

We are seeking feedback on the preliminary design concepts for Anacostia Park through December 1, 2023. Linked at the bottom of this page are the public meeting presentation slide deck and recording. The topic questions align with the linked presentation materials.

If you'd like to receive notifications on this project, you may request to be added to the project mailing list by emailing anacostia@vhb.com.

An additional public meeting and comment period for the project will be held when design concepts are revised.

Topic Questions Instructions:

There are four ways to submit comments: 1.Electronically. Submit your comments via the NPS's Planning, Environment & Public Comment (PEPC) website. Click the "Comment Now>>" button above to provide your comments here on our website. A link to the public meeting presentation is located at the bottom of this webpage. 2. By mail. Mail or hand-deliver written comments to park headquarters at: National Capital Parks-East, Attn: ANAC DCP / Superintendent, 1900 Anacostia Drive SE, Washington, DC 20020 3. In Person. There are three NPS sponsored community outreach events where you may provide your input directly to the National Park Service via comment card. - September 30 at 3 to 7 p.m. - Late Skate at Anacostia Park - October 14 at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Frederick Douglass Family Day at Frederick Douglass National Historic Site located at 1411 W St SE, Washington, DC 20020 - October 28 at 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Late Skate at Anacostia Park 4. By Phone. To call and leave your comment via phone: please dial (888)-511-1292.

Topic Questions:

1. Active Recreation / What in your view offers the best mix of playing fields, sport courts, and other amenities for active recreation?

2. Community Fellowship / How can we improve opportunities for social, cultural, community gatherings and events?

3. Waterfront Activation / What experiences on or by the water are important to you?

4. Waterfront Activation / Would you prefer a natural shoreline, the historic seawall, or combination of both?

5. Waterfront Activation / Would you like to enhance existing wetlands and introduce new, nature-based stormwater facilities to help with flooding?

6. Access and Circulation / What specific improvements would you like to see around access? What is your experience getting to different features of the park? What would you like to have better access to?

7. Access and Circulation / Would you prefer to keep Anacostia Drive in its existing location or locate away from the river for portions of the park?

8. General / Do you have any additional thoughts for the project team?

Document Content:

Public Comment Report_Preliminary Design Concepts Anacostia DCP_2023_09_27.pdf   (18.0 MB, PDF file) Anacostia Public Meeting Presentation_09_27_2023_508c.pdf   (17.9 MB, PDF file) Video Recording of Public Meeting Presentation    Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.