The Georgetown Waterfront Park provides locals and tourists alike a serene place to take in great views of the river within a green, lush setting located on the edge of a historic, but urban bustling neighborhood. The park spans across ten acres, curving along the shore of the Potomac River and stretching from 34th Street NW down to 30th Street. Georgetown Waterfront Park is situated directly across the Potomac River from Roosevelt Island, and features views towards the Key Bridge to the west and views towards the Memorial Bridge and the Kennedy Center to the east.

  • Who designed the Georgetown Waterfront Park?
    • The Georgetown Waterfront Park was designed by Wallace, Roberts, and Todd.
  • What is the design focus of the park?
    • The park features a more informal design, emphasizing the Potomac River and rowing, which is the signature sport of the river.
  • What views does the park offer?
    • The design provides amazing views of the river from several streets running perpendicular to the park.
    • The park also offers views of the Key Bridge from its diagonal paths.
  • What features are in the western section of the park?
    • The western end of the park extends from 34th Street NW to Wisconsin Avenue.
    • This section includes expansive lawns, overlooks, benches, walkways, and a labyrinth.
    • Serene vistas of the Potomac River can be enjoyed from benches or by strolling along the riverfront’s wide promenade.
    • Scenic overlooks along the river feature granite slabs etched with scenes from the history of the waterfront as a seaport.
  • What features are in the eastern section of the park?
    • The Georgetown Waterfront Park’s (video) eastern section extends from Wisconsin Avenue NW to 31st Street NW.
    • This section is designed for active visitor use and includes:
    • A pergola
    • A broad overlook
    • A large fountain
    • Stadium-like steps leading to the edge of the river
    • During the summer, children can often be seen splashing in the fountain.
    • The steps are a popular place for picnic lunches, bird watching, and viewing paddlers, rowers, and canoeists on the Potomac River.
  • How did efforts to transform the Georgetown waterfront into a national park begin?
    • Efforts by citizens of the District of Columbia to transform the waterfront into a national park spanned over three decades.
    • In 1978, Ann Satterthwaite, Katharine Sullivan, and Judy Bonderman created the Committee for Washington’s Riverfront Parks to encourage the National Park Service to recognize the waterfront’s potential.
  • What was the first major step toward creating the park?
    • In the early 1980s, the National Park Service encouraged Washington, D.C. to transfer ten acres of the waterfront to the Federal government.
    • In 1985, the transfer was made, but there were not enough funds to build the national park.
  • How was funding for the Georgetown Waterfront Park secured?
    • Several organizations were created to raise funds for the park.
    • The Friends of Georgetown Waterfront Park, a non-profit organization, was founded in 2005 to continue advocating for the park and securing funding.
    • Through efforts involving the District of Columbia government, private donors, and the National Park Service, the $23 million funding goal was finally reached.

3303 Water Street NW, Washington, DC, Phone: 202-895-6000, website, Map

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