PROJECT OVERVIEW

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Completed in 2016, the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Segment of the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail serves as a critical link for the almost 60-mile network of bicycle and pedestrian trails between the District of Columbia and Maryland. Within the District, the segment is part of the planned 28-mile Anacostia Riverwalk Trail that will eventually connect 16 waterfront neighborhoods to the Anacostia River, Southwest Waterfront, Nationals Park, Washington Navy Yard, RFK Stadium, National Arboretum, and other popular destinations.

 

By connecting Benning Road in the District with Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Bladensburg, Maryland, the four-mile segment creates new connections between communities, the river and its natural resources while enhancing recreational and educational opportunities for trail users. At the same time, the trail increases accessibility to transit stations and makes bicycle commuting more attractive by shortening travel times by as much as 30 minutes.

 

The trail generally parallels the east bank of the Anacostia River but passes through both developed and undeveloped areas, such as, the Aquatic Gardens and other National Park Service lands and the Mayfair and Parkside communities, as it passes between the District and Maryland near U.S. Route 50.

 

KEY DESIGN ELEMENTS

• Paved 10 to 12-foot wide asphalt trails and concrete boardwalk sections through the Aquatic Gardens and other National Park Service lands, raised walkways and five bridges over Anacostia River tributaries

• New connections between communities, natural resources and the Anacostia River

• Increases accessibility to transit stations and enhances bicycle commuting

• Funded by US DOT TIGER Grant, District of Columbia, District’s Highway Trust Fund, and Maryland’s Cycle Maryland Bikeways Program