As the United States grew, communities began to develop a more standard approach to planning. Parks were an important element of city life because they provided inhabitants with opportunities to walk, explore, and even play with their children or dogs.
There are parks all around the country, including our nation’s capitol, Washington D.C. Small neighborhood and city parks exist, as do large national parks. Let’s look at the eight major city parks in Washington, DC.
1. Theodore Roosevelt Island
If there is one thing Theodore Roosevelt would be pleased with, it is the establishment of the National Park Service. In his honor, the government built Theodore Roosevelt Island National Park. It is an 88.5-acre Island and National Memorial honoring Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. Furthermore, the National Park Service manages the island. Finally, there are no cars allowed on the island, thus entry is exclusively by foot.
2. National Zoological Park
The National Zoological Park was created in 1889 and covers a total of 163 acres. The National Zoo in Washington, DC and another location in Virginia house 2,700 animals. The zoo houses a diverse collection of species, including birds, Asian elephants, reptiles, marine creatures, and even gigantic pandas. The zoo is open every day (except Christmas Day), and entrance is free.
3. Rocky Creek Park
Rock Creek Park is located in the northwest quadrant of the nation’s capital. Congress resolved to establish a big park in 1890. The park has a total of 1,754 acres and runs along Rock Creek. Furthermore, the park attracts around 2 million visitors each year, who enjoy its nature trails, golf course, playgrounds, tennis center, and other amenities. Rock Creek Park is managed by the National Park Service.
4. Anacostia Park
The National Park Service manages Anacostia Park, which has several recreational areas. There are also basketball and tennis courts, as well as baseball and other sports grounds. People can also roller skate, and there are yacht clubs with marinas and golf courses.
5. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens include many planted ponds along the Anacostia River, as well as Washington DC’s largest tidal marsh. In addition, the park has a variety of flora and greenery.
6. National Arboretum
Congress approved a statute establishing the National Arboretum in 1927. The National Arboretum covers 446 acres and is located northeast of the US Capitol building. Furthermore, the Arboretum contains around 800,000 plant specimens. There are also many different types of trees, plants, and other flora.
7. Potomac Park
When separated, Potomac Park becomes two parks. However, they can also be combined to form a single huge park. West Potomac Park is home to the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, as well as other national sites such as the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
The park also forms a line around the Tidal Basin, which contains cherry blossoms. East Potomac Park features a golf course, a public swimming pool, tennis courts, and many sports fields.
Conclusion
Washington, D.C.’s numerous parks, from the car-free peacefulness of Theodore Roosevelt Island to the bustling National Zoological Park and enormous Rock Creek Park, add to the city’s complex fabric. Anacostia Park provides recreational opportunities, Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens highlight natural beauty, and the National Arboretum is a living witness to plant life.