1 minute read

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Park Spotlight

from Chesapeake Family July 2023

from Chesapeake Family July 2023, page 28

go out

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is a small park, only 8.5 acres, but it is packed full of wonderous things. It’s an oasis of open space filled with ponds and water flowers adjacent to the Anacostia River. The longest trail is only .5 miles and flat, so everyone can enjoy the park, but don’t let the small size hold you back, you can spend a day observing everything within the park.

The Nacotchtank people were the original residents living along the Anacostia. By 1921 there was a water garden operating as a commercial enterprise where Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is now located. Dredging of the Anacostia threatened the gardens until finally in 1938 Congress allocated $15,000 to purchase the land and establish the park.

More than forty ponds dot the park and they are filled with beautiful lily and lotus flowers. Paths surround the ponds allowing visitors to closely view the flowers. A boardwalk, with overlooks, leads to marshes surrounding the ponds. Birds are very happy living around the park. Stand or sit still for a few minutes and you will observe a many different birds. We saw a Great Blue Heron, Field Oriole, Red-winged Black Bird and lots of other species. Rangers can be found walking the paths and are happy to show you points of interest. Check the website for regularly scheduled bird walks, painting classes, and volunteer cleanups.

There’s a .25 mile dirt path that leads to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, 12 miles of paved paths that wind through the woods, and along the river. It’s great for biking and walking. Dogs are allowed on a leash. There’s a great spot where the trail from Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens intersects with Anacostia Riverwalk Trail to sit along the banks of the Anacostia and watch kayakers.