This won't be one of DC's best kept secrets forever. Yards Park is a gem in Southeast DC. It is a few blocks from Nationals Park and about a 5 minutes' walk from the Navy Yard Metro station. Yards Park gives any DC park a run for its money including two of my favorites Meridian Hill and Georgetown Waterfront. The rest of the neighborhood development, also named "The Yards," is slowly taking shape, but the park stands mostly alone for now for public attractions in near SE.
Here are a few photos that don't really do the park --developed through a public/private partnership-- much justice at all. The landscaping, seating, views and amenities help create several distinct "neighborhoods" including a wading pool & waterfall, terraced lawn, forested lounge area, shaded Anacostia River overlook, and boardwalk. It is also part of the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail (PDF). This place is ready and waiting for the crowds, retail and special events. Really amazing. Get down there before summer is over and before the rest of the metro area catches on to this great addition to DC's public spaces.
