An Early Look at Georgetown's Emerging New Park

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WASHINGTON HAS LONG neglected its riverfront space. Cities like Chicago, San Francisco and especially nearby Baltimore have made heavy commercial and recreational use of land with watery views, but D.C. had been slow to follow suit.

The new Nationals stadium along the banks of the Anacostia and changes along the shore in Southwest, however, show that that trend is shifting. And so now one of the most glaring riverfront missed opportunities — the soulless parking lot that sprawled on prime property between posh Georgetown and the Potomac — is also getting a makeover.

Construction on what will be known as the Georgetown Waterfront Park began earlier this year. It's expected to wrap up by fall 2009, WTOP radio reports.

The new space will span 10 acres from the Washington Harbour commercial complex to the Key Bridge, include features like a fountain, a labyrinth and trails for walkers and bikers, and create "the vital last link in 225 miles of parkland from Mt. Vernon, Virginia, to Cumberland, Maryland," the park's Web site says.

Want to learn more? There will be an open house at the site on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

» "Work Underway to Create D.C.'s Largest New Park" [WTOP]
» "The Final Jewel, Georgetown Waterfront Park" [Official site]

Image courtesy the National Park Service