Trail is Integral to Buzzard Point Park Plans

Buzzard Point Park, a two-block section of waterfront at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers, will soon become a part of the Anacostia River Trail network. National Park Service (NPS) is looking for feedback on two concepts for the Buzzard Point Development Concept Site Plan. The agency is looking for your feedback, and the deadline is January 27. Share your thoughts with NPS here.

Concepts for Buzzard Point Park, courtesy of National Park Service.

WABA is pleased to see that the Anacostia Riverwalk (an urban segment of the entire Anacostia River Trail system) was a prominent element of both concepts. With development plans adding more than a thousand new residents to the neighborhood, increasing non-motorized transportation options is critical to the design of Buzzard Point Park. A connected trail that links into the street network is a vital piece of the park’s design, and we applaud NPS for including the Anacostia Riverwalk as a prominent feature. Elements of the design concepts that WABA supports:
  • Inclusion of the Anacostia Riverwalk. WABA believes that the trail is a community asset and integration into Buzzard Point Park will enhance both the park and the trail.
  • Trail user separation. Providing the trail and an additional pedestrian promenade separated by landscaping lessens the chance for negative interactions between trail users. WABA supports providing this dedicated space for pedestrians.
  • Width of the trail. WABA appreciates that the width of the trail will be 20 feet and encourage NPS to maintain that width.
Which of these two concepts do you like best? Tell NPS what you think!

Concept 1, courtesy of National Park Service. The trail and pedestrian promenade are within the park.

Concept 2, courtesy of National Park Service. The trail is offshore, elevated over the Anacostia River, while the pedestrian promenade stays on shore.

Concept 1 and 2 both include elements that are essential for successful multi-use trails. This includes suitable width for an urban trail (both concepts have a 20-foot wide trail) and separate space for bicyclists and pedestrians. Both concepts include a pedestrian promenade that is distinct from the trail. Which of the two concepts do you prefer? Submit your comments to NPS before January 27 at 11:59 pm EST. (Want more information about the plans for Buzzard Point? You can find additional resources on the project website, here.)

Page last updated by Colin Browne on January 23, 2017.