THE YARDS PARK AMERICAN

The Yards Park is the green jewel in the new Capitol Riverfront redevelopment
neighborhood near the Washington Nationals Stadium. The site, along the
Anacostia River in southeast Washington, was originally a manufacturing annex
of the Washington Navy Yard. Many old warehouse buildings surround the park,
contributing an industrial character to the area. Major features like the riverfront
boardwalk and 200-foot steel pedestrian bridge are links in the Anacostia
Riverwalk Trail system. Designed by M. Paul Friedberg and Partners, the park has
become an important catalyst in the emerging network of D.C. riverfront public
space by promoting an accessible and economically viable waterfront.

By celebrating water in its many forms, the Yards Park is a wonderful example of
how a collection of large scale public landscape rooms with different characters
and uses can create a sense of place. Each landscape feature transitions into the
next with a considered focus on materials and plantings that complement their
riverside context.

The centerpiece of the development is the Yards Park, which forms a portion of
the Anacostia Riverwalk. it is a waterfront recreation area, boardwalk, and
outdoor performance space at the center of The Yards development. It was built
as a public-private partnership between the District government, the General
Services Administration, and Forest City Washington development company. The
park is operated by the Capitol Riverfront BID and has won several design and
urban planning awards since it opened in 2010.
A. The Entrance

Entrance to the Yards Park on Water Street SE at 3rd Street SE. A concrete
paver pattern of strongly contrasting colors effectively draws visitors to
the park entrance. The glass guardrail behind the fountain allows a
glimpse of more water ahead and frames the view through the bridge to
the river.

B. A Visual Connection

A cooling wall of water cascades from the entry fountain, forming a

walkthrough tunnel. It flows into the shallow canal basin, creating a visual
connection between water elements that will be repeated when the
Anacostia River comes into view. This fresh water pool is a must to splash
around in on a hot summer day.
C. Opportunities for Interactive Experiences

The canal basin is a reference to the historic canal that ran from the
Anacostia River to the U.S. Capitol; it was a strong design element in the
LEnfant plan. Large concrete disks placed throughout the basin like giant
lily pads in a pond are perfect for wading. They tempt visitors to engage
with the water, creating opportunities for an interactive experience in the
park.

D. A Landmark

The pedestrian bridge is a beautiful sculptural element spanning the canal

basin. It is the iconic feature of Yards Park and will become a link for
present and future trails along the waterfront. Not only does it physically
connect the overlook and great lawn areas, it is a prominent landmark,
visually orienting visitors to their location in the park.
E. A More Intimate Space

River Street Gardens is a leafy respite on the east side of the park covered
with lush plantings and cut through with walking trails. River birches shade
small seating areas furnished with benches that face the river. This more
intimate section of the park is a great contrast to the large open lawn
space that can seat hundreds.

F. Continuity of Materials

This bench in River Street Gardens is a great example of the attention to

detail in the park. Wood and granite are used frequently in different ways
to create space and tie the garden rooms of the park together. The
continuity of materials creates a real sense of place as visitors see the
same materials repeated in both large and small spaces.

G. Like Tall Ship Sails

 The overlook is a structured area with movable furniture that
accommodates large groups or small gatherings. It has a great view of the
river and the boardwalk that runs the length of the park. The canvas
canopy is reminiscent of tall ship sails and creates a prominent focal point
at the end of the bridge.

H. The Boardwalk

View from the overlook over the terraced lawn and riverfront boardwalk.
The terraced lawn is a series of wide grass steps with granite risers leading
down to the boardwalk. The wide mile-boardwalk runs the entire length
of the park and connects to the Navy Yard Riverwalk Trail. An interesting
design element is the metal cablerail support at the waters edge. Concerts
are held under a large tent on the boardwalk and the lawn steps make a
comfortable place to sit and enjoy the music.
I. Planted Joints

This casual path leads visitors to the end of the park and the Riverwalk Trail
bridge that connects to Diamond Teague Park. The paving with planted
joints complements other structured site paving but gives this area a less
urban feeling. The 60-foot light tower in the background marks the west
end of the boardwalk. It was designed by artist Jamie Carpenter and is
illuminated at night.

J. Lighting

Lighting or illumination is the deliberate use of light to achieve a practical

or aesthetic effect. Lighting includes the use of both artificial light sources
like lamps and light fixtures, as well as natural illumination by capturing
daylight. Daylighting (using windows, skylights, or light shelves) is
sometimes used as the main source of light during daytime in buildings.
This can save energy in place of using artificial lighting, which represents a
major component of energy consumption in buildings. Proper lighting can
enhance task performance, improve the appearance of an area, or have
positive psychological effects on occupants.