“Your browser is not supported for this experience.” So begins one of the few facts we know about Southside Park. Unfortunately, I do not have enough information to tell you much about the park itself. I can share a few details about other parks in the area, but these may not be relevant to Southside Park specifically.
The Yards Park, for example, is closely linked to the Washington Navy Yard. It sits on land added to the Navy Yard in 1916. This addition was a reaction to World War I. The land became surplus in the early 1960s. It was then transferred to the General Services Administration or GSA. Some historic buildings from that time still stand around the park. They echo its naval origins.
In 2003, GSA awarded the 42-acre riverfront site to Forest City Washington. This was for a new urban mixed-use development. The Anacostia Watershed Initiative envisioned a waterfront park. This park would be at the center of the redevelopment. This vision became The Yards Park. It is a 5.4-acre open space. Yards Park was completed in 2010. The Capitol Riverfront BID maintains it for the District.
The park’s operating budget is over $1 million annually. This covers maintenance, programming, security, and even renovation. These funds come primarily from a portion of sales tax. The tax is from the adjacent Lumber Shed restaurants. Private contributions, program sponsorships, and event lease revenue also contribute.
Yards Park hosts many events. During the summertime, the Friday Night Concert Series is popular. It attracts around 3,000 people weekly. Free fitness classes along the river’s edge are also available. The Yards Park has hosted large festivals like Tour de Fat and the DC Jazz Festival. Smaller private events and weddings also take place there. An area of the park is always kept open to the public, even during events.
Another park in the area invested $3.5M to implement the first phase of the Town Center Parks Plan. This park has a duck pond with 20 ducks. It also celebrates with a Duck Pond Party. This party features art, music, and duck-friendly snacks. The Peace Garden at Syphax features a mural by Rose Jaffe. The artwork connects micro and macro elements. It also honors Jeanette J. Epps, a NASA astronaut.
While these details paint a picture of parks in the region, information specific to Southside Park remains elusive. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you more about Southside Park at this time, since the available information is too limited.