At this time, four types of events fit with park utilization patterns and accessibility regarding gatherings:
Weekend morning, rules-of-the-road 5K charitable walks
Pop-up brand activations using the plaza area at 3rd/Water Streets SE
Scheduled and approved morning and mid-day group fitness classes coordinated through park staff
Scheduled and approved pop-ups and programs coordinated with the Capitol Riverfront BID.
All of these events involve a fee structure and partnership that supports the maintenance of and improvements to the parks. Fee structure for walks and marketing events begin at $5,000.
Currently, neither park can support private events (including weddings), larger corporate programs, movie screenings, concerts, fashion shows, or festivals.
FOR GATHERINGS OF 25 PEOPLE OR LESS
Per DC Public Park Rules, parties of 25 or fewer people lasting less than 2 hours can be held if they meet the following requirements:
No alcohol or smoking
No commercial vendors (on-site catering, hired entertainment i.e. moon bounce, performers, etc.)
No outside tables and chairs, and use of no more than 2 park tables and 6 park chairs.
No amplified sound
The park will be used on a first-come, first-served basis.
The park will be used non-exclusively, meaning no part of the park will be closed off.
The park must be left as it was found – leave nothing behind, including decorations.
Any violation of these conditions may result in fines.
Staff and/or security in Yards Park and/or Canal Park are authorized to intervene at any time to ensure that conditions are being followed.
If your desired event exceeds these requirements or cannot proceed with the limited use of tables/chairs, Yards Park and Canal Park are not a match for your event needs.
The Parks Team will respond to all submissions within ten (10) business days. Due to our large volume of requests, this form MUST be submitted in order to receive consideration.
PLEASE NOTE:
Inquiries must be received at least one (1) month in advance for full consideration.
Events are neither confirmed nor allowed to proceed until a staff-led walk-through has taken place, a contract has been issued and signed, and the associated fees have been collected.
Estimated fees will only be given AFTER this form has been submitted and reviewed. Fee structure for walks and marketing events begin at $5,000.
Why is there a fee? All fees are used to grow, maintain, and improve the park’s beauty and functionality.
THANK YOU FOR RESPECTING THE RULES OF THE PARKS AND THEIR POPULARITY WITH PARK USERS.
RESOURCES
Event Inquiry Form
GENERAL QUESTIONS
How do I get to Yards Park?
The address for GPS is 355 Water Street SE, Washington, DC 20003.
There are many modes you can take to get to Yards Park. The Park is easily accessible via MetroRail (Green Line), Metro Bus & Capital Bikeshare, and bicycle racks are available on-site.
MetroRail (Green Line) The nearest stops are the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, New Jersey Avenue exit which brings you to the corner of M Street SE and New Jersey Avenue SE. From here, walk 1 block south on New Jersey Avenue SE, with the US Department of Transportation on your left. Turn left on Tingey Street, then right on 3rd street. This road leads directly to the park’s “dancing fountains.”
Is parking available near Yards Park
Parking lots are located between Yards Park and Nationals Ballpark, managed by ABM Parking. Availability is first-come, first-served. The rate is $2 per hour for a maximum of 3 hours, then a daily rate charges apply. These prices rise to a flat fee of $35 or more during Washington Nationals home games or other special events. For more details, visit Capitol Riverfront Public Parking. Limited metered street parking is also available.
Is the park ADA accessible?
Yes, there are ramps and sidewalks that provide wheelchair access to all areas of the park and boardwalk.
Is alcohol allowed in the park?
Alcohol is prohibited in the park in accordance with DC public park regulations.
May my dog come along to enjoy the park?
Yes, but dogs must be on a leash in the park. Furry friends can play off leashed in our fenced Dog Run, just east of the Great Lawn. Dogs are not allowed in any of the water features. As a courtesy to everyone, please clean up after your pet.
Is smoking allowed?
By DC law, smoking is prohibited in Yards Park.
Can we grill in the park?
No, we do not allow grilling or open flames in the park. Please bring a picnic instead and clean up afterwards. There are plenty of available trash bins throughout Capitol Riverfront and in the Park.
Are there restaurants where I can have a meal close to the park?
There are a large variety of restaurants near Yards Park with something for everyone. Check out Eat & Drink on the Capitol Riverfront page for a restaurant map and details.
Can we fish from the boardwalk?
No fishing is allowed.
Is WiFi available in the park?
No, there is no WiFi in the park.
Does Yards Park have a lost and found?
All lost and found items are kept at the Capitol Riverfront BID office. Contact office@capitolriverfront.org with any inquiries.
When does the park open and close?
The park opens at sunrise and closes 2 hours after sunset.
When is the Navy Yard segment of the Riverwalk open?
From sunrise to 2 hours after sunset daily, though it is sometimes closed for Navy Yard events that require security, or due to their own security concerns. You can check status of the Riverwalk on its Twitter feed:@WNYRiverwalk.
YARDS PARK RULES PROHIBIT:
Drug & alcohol use
Grilling, barbecuing, and/or any use of open flames
Smoking
Skateboarding or roller-blading
Bike riding; please dismount from your bike
Camping or sleeping overnight
Entering plantings or picking flowers
Using more than one seat on a bench designed for sharing
Letting your dog off-leash except in the dog run; clean-up is required in all areas
Organized sports without a Yards Park rental permit
Entering, swimming in, or fishing in the river
Sitting or standing on the railings
Laying plastic tarp on the lawn
Feeding pigeons and other animals
Rummaging in trash receptacles
Amplified music of any kind
Obstructing park entrances & walkways
Tents, tables, hammocks, or other additional furniture without a Yards Park rental permit; blankets and low-back folding lawn chairs are allowed
Performances, fitness classes, or any commercial activity without a Yards Park rental permit; visit our website for more information on park events
Unattended items; due to security regarding nearby government facilities, items may be removed
Chalk use on park surfaces, including the boardwalk
WATER FEATURE RULES:
The Yards Park Canal Basin is not a pool. Entering, wading, swimming & bathing prohibited.
No running around water
No animals are permitted in the water.
Food, drink, and glass are not allowed in the water feature area.
Children under 12 years old must have adult supervision.
No smoking is allowed.
No improper conduct. Patrons must abide by posted rules and may be asked to leave if rules are broken.
No night use allowed.
Dial 911 for emergencies.
Water source for water features is chlorinated DC water but not for drinking.
The Yards Park is closely linked with that of the neighboring Washington Navy Yard, located just to the east of the Park. The Yards Park is situated on land added to the Navy Yard in 1916 in reaction to World War I. The land was later deemed surplus in the early 1960s and transferred to the General Services Administration (GSA). Some of the historic buildings of the time still exist around the park and echo its Naval origins.
Following the Southeast Federal Center Public-Private Development Act of 2000, GSA awarded the 42-acre riverfront site to Forest City Washington for a new urban mixed-use development in 2003. The Anacostia Watershed Initiative, a large planning effort by the District and others, envisioned a waterfront park at the center of the redevelopment of this new mixed-use development. That vision became The Yards Park – a 5.4 acre open space that was a critical component of the development process for the larger 42 acre sub-neighborhood. Yards Park was completed in 2010 and is maintained for the District by the Capitol Riverfront BID.
The park’s operating budget is now over $1 million annually and provides for maintenance, programming, security and even renovation. These funds are derived primarily from the District foregoing a portion of sales tax on the adjacent Lumber Shed restaurants, but also from private contributions, program sponsorships and lease revenue for events held in Yards Park.
While most often an open park space for the enjoyment of neighbors and nearby employees – the programming in the park has taken many forms. During the summertime, the Friday Night Concert Series has swelled in size from a few hundred nearby neighbors to a weekly gathering of close to 3,000 people with acts that attract people to the neighborhood from around the region. Free fitness classes along the river’s edge provide a unique way to start or end a day.
As a destination venue, The Yards Park has repeatedly hosted large festivals such as Tour de Fat and DC Jazz Festival as well as smaller private events and even weddings. The revenue derived from these events is an important component of the park’s annual budget. While portions of the park can be closed for events, an area is always kept open and accessible to the public.