East Potomac Park

East Potomac Park is a 394-acre park situated on a constructed island between the Washington Channel and Potomac River, southeast of the Jefferson Memorial. The grounds feature open green spaces, waterside paths, and multiple sports facilities distributed across the island.

The park originated in the 1880s through a land reclamation project undertaken by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which created 730 acres of new terrain along the riverfront. This reshaping of the waterfront was part of a broader effort to improve the city's access to the river.

The park features multiple sports facilities, including a golf course, tennis courts, and athletic fields that serve the Washington D.C. community throughout the year.

The park is accessible via Ohio Drive SW and is open daily from 6 AM to midnight for visitors to enjoy. The DC Circulator's National Mall Route connects the park to other central locations in the city.

The grounds contain roughly 1,800 Japanese cherry trees lining Ohio Drive, planted during the Johnson administration that bloom each spring and line the waterfront paths. These trees are the result of a historical gift from the Japanese government and have shaped the park's appearance for many decades.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1834

Operator: National Park Service

Part of: East and West Potomac Parks Historic District

GPS coordinates: 38.87000,-77.02600

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03