The fun thing about going to Washington DC's extraordinary Capitol Hill Parks is their wide range of choices to visit. The Folger, Lincoln, Marion, and Stanton Parks are beautifully designed for pleasure and enjoyment, with their aesthetic and historical additions dating back to Pierre L'Enfant's original designs in 1790. Considered as the main framework of the capital city of our new nation, L'Enfant's plans are still considered one of the greatest landmarks of the day.
What is enjoyed today by so many are part of his overall plan—the parks themselves, medians, squares, circles, and triangles of the park's evolution and modifications—all completed in 1901 by the McMillan Commission. Included in the area between 2nd Streets NE and SE to the Anacostia River of the city, are the Maryland Avenue Triangles, the Pennsylvania Avenue Medians, the Eastern Market Metro Station, the Poto mac Avenue Metro Station, Seward Square, Twining Square, in addition to 59 of the inner-city triangles and squares. Community-based, appropriate public enjoyment is a heart-felt goal which involves leisurely recreation facilities.
Thousands of visitors a year are attracted to the larger parks of Lincoln and Stanton, where the city provides special events and First Amendment commemorative activities. Additionally, Capitol Hill Parks serve as parking areas and greenways to the surrounding public. With tours provided upon request, other activities involve the annual wreath-laying commemoration of Mary McLeod Bethune—an African American who was born into slavery out of 17 children. Rising as one of the greatest educators of our country, she won the Haitian Medal of Honor and Merit in 1949, became an advisor to several United States presidents, and was considered a champion of racial equality during a time when it did not exist.
Requiring permits to any specific activity or an event requires a written application received by the Regional Director at a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
