A Green Stream Valley with Recreation Amenities to Serve Surrounding Communities

Project Overview

Formerly known as Watts Branch Park, the newly revitalized Marvin Gaye Park will provide an inviting and attractive natural environment with recreational amenities that enhance the surrounding urban neighborhood. The park occupies a mile-long stretch of green stream valley along Watts Branch—the largest tributary to the Anacostia River within the District of Columbia.

The park will include a recreation trail, a restored stream and ponds, and woods and gardens for both wildlife and people to enjoy. Working in partnership with the District’s Department of Parks and Recreation and Washington Parks and People, the District is coordinating improvements to the park that will include a rejuvenated stream bed, development of a bicycle trail, and improvements to the pedestrian bridges. A model of sustainable design, the park will also protect the stream from stormwater runoff and make use of renewable resources. The District is also organizing capital improvements to two important park nodes and providing funding to the DC Water and Sewer Authority for the first phase of sewer repairs.