(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser announced that the National Park Service (NPS) and the United States Park Police (USPP) will close Beach Drive in Rock Creek Park and roads in Anacostia Park and Fort Dupont Park to vehicle traffic so that residents can access these roads for essential exercise.
Beach Drive, which is already closed to traffic on the weekends, will keep closures in effect through Thursday, April 30. The USPP and NPS staff will monitor park use as well as guest compliance with social distancing. Some parking areas may temporarily close as needed to minimize congestion.
Anacostia Park and Fort Davis Drive in Fort Dupont Park will be closed to traffic daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. This schedule will remain in effect through Thursday, April 30. The Metropolitan Police Department will handle the closures on Sunday, April 12 and Monday, April 13, with USPP taking over the responsibility on Tuesday, April 14 through Thursday, April 30.
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency continues, a stay-at-home order remains in effect. DC residents should only leave home for essential activities. Residents who leave home for essential activities must practice proper social distancing and stay six feet apart from people not in their household.
For more information on the District’s response, visit coronavirus.dc.gov.