Washington, DC
2020 ParkScore® ranking: #2
Our analysis is based on four characteristics of an effective park system:
access, investment, acreage, and amenities.
How we calculated Washington, DC’s ParkScore rating:
Access
98 out of 100
Acreage
55 out of 100
Investment
100 out of 100
Amenities
80 out of 100
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How does it work?
Cities can earn a maximum ParkScore rating of 100.
In evaluating park systems, we include land owned by all public agencies within the 100 most populous U.S. cities that functions as a park. ParkScore index methodology
We're working to ensure there's a park within a 10-minute walk of home
of every person, in every neighborhood, in every city across America.
Is Washington, DC meeting that goal?
98%
of residents live within a 10 minute walk of a park.
National average 55%
Percent of residents within a
10-minute walk of a park by age
Children (0 - 19)
Adults (20 - 64)
Seniors (65+)
Percent of residents within a
10-minute walk of a park by income
Percent of residents within a 10-minute walk of a park by race/ethnicity
24%
of Washington, DC's city land is used for parks and recreation.
National median 15%
Where in Washington, DC are parks needed most?
Washington, DC has 631 parks
We’ve mapped park access in 14,000 cities and towns across the country. Our free mapping platform helps you pinpoint where to focus park investments in your city.
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See Washington, DC's Map
Washington, DC Park Amenities Compared to the 100 Largest U.S. Cities
Basketball Hoops
87 th percentile
6.3 per 10,000 people
Dog Parks
78 th percentile
2 per 100,000 people
Playgrounds
25 th percentile
1.9 per 10,000 people
Bathrooms
75 th percentile
2.6 per 10,000 people
Recreation and Senior Centers
97 th percentile
2.2 per 20,000 people
Splashpads
84 th percentile
4.1 per 100,000 people
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ParkServe methodology
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Park summary for Washington, DC
All park access data for the U.S.
2020 City Park Facts
Parkscore ranking analysis
Mayor Muriel Bowser has pledged to adopt long-term, system-wide strategies to make sure every Washington, DC resident has access to all the benefits parks provide.
"I have endorsed the vision that everyone deserves a park or open space within a 10-minute walk of home." — Mayor Bowser
Learn about the 10-Minute Walk campaign
We’re helping people connect with nature near you
Fitness Zone in use at park
Learn More
Anacostia Park Fitness Station

In Southeast Washington, D.C., the CDC estimates obesity rates to be higher than in the district as a whole. In these neighborhoods, safe and healthy places to exercise are scarce-and many residents cannot afford private gym fees. To address this shortage, as part of our National Fitness Zone®...Read more