True to its name, Canal Park sits on the site of the former Washington Canal, the historic waterway engineered in 1810 by Benjamin Latrobe that once connected the Anacostia River to the core of the District. The design of the park recalls the site’s history of both recreation and infrastructure and includes three pavilions that pay homage to shipping barges that once floated through the canal, connecting the neighborhood to its commercial past. Unconventional seating structures and a grand mezzanine overlooks the entire site, enabling visitors to forge personal connections with the space. The fully integrated design team developed curved benches, looping sculptures, relaxing lawns and contemporary pavilions. Thoughtfully composed, these elements create an elegant contrast and seamless integration of nature and architecture.

Canal Park was designed to be used and enjoyed throughout all four seasons of the year. In winter months it is transformed into a skating rink, and in summer fountains are dispersed throughout, inviting children, families, and the occasional neighborhood employee out to enjoy this neighborhood park. This year‑round use maintains Canal Park’s status as a destination in Washington, DC.

Canal Park is a model of sustainability, exploring the creative, cutting‑edge of energy efficiency and stormwater management while reducing the park’s overall energy consumption by 37%.

Sustainable features include:

• Full Cut‑Off Site Lighting
• Street tabled to slow car movement
• Native and adapted vegetation
• Shading with vegetation
• Vehicle battery charging
• Light‑colored landscape
• Rain garden for rainwater runoff storage and treatment (first flush)
• Stormwater collected from site runoff / adjacent parcel
• Stormwater storage tank for irrigation use
• Green roof for high‑performing envelope
• Sustainable black locust wood
• Recycling / compost collection
• Recycled content in precast and super‑structure
• Operable windows for natural ventilation