Parks & Public Spaces
While NoMa is an urban neighborhood at the center of it all, it is also home to plenty of parks and open spaces that allow the community to connect and unwind.
About NoMa Parks
NoMa has seen a significant expansion of its parks and public green spaces in recent years, thanks to the NoMa Parks Foundation (NPF), established by the NoMa BID in 2012 to bring parks and public spaces to this formerly park-deficient neighborhood. NPF received $50 million from the DC government in 2013 to acquire sites, design parks, and build a network of public spaces. This investment yielded showstopper public spaces and welcoming green parks.
Alethia Tanner Park
Between Harry Thomas Way NE & The Metropolitan Branch Trail
Sitting just north of New York Avenue NE in Eckington at 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, this 2.5-acre space features an expansive green lawn, a children’s playground, a dedicated dog park, and other great amenities. This park is maintained and programmed by the NoMa BID, and is part of the DC parks system.
Swampoodle Park
Corner of 3rd & L Streets NE
This 8,000-square-foot parcel — named for the vanished 19th century neighborhood it sits near — includes a fenced dog park, a dedicated children’s play area, and public seating.
Swampoodle Terrace
Corner of 3rd & L Streets NE
Located directly across the street from Swampoodle Park, Swampoodle Terrace offers flexible space for small gatherings and performances, as well as shady spots to rest, read, or relax. A specially designed shipping container serves dual purposes as a food service window/counter as well as storage of equipment.
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson Plaza
Florida-New York Avenue NE Intersection
The reconfiguration of the Florida and New York Avenues NE intersection will create three new public spaces that will weave together neighborhoods including NoMa and Eckington, and improve cross-neighborhood connectivity. The three new public spaces, known as Mamie “Peanut” Johnson Plaza, will include trees, plants, planters, seat-walls, space for monumental public art, and other amenities that will provide accessible, useable, and restful spaces for NoMa neighbors.
NoMa Meander
North Capitol Street and First Street NE
The first phase of the NoMa Meander is now open, providing a pedestrian-retail promenade that connects M Street and Patterson Street NE, breaking up the “superblocks” created by the street grid. These large blocks, previously difficult to navigate, are now more accessible thanks to the mid-block alley system introduced by the Meander. Additional extensions of the Meander are planned to be built alongside MRP Realty’s development adjacent to the former DC Housing Authority headquarters site.
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