Back in the late 1800's, the federal government was looking for a guy to design an urban oasis in the nation's capital. So they tapped Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed New York's Central Park. Rock Creek flows into the Potomac in Georgetown, and the park follows Rock Creek Valley up into suburban Gaithersburg.
The creek gets its name from, well, rocks! There are lots of them along the creek bed. Some of them were used to construct a narrow bridge that I cross several times a week driving from my house to points north. This photo is courtesy of the National Park Service.
Where I live, I have to use Rock Creek Parkway every day to drive to work and to listings across town. I took this photo from the Buffalo Bridge in Georgetown. It's an incredibly beautiful drive during every season of the year.
The park has a nature center, stables where city people can take riding lessons, a mill, and a bunch of make out spots - one of them near this tree! Looks like generations of sweeties have carved their initials in this tree!
Another important part of the park is the National Zoo, which you can reach from Beach Drive. In addition to the zoo critters, there are large populations of deer, coyotes and now some foxes.
On weekends, large sections of Beach Drive, a major traffic artery through the park, are closed off for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. There is also a tennis stadium and the Carter Baron Amphitheater, which is deserving of a blog post of its own!
Patricia, I had no idea there was an urban oasis like this in Washington DC. I expect it is a much needed oasis with all the hustle and bustle.
This is one of my favorite parts of D.C. I usually go to the Kennedy Center and the zoo that way rather than the more trafficked routes. You're fortunate to have more excuses to take that beautiful drive - but then, I get to show property on the Chesapeake Bay tomorrow. 'Guess we're BOTH pretty lucky! By the way, I used to live about a block from the Carter Barron - 16th and Colorado, not too far from your house. I enjoyed just watching the people who parked nearby and walked to the park... Who needs tickets for the show!
Pat, Thanks for posting this blog on RCP. Brings back precious memories of my days at GWU! The park was such a tranquil escape and a romantic place for a walk with the beau du jour. LOL!
Ginger
Patricia - You're putting your camera to beautiful use--the photos are lovely.
I ran a 10 miler through Rock Creek park early in my running career. It was a beautiful run and challenging with the hills.
This is indeed a beautiful area of the city!