Burke Park

A Piece of History in Downtown DC

A bronze statue of Edmund Burke, the English philosopher and statesman who voiced support for the American colonies during their revolutionary struggle, anchors the eastern end of this small downtown park. Sculpted by J. Harvard Thomas, the monument has watched over the grounds since its installation in 1922.

Burke Park (officially Reservation 68) sits framed by Massachusetts Avenue to the north, L Street to the south, and 11th and 12th Streets on the east and west sides, offering a quiet moment of green amid the urban landscape of Washington, D.C.

Breathing New Life into a Classic Space

Spring 2012 brought a fresh chapter to Burke Park through a collaborative effort between Casey Trees, the DC Office of Planning, National Park Service, and the Downtown BID. This partnership resulted in the planting of several trees, adding much-needed greenery to this urban sanctuary.

The National Park Service has taken care to rehabilitate the park while preserving its historical essence. Rather than strictly adhering to a specific historical layout, the renovation thoughtfully reflects planting arrangements from both the 1920s and 1940s eras.

You'll notice the restored street buffers along the park's edges, creating a gentle transition from sidewalk to park space. The renovation also introduced hardier plant species better suited to today's urban growing conditions - a practical touch that ensures this green space thrives for years to come.

Looking across the small park from Massachusetts Avenue

Photo: Patrick Nouhailler (CC BY-SA 2.0)

A Downtown Breather

Despite its modest size, Burke Park is a pleasant green space within DC's downtown core. No matter if you're a local resident seeking a peaceful bench or a worker on lunch break needing a moment with nature, this small but thoughtful green space offers a brief escape from the city's constant motion.