Oxon Run Parkway

Natural Beauty

Set in DC's southeast corner, the 126-acre Oxon Run Parkway offers a surprisingly diverse landscape. The parkway follows Oxon Run stream with its winding channels, sprawling sandbars, little islands, and deep, reflective pools. If you wander near Southern Avenue, you'll discover a pristine upland forest where beech trees tower overhead and mountain laurel creates a lush understory.

The parkway contains a rare magnolia bog, where delicate ferns cover the forest floor. Unlike other streams in Ward 8, Oxon Run charts its own path, flowing into the Potomac River rather than joining the Anacostia.

A Glimpse into the Past

The land has stories to tell. Part of what's now peaceful parkland once served as the Camp Simms military reservation. Keen-eyed visitors might spot remnants of a World War II-era shooting range tucked away in the woods - quiet reminders of the area's military history.

Today, the parkway shares borders with United Medical Center and THEARC, a vibrant center for arts and education in Ward 8. It connects the neighborhoods of Congress Heights, Shipley Terrace, and Washington Highlands, while also marking DC's boundary with Maryland.

Environmental Challenges

Oxon Run itself has witnessed significant transformation over time. What was once a naturally meandering stream with gentle riffles, pools, and a sandy bed has been altered by flood control projects and increasing urbanization throughout its watershed.

Many of the stream's tributaries now flow through storm drains rather than open channels. The parkway also faces ongoing challenges with litter along its edges, which unfortunately often makes its way into the stream.

Green Space for All

Despite these challenges, the parkway provides crucial green space for surrounding communities. Its trails invite hiking and running, while quiet corners offer perfect spots for contemplation or connecting with nature. It's also becoming an outdoor classroom for environmental education.

There's hope on the horizon, too. The DC Department of Energy and Environment is researching and planning a restoration project that would remove concrete channeling in sections of Oxon Run, recreating a more natural, meandering streambed similar to what exists in the National Park Service portion.

Community Connection

Local residents have made this park their own. A thriving community garden adds vibrant greenery while providing growing space for nearby residents. Weekends transform the park into an impromptu social hub where you'll often find neighbors enjoying music and strengthening community bonds.

You can find some playground equipment throughout the area, but it could use some TLC in places. Despite maintenance challenges, Oxon Run Parkway remains an important recreational and social space for the surrounding neighborhoods.