National Park Service Approves Potomac River Recreation Zone In Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, DC — The National Park Service approved a plan for a project that will establish a Potomac River recreation zone that more fully supports non-motorized recreation, such as canoeing, kayaking, rowing and paddle boarding, they announced Monday.

NPS National Capital Regional Director Bob Vogel signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Georgetown Nonmotorized Boathouse Zone Development Plan and Environmental Assessment, including development of a boating zone and related park improvements along the DC side of the Potomac River in the Georgetown area.

"The FONSI is based on a preferred alternative that includes proposed changes that respect the historic character, natural resources and existing recreational uses of Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Rock Creek Park while providing substantial improvements to the waterfront," the press release states.

National Park Service officials believe non-motorized boating facilities are needed in Georgetown because of their increasing popularity and the currently limited public access points. Officials also think there's insufficient capacity at the current boathouse facilities.

The plan suggests two new facilities be built east of the aqueduct along Water Street NW. It also calls for an expanded kayak rental facility, a proposed reconfiguration of the streetscape to improve the connections of the Capital Crescent Trail and Georgetown Waterfront Park and access to the private properties in the zone.

There's no exact timetable of when the project will start or end, according to the press release.

Photo: John Weiss/Flickr