The District of Columbia has reached a shared agreement with Georgetown University and the National Park Service to push forward the expansion of public waterfront access and outdoor recreational opportunities along the Georgetown Waterfront. As declared in the joint statement released today, the agreement sets the stage for the development of a new Georgetown University Boathouse and enhanced public access to the Potomac River.
In a notable exchange of land and responsibilities, Georgetown University will donate a portion of its property along the river to the National Park Service, with the intention of being incorporated into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Concurrently, the National Park Service will shift the control of two plots near the Key Bridge over to the District. The site west of the bridge will be handed over to Georgetown University for the new boathouse, while the site east of the Key Bridge is slated for improved public waterfront access. According to a statement from the Mayor's office, an easement along the Capital Crescent Trail will be dispensed with once the land transfer is complete, allowing the public uninterrupted use of the trail.
Mayor Muriel Bowser hailed the cooperative initiative, saying, "I am proud to lead a city that works hand-in-hand with our partners to bring long-envisioned projects to life." She emphasized that the new boathouse and the subsequent planning for increased waterfront access represent an asset to the community, offering opportunities for both residents and visitors to connect with the river.
The benefits of this development are multifaceted. The National Park Service sees this transition as a balance between conservation and recreational access. Regional Director Jennifer T. Nersesian was quoted in the same mayor’s office statement, "By clearing the path for a long-envisioned boathouse, we’re supporting outdoor recreation and environmental education." The University’s commitment to provide public year-round access to their docks for activities like kayaking and paddle boarding broadens the community's engagement with the waterfront and introduces more to the sport of rowing.
These initiatives are set to replace existing structures, freeing up space at Thompson’s Boathouse for other DC-area high school and collegiate teams. Georgetown University's new boathouse will specifically accommodate both its men's and women’s rowing teams, thereby enriching the university’s athletic program and providing greater access to the city's sporting community.
