Kenilworth Project

In the late 1870’s, Walter Shaw, a government clerk, purchased a parcel of land on the eastern side of the Anacostia River. Originally from Maine, Shaw fought in the Union Army and lost his right arm in the Civil War. Shaw would have returned home after the war but the harsh winters caused him severe phantom limb pain. Feeling quite homesick, he arranged for some of the flora from his home state to be sent down to DC. In preparation, he began to dig (with one hand) numerous ponds and built a series of beautiful aquatic gardens. The water lilies he planted attracted thousands of people from all over the country. Shaw passed away in 1921 and his daughter cared for the aquatic gardens until the National Park Service eventually bought the land in 1938. Today, Shaw’s gardens are known as Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Regretfully the park doesn't receive the attention or federal funding that the National Mall, Rock Creek Park, and other National Park Service sites in the district, and therefore they really depend on their volunteers. Everyone did fantastic work on the maintenance shed back in June. We replaced the rotten roof, siding, and parts of the truss and frame. It was hard work in hot weather! Now that all the hard work has been completed now comes the fun work. We will be painting the shed that the Platoon worked so hard on. The National Park Service also has some work to be done in their aquatic gardens so be ready to put some waders on and have some fun in the ponds. Looking forward to seeing you all on the 14th!

Type

Service Project

What To Wear

We will be painting so wear clothes you don't really care about getting dirty!

What to Bring

We will provide gloves and the National Park Service will provide any gear needed to go into the ponds.

Inclement Weather

Since we are painting the project will be postponed in the event of severe rain.