Constructed atop pillars that once supported the long-abandoned 11th Street freeway bridge, the bridge’s sloping x-shape encourages people to interact. Its unique shape encourages communal interaction in gathering spaces like theaters and cafes that a flat plane would not.
The cross-river connection point allows pedestrians easy movement across the Anacostia River and serves as a place for meeting and relaxing. It will feature art exhibits, lawns and gardens, and an environmental center, sponsored by Exelon.
The state-of-the-art Exelon Environmental Education Center, complete with solar panels powered by Constellation, another Exelon company, will anchor the east side of the park, adjacent to Anacostia Drive and easily accessible via kayak docks and other transport. Plans are still in development, but visitors could find EV charging stations sponsored by Pepco, which is the local Exelon utility company, interactive kiosks, demonstration stations and multifunctional rooms designed to tell the rich history of the Anacostia River and spark conversation about environmental health, including clean technology.
Exelon believes in powering a cleaner and brighter future for our customers and communities through contributions like the 11th Street Bridge Park.
