Meridian Hill Park050

Meridian Hill Park, also known as Malcolm X Park, is 12 beautiful acres bordered by 16th, Euclid, 15th, and W Streets, NW. Purchased as park land in 1910, but not complete until 1936, Meridian Hill is styled as an Italian garden. At the top of the park are two long, grassy fields bordered by a concrete path. Here you will find pick-up soccer and frisbee games, joggers, dog walkers, and couples strolling, as well as children running around and riding tricycles and bicycles. As you approach a terrace overlook, there is a large stage (also a favorite with the children) and a beautiful statue of Joan of Arc - the only equestrian statue of a woman in DC. Meandering outer paths reveal other statues, notably one of Dante.

Descending from the upper area, and flanked by wide staircases, are thirteen basin cascade fountains that form the center of the lower level formal garden. Each cascade bowl flows to a larger bowl as they descend to the bottom. Water fills one bowl, overflowing into the next, until it reaches the large reflecting pool in the plaza. This park is truly a gem in the heart of the city. On Sunday afternoons, listen to the sounds of the Malcolm X Drummers, who have been jamming at the park for over 30 years.