Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reserve a group picnic area?

Fort Dupont has three picnic areas that can be reserved for use by groups between May and September of each year.

Picnic Area #47 at Randle Circle: capacity of 75 people

Picnic Area #47A at Randle Circle: capacity of 50 people

Historic Earthwork (Lanham Estates) Picnic Area on Alabama Avenue: capacity of 75 people

Restrooms are located in each of these areas.

To make a group picnic reservation, please contact the D.C. Department of Parks & Recreation at [phone].

In addition, the Fort Circle Parks in National Capital Parks--East feature non-reserved, first-come, first-served picnic areas at the following locations: Randle Circle, Ridge Picnic Area, Bruce Place, Fort Place (in front of the Anacostia Museum), and in Fort Chaplin Park (on Texas Avenue, SE, between B and C Streets, SE).

How can I reserve a recreational field?

Fort Dupont Park features a multipurpose field, tennis courts, a basketball court, and a baseball diamond. All of these fields and courts are located along Ely Place between Minnesota Avenue, SE and Ridge Road. In addition, there is a multipurpose field located in Fort Mahan Park (the access road is located across from the corner of 42^nd Street, NE and Eads Street, NE).

Groups that would like to make arrangements to reserve any of these courts or fields for group practice or play should contact the permit coordinator at [phone]. Completion of an application for a special use permit and adherence to park regulations is required.

How do I make arrangements to hold a special event in the park?

Permit applications and guidelines for special events are available through the Park Programs Office in the National Capital Region of the National Park Service. The office can be reached at [phone].

Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, no earlier than one year in advance of the proposed event. Applications must be received at least 48 hours in advance of the proposed activity.

Specific questions about special event regulations in any of the Fort Circle Parks, including Fort Dupont Park, within National Capital Parks--East may be directed to the permit coordinator or site manager at [phone].

How can I obtain a permit for a community garden plot?

The Fort Dupont Community Gardens are located at the corner of Fort Dupont and Fort Davis Drives. Applications for permits are granted after attendance at a garden orientation session at the beginning of each year. Please contact the community gardens coordinator at [phone] for additional information.