Dawson Terrace Playground

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Parks

District-Of-Columbia

Nearby: Archbold Parkway Chesapeake And Ohio Canal National Historic Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Dawson Terrace Playground is a popular park located in Arlington County, Virginia, which is part of the Washington, D.C.

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Summary

metropolitan area. It offers a range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy, including sports courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Potomac River.

One of the main reasons to visit Dawson Terrace Playground is its location. It is situated in a quiet residential neighborhood, which makes it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is also close to several popular attractions, including the National Mall, the Smithsonian Museums, and the Arlington National Cemetery.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at Dawson Terrace Playground include the multiple playgrounds for kids, basketball and tennis courts for sports enthusiasts, and the picnic areas with tables and grills for families and groups. Visitors can also take a stroll along the scenic riverfront path, which offers stunning views of the Potomac River and the D.C. skyline.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Dawson Terrace Playground was named after a local resident who was instrumental in the park's development. The park also has a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century when it served as a popular gathering spot for local residents.

The best time of year to visit Dawson Terrace Playground is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the park is not too crowded. However, it is open year-round, so visitors can enjoy the park's amenities and activities throughout all seasons.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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