Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Atlas ObscuraApr 22, 2026

The Fight to Save Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , and all major podcast apps. Kelly McEvers: Gina Geffrard has a very specific memory about the first time she encountered the place we’re talking about today. Gina Geffrard: In 2019, I filmed an episode of House Hunters. And one of the houses on the show is across the street from the gardens. I remember talking to the producers of the show, aski…

15 things in this story

Anacostia RiverPlaceRiver near Kenilworth neighborhood.
Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic GardensPlaceOrganization that cares for the park.
Atlas Obscura PodcastPlacePodcast celebrating strange, incredible, and wondrous places.
Washington.orgPlacePartner for the podcast episode.
Kenilworth Aquatic GardensSightSecret oasis filled with water lilies and lotuses.
National Park ServicePlaceOwns Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens since the late 1930s.
Kenilworth ParkSightGina Geffrard found it while looking for a house.
W.B. Shaw Lily CompanyPlaceBusiness started by Walter B. Shaw.
Waldorf Astoria HotelHotelWas a big customer of Walter B. Shaw's lilies.
Helen Shaw FowlerPlaceRan the family business and expanded the gardens.
Walter McDowneyPlacePark ranger known as 'Ranger Mack'.
Lotus and Water Lily FestivalFestivalBiggest event of the year in July.
Kenilworth neighborhoodNeighborhood
Eastland Gardens neighborhoodNeighborhood
Parkside neighborhoodNeighborhood

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