Social Benefits
Beyond its environmental and economic benefits, the Anacostia builds and strengthens the community.
According to the scholarly journal, Health and Place, the sight of water is linked to lower stress levels, making people who live, work, or play around water more at peace.
Urban water renewal projects all over the U.S. have been linked to increased physical activity levels among users; the Anacostia offers area residents affordable, unlimited ways to stay fit.
According to the 2017 National Recreation Economy Report, Americans value water-based recreation opportunities so much they actually spend 25% more on fishing and water sports than the entire world spends on entertainment from the film industry.
The River has become more than an environmental success story, or just a fun place to fish or bike ride, it is a destination that draws people together and creates a sense of place and community!