Friendship "Turtle" Park

Friendship "Turtle" Park is located in the American University Park neighborhood of Washington, DC. It is one of the best parks in the entire area and is particularly popular for children.

Features of Friendship Park

Friendship Park is the official name of the park, but it is known as Turtle Park because five large ceramic turtle statues adorn the play area. The park features two enclosed play areas with a total of five play structures. These areas also include swings, picnic tables and a sand box. The play areas are well-shaded, and during the summer the "sprayground" is usually turned on for a little extra cool-down. Each May, Turtle Park holds a fund-raising festival. The festival usually offers favorites like a moon bounce, ponies and face painting, along with performing artists. For those looking for something other than a playground, the park also features two basketball courts, two tennis courts and four baseball/softball fields. The park Rec Center is home to a co-op preschool as well as summer camp and cold-weather activities for toddlers. The park is free-of-charge and open daily.

Co-op Preschool

The cooperative preschool at Turtle Park operates through the DC parks' Learning Through Play program. The preschool has one full-time teacher and is also staffed by parents. Each parent is required to work one day a week per enrolled child. The program has enjoyed a great deal of success during its 50 year history.

Friendship Park, also know as Turtle Park, is one of the most cherished parks in Washington DC. Famous for its turtle sculptures and enormous sand box, it provides a secure environment in which children can learn and play.