The site of Yards Park was former Navy Yard land that had been vacant and fenced off from the public since the 1890s. Yards Park is now a 5.5 acre award-winning public park maintained and operated by the Capitol Riverfront BID on behalf of the DC Government. It opened in September 2010 and was designed as a series of outdoor "living rooms" that provide access to the Anacostia River. The canal basin, water-wall, and dancing fountains became a popular splash park for children from all over the city.