You've probably walked right past it. If you’re trekking through the embassy-heavy streets of Kalorama, Mitchell Park Washington DC looks like just another patch of green from the sidewalk. It’s tucked away at the corner of 23rd and S Streets NW, and honestly, that’s exactly how the neighbors like it.
It’s small. About two acres. But it’s got layers.
Most people know the heavy hitters like Rock Creek or the Mall. Those are fine for tourists. But Mitchell Park is where the actual soul of the neighborhood hangs out. It’s got a vibe that’s part "fancy DC estate" and part "unstructured backyard."
A Grave for a Very Good Boy
Here is the weirdest part that most people miss: there is a dog buried in the middle of the playground.
I’m serious. Back in 1918, a woman named Elizabeth Mitchell donated the land to the city. She had one very specific, non-negotiable condition. Her dog’s burial plot could not be disturbed. Ever.
So, if you’re watching kids run around the jungle gym, you’re basically hanging out in a 100-year-old pet cemetery. The grave belongs to a dog named "Sunny," though some local lore just calls him the Mitchell dog. It’s a tiny, unassuming stone marker. It’s kooky, it’s slightly macabre, and it’s peak Washington history.
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Why Mitchell Park Washington DC is the Best "Small" Park
Size isn't everything. This place punches way above its weight class because of how it’s laid out. It’s not just a field; it’s a series of "rooms."
- The Field House: A colonial-style building from 1931. It was the first purpose-built playground building in DC.
- The Courts: You’ve got basketball and tennis. They’re well-maintained, but getting a slot on the tennis courts on a Saturday morning is a bloodsport.
- The Lower Field: This is the heart of the park. It’s a sloped grassy area where you’ll see everything from toddler soccer to people reading The New Yorker on picnic blankets.
One thing that makes it stand out is the "super-block" feel. Because it’s bounded by private residences and quiet streets like Bancroft Place, it feels enclosed. Safe. You don't have the roar of Connecticut Avenue traffic drowning out your thoughts.
The French Embassy and Confiscated Land
The history gets a bit spicy when you look at where the land actually came from. It wasn't always a park. Part of the grounds used to belong to the German Embassy.
During World War II, the American government basically said "we'll take that" and confiscated the property. They eventually annexed it to Mitchell Park. Before all that, it was the site of the Holmead-Kall estate. In the 1980s, archaeologists actually dug up the foundations of the old 18th-century manor house.
So, while you're eating a sandwich, you're literally sitting on the remains of George Calvert’s (the first Lord Baltimore) original 600-acre land grant from 1663.
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Events You Shouldn't Skip
If you want the real Mitchell Park experience, you have to show up when the "Friends of Mitchell Park" are running the show. This is a group of local volunteers who basically act as the park’s guardians.
Films in the Field is the big summer draw. They set up a screen on the grass. People bring wine (shh, don't tell the park rangers) and blankets. It’s very French Riviera meets Kalorama. They’ve shown classics like The Goonies and The Parent Trap. Then there’s Fall Fun Day in October. It’s chaos in the best way. Think 500 neighbors, pumpkin painting, a haunted house inside the tiny recreation center, and a costume parade. It’s one of those rare moments where DC feels like a small town instead of a political machine.
Practical Stuff You Actually Need to Know
Planning a visit? Here is the deal.
Getting there: It’s a bit of a hike from the Metro. The closest stop is Dupont Circle (Red Line). It’s about a 10-15 minute walk uphill. If you're lazy or it's 95 degrees, take the D6 bus.
Restrooms: Honestly, this is the park’s weak point. The field house has bathrooms, but the hours are erratic. Sometimes they’re open only for the "Cooperative Play" program for toddlers. There’s often a porta-potty near the 23rd Street side, but use it at your own risk.
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Dogs: They’re allowed, but keep them on a leash. The park isn't a designated dog run, and the neighborhood parents are very protective of the grass where the babies crawl.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Sunday Music Jam: Most Sundays around 11:00 AM, local musicians gather for an informal jam session. It’s totally free and very chill.
- Picnic Strategy: Pick up a sandwich from Glen’s Garden Market or So’s Your Mom in Adams Morgan before walking over. There aren't many food options right next to the park.
- The "Secret" Benches: If you want some privacy, head to the shaded area near the North end (Bancroft Place). It’s cooler and usually quieter than the playground area.
- History Buffs: Look for the plaque near the field house that explains the Holmead-Kall house foundations. It’s a quick read but gives you a cool perspective on how old this neighborhood really is.
Mitchell Park Washington DC isn't the biggest park in the city, and it doesn't have a massive monument. But it has a dog grave, a confiscated German embassy lot, and some of the best people-watching in the District. If you want to see how the "other half" of DC actually lives their daily lives, this is the place to do it.
Go on a weekday afternoon if you want peace. Go on a Saturday morning if you want to see the Kalorama social scene in full swing.
Next Steps for Your Visit
To make the most of your trip, check the Friends of Mitchell Park website for their updated "Films in the Field" schedule before you head out. If you’re bringing kids, aim for the morning hours when the playground is most active and the "Mister Softee" truck is most likely to make a surprise appearance.