Anacostia in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Anacostia Skating Pavilion

Anacostia Park

— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —

Anacostia Skating Pavilion Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 19, 2026

1. Anacostia Skating Pavilion Marker

Inscription.

"In 1983 I came back home [to DC] this pavilion is a safe haven where you can come, meet, teach, have friendships, skate and watch other people skate."
—Kenny "Rollo" Davis

Roller skating has been popular in Anacostia for over 100 years. As early as 1926 the Anacostia Citizens Association requested a public skating rink at the park. Their request was denied, but the idea never went away. In 1976, as part of the United States Bicentennial celebrations, the long-awaiting Anacostia Skating Pavilion opened.

By 1980, local roller skater Jackie Morgan emerged as a leader in the skating community. She led efforts to improve the pavilion and launch the Show on Wheels. This annual event, which ran for more than 25 years, featured guest skaters such as the National Rock-n-Rollin pairs champions Norbert Klusmann and Carmen Simpson.

Through the years, groups such as the Anacostia Rollers (led by Betty Dodds) and Our Family Skate Association have hosted summer camps, cookouts, and shows. Performers have included the Mighty Rollers, Fireball Express, Shocka Hammer, Skate King, Kenny "Rollo" Davis, and Big Jim. Volunteer DJs—including

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Bro. Graylin, DJ Easy, DJ Knock 'em Out, DJ Spirit, DJ Soul, DJ Phill, and DJ De Light—keep the skaters moving and the spirits high.

"I started in 1987, I like the acoustics of the pavilion, it is a retreat from the rest of the city."
—Bro. Graylin

[Caption:]
This pavilion is the only National Park Service owned and operated skating rink in the nation. It reflects the commitment and collaboration of the local community and the Park Service to create a welcoming, inclusive, public recreational space.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1983.

Location. 38° 52.751′ N, 76° 58.245′ W. Marker is in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Anacostia. It is on Anacostia Drive Southeast 0.4 miles north of Nicholson Street Southeast, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington DC 20020, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 19, 2026

2. Anacostia Skating Pavilion Marker

this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in the Tidewater,

and in the Chesapeake Bay Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Summer in the Parks (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Life of a River (about 400 feet away); The Anacostia River Floodplain (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Anacostia Skating Pavilion (about 700 feet away); Unity in the Community (about 800 feet away); An Upstream Battle (approx. 0.2 miles away); Seafarers Yacht Club (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fourth Street M.E. Church Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southeast Washington.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.