After a long pandemic-related closure, the Rock Creek Nature Center is now open again

On Wednesday, the Rock Creek Nature Center at 5200 Glover Road NW will open for the first time since March 2020.

Covid-19 was, of course, the reason for the initial closure. The National Park Service says staffing shortages were also a factor in keeping the facility closed for this long.

It’s a partial reopening. The bathrooms, bookstore and display area will be open Wednesday through Sunday each week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The children’s discovery room, the auditorium and the planetarium will remain closed.

Here’s the announcement from NPS/Rock Creek Park:

Rock Creek Park Nature Center Reopening

The Rock Creek Park Nature Center is reopening to the public on Memorial Day Weekend from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, beginning Wednesday, May 25, 2022. The Nature Center had been closed since March 2020 due to COVID-19 and staffing shortages.

Visitors can expect:

• Free admission – open Wednesdays through Sundays weekly from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT/EST with limited services
• Access to the park bookstore
• Access to the information desk and exhibit space featuring displays of plants and animals that can be found in the park
• Restrooms will be open
• The children’s Discovery Room, Planetarium and Discover Rock Creek Park areas remain closed, as well as the park auditorium downstairs

Outdoor spaces at Rock Creek Park remain accessible to the public in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance.

The decision to reopen the Nature Center will allow Rock Creek Park to further serve internal and external constituents as well as to continue to protect our cultural and natural resources. The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers and partners remains paramount. Our operational approach will be to ensure our operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health, using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners and volunteers.

Details and updates on park operations and facilities will continue to be posted on the park’s official website and social media channels.