In a coup for D.C.’s long-maligned waterfront, Yards Park was shortlisted yesterday for the Urban Land Institute’s Open Spaces Award. The annual contest recognizes a new outdoor public space that has “enriched and revitalized its surrounding community,” according to ULI’s website.

The three-year-old Yards Park, located by  abandoned warehouses and empty lots along the Anacostia River in the up-and-coming Capitol Riverfront neighborhood, is home to grassy lawns, a waterfall, and a footbridge. It’s part of a 42-acre property developed by Forest City, which is also working on construction of condos and retail spaces in the area.

The park’s done its part to “revitalize its surrounding community” in recent years. On Saturday, bikers and beer enthusiasts flocked there for New Belgium Brewery’s Tour de Fat festival. This summer’s events calendar includes items ranging from community yoga to a weekly concert series.

But Yards Park is also facing some stiff competition heading into the final round. Also on the shortlist are New York’s Brooklyn Bridge Park; Wilmington Waterfront Park in Wilmington, California; Nashville’s Cumberland Park; and the Village on False Creek in Vancouver, British Columbia. The winner will be announced this November at ULI’s fall meeting in Chicago.

Photo from Capitol Riverfront BID