After Anacostia River Splash’s postponement, parkgoers discuss its importance

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — The highly-anticipated Anacostia River Splash , postponed once again due to E. Coli levels, is expected to be made up on July 13.

However, the event has been delayed three separate times, making some parkgoers nervous that the makeup will not happen due to water safety.

Some parkgoers who spoke with DC News Now said they would not want to risk an illness by jumping in the water.

“I’m all for recreation on the water, but I don’t think they’re ready,” Eddie Kessie said.

Kessie described to DC News Now how he views the Splash, whenever it does happen, as only a first step toward in what he hopes is done in the area.

“Why is swimming in the river the benchmark? I don’t know. I mean, it just sounds like a good story,” he said. “I feel like having a clean river is a benchmark before you can start inviting people into swimming.”

Kessie shared his hopes for a clean river leading to new waterfront development, and in turn, an investment into the community and its neighborhoods.

Biker Erik Lang said he actually would participate in a future swim, though only for a short period of time.

“I think it would be great as a first step, but it would be great if people could swim every day,” he said.

Saturday was going to be the first time in over 50 years that people would have been able to swim in the Anacostia River.

Back in 1971, swimming or wading in waters around D.C. was made illegal because of safety concerns surrounding the water quality. But since then, Anacostia Riverkeeper and other advocacy groups have been working hard to improve the water quality.

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