There's a new place for people to enjoy the outdoors in the District. Starting Wednesday, a large portion of the southeast waterfront is open to the public. The area is part of a neighborhood focused on putting the recession behind it.

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Along the southeast waterfront, a simple ribbon was cut Wednesday, but it signals progress in this corner of the city once more.

“I think the more people who get down here and see it, the more they will support these opportunities for expansion for recreation and I think that's a good thing,” said John Imparato of the Naval District Washington.

A section of riverwalk along the anacostia -- directly in front of the Navy Yard -- is now open to the public.

”Now that they have extended it it's excellent. We love it,” said Navy Yard employee Subroto Mitro.

It's the latest segment to open as of a plan to revitalize some 11 miles along the river.

"We are making every effort to give as much public access as we feel is safe and reasonable and work with the city and community to improve waterfront access here on the Anacostia,” said Imparato.

Wednesday’s riverwalk opening is the first in a string projects that are getting back on track in Southeast post-recession. Thousands of government employees are working here. A 270-unit apartment building is set to break ground on South Capitol Street next week and other nearby housing developments are nearing completion. There's even a summer concert series.

“It's a neighborhood now. it's no longer an emerging neighborhood,” said Patricia Zingsheim of D.C. Revitalization and Design.

According to the city, more than 3,000 new residents call the area around Nationals Park home. Eventually 500 acres of the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood will be built in the coming years.