No one offers you more in June than the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) - the place to be for urban recreation and leisure services in the District!  Make a big splash this summer by participating in the many great programs and services we have created just for you.

 

In June, Father’s Day activities abound at our centers and children and youth can create that special card or gift to honor their father or significant male role model; District residents, ages 55 and above, can enjoy a day of music, board games, exercise, swimming and fantastic food at our annual Senior Picnic; our Payne Recreation Center is hosting an “Out of School Jam” for students ages 6 – 15 to celebrate making it through another school year; and members from DPR’s Young Ladies on the Rise and Supreme Teens clubs will come together for an “Intergenerational Chew and Chat”. These programs and more are here at your Department of Parks and Recreation!

 

"Our Seniors Services Division is a very important part of DPR and this month I would like to highlight two of our agency’s signature Seniors’ events and I encourage all District Seniors to attend!"

 

Wednesday, June 11
DPR ANNUAL SENIOR PICNIC
Turkey Thicket Community Center, 1100 Michigan Ave., NE
10 am – 2 pm
Seniors, ages 55 and up, will come out to enjoy food, entertainment, fun and games. Participants will also have an opportunity to plunge into our beautiful indoor pool. Magic 102.3 FM and local organizations will also be on-site to distribute literature and offer services. To RSVP and for more information such as pick-up locations, contact the DPR Senior Services Division at 202-671-0394 today.

 

Friday, June 27
DPR SENIOR LUNCHEON CRUISE
Spirit of Washington/Pier 4, 6th & Water Streets, SW
10 am – 2 pm
District of Columbia Seniors will enjoy music, food, games and so much more. A musical show featuring the cruise ship staff will also be featured. Tickets are $23.00. For more information contact the DPR Senior Services Division at 202-671-0394 today.

 

 

 

POOL OPENINGS
Ready! Set! Swim! DPR has been busy preparing our outdoor pools and spray parks for summer!  A full summer schedule for DPR’s outdoor pools and spray parks will be released soon.

 

 

PUBLIC MEETINGS
On Tuesday, June 10 at 7 pm, the Office of Planning and Capital Projects of DPR will attend a community meeting at the Arboretum Recreational Center, 2412 Rand Place, NE, to discuss a new playground for that facility. For more information, contact Jackie Stanley at (202) 671-0420.

 

 

On Saturday, June 7 at 10 am, the Department of Parks and Recreation will hold a dual press event. First, the agency will join city leaders and the Ward 5 community to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the New York Avenue Basketball Court. The court was made possible through a generous donation of home-building giant Pulte Homes. The event will also serve as the official kick-off for the Metropolitan Basketball League’s summer league.

 

Immediately following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Community Services and Youth Outreach Division of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DPR will join to kick off the District’s Summer of Safety Parent Information Fair (SOSPIF).

 

The “Summer of Safety” is a joint collaboration between MPD and other city and local agencies and organizations.  The 2008 SOSPIF will assist parents with finding structured and supervised summer activities for their school-aged youth to reduce summer-related juvenile delinquency. Local organizations including the Metropolitan Basketball League will be on site with literature and be able to answer questions from parents, youth and educators.

 

 

WHEN:
Saturday, June 7, 2008
10 am – 10:45  am

 

WHERE:
New York Avenue Basketball Court
N Street, Between Kirby and First Streets, NW

 

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Special July Event Palisades 4th of July Parade
Mark your calendars! The Palisades community will host its annual 4th of July Parade. This parade ends with a large community picnic at the Palisades Recreation Center. Several hundred people attend this parade including city leaders.

 

WHEN:
Friday, July 4, 2008
11 am – 4 pm

 

WHERE:
Palisades Recreation Center
5200 Sherrier Place, NW

 

For more information contact Gail Benjamin at (202) 282-2186 or (202) 997-4780.

 

DPR DIVISION PROGRAMS & EVENTS
The programs highlighted below are submitted each month from various divisions of DPR: Athletic Programs, Aquatics, Camping/Outdoors, Senior Services, Teen Programs and Therapeutic Recreation. For a more comprehensive listing visit our website at dpr.dc.gov or contact the divisions directly.

 

ATHLETIC PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION
For more information on the events listed below, contact DPR Athletic Programs Administration at (202) 671-1700.

 

Saturday, June 7
Citywide Spring Soccer Championship
Takoma Community Center, 300 Van Buren Street, NW
10 am – 6 pm
All are welcome to join DPR for a day of exciting competition at this year’s Citywide Spring Soccer Championships.  35 soccer teams—with players from ages 5 to 18 from all eight District wards—compete throughout the day. For more information, contact the Abdullah Tunis at (202) 673. 7692.

 

Saturday, June 7
Tee Ball Extravaganza
Ridge Road Recreation Center, 800 Ridge Road, SE
11 am – 4 pm
DPR staff from Wards 7 and 8 will host this sports extravaganza for 16 tee ball teams from throughout the two wards. It promises to be a day of food, fun and games. All ages welcome. For more information, contact the DPR Ward 7 Manager at (202) 645-9202

 

Saturday, June 14
Summer Boxing Showcase
Bald Eagle Recreation Center, 100 Joliet Street, SW
2 pm – 6 pm
The Athletic Program Administration of DPR will host three summer boxing showcase at three recreation facilities. This competition will introduce and promote physical fitness, discipline, respect, and highlight DPR Amateur Boxing Program. The first of these boxing showcases will take place at Bald Eagle Community Day.

 

For more information contact Marshall Cunningham, DPR Boxing Coordinator at (202) 645-3960.

 

CAMPING/OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Summer Camps 2008 will run June 23 – August 15, 2008, Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.  All camps will be closed on Friday, July 4.  Register today for DPR Summer Camps 2008!
 
DPR offers a diverse array of exciting urban recreation and camping opportunities for youth ages 3 to17; including sports camps, aquatic camps, therapeutic camps, and other day camps.  DPR also offers Discovery Camps for youth ages 6 to 13, and Little Explorers Camps for youth ages 3 to 5.  Camp Riverview is DPR’s premier overnight residential camp located on the shores of the Potomac River in Scotland, MD. 
 
DPR has also partnered with the District Department of Employment Services to host a number of exciting Teen Career Camps.  Before and After Care will be available at many camp locations from 8 am – 9 am and 5 pm – 6 pm. 

 

For more information or to register for Summer Camps, contact DPR Camp Central at (202) 671-0295.

 

June 6, 13, 20
Senior Garden Workshop
Lederer Environmental Education Center, 4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave., NE
Fridays, 1:30 pm- 3:30 pm
Each week participants will enjoy hands on workshops that cover different topics discussion such as propagation, blooming, potted gardens, planning, canning, and harvesting.

 

June 7, 14, 21, 28
Saturday Youth Garden Club
Lederer Environmental Education Center, 4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave., NE
Saturdays, 9:30 am- 1:30 pm
Program will provide active participation in growing a variety of vegetables from seed to final harvest.  Youth learn about nature and their environment, healthy sustainable foods and preparation, arts and crafts projects and field trips. Program continues through November 1.

 

 

TEEN PROGRAMS
For more information on the events listed below, contact the DPR Office of Teen Programs at (202) 671-0451 or visit dpr.dc.gov. 

 

Fridays, June 6, 13
DPR Teen Night
Various locations (See below)
7 pm – 11:45 pm

 

Held Friday nights from 7 pm to 12 midnight at recreation centers throughout the District’s eight wards, DPR Teen Nights offer youth an array of recreational, leisure, social, cultural and educational activities in safe and healthy environments. 

 

June 6
A special DPR Teen Night – a Citywide Splash Party
Location TBD – Contact DPR Office of Teen Programs.

 

June 13
A special DPR Teen Night - "Teen Pregnancy Prevention Summit"
Kennedy Recreation Center
1401 7th Street, NW
(202) 671-4794

 

 

 

Mondays, June 2, 9, 16
Beep Ball 2008
King Greenleaf Center, 201 N Street, SW
4 pm – 7 pm
The Department of Parks and Recreation’s DC Center for Therapeutic Recreation and the Alexander Graham Bell Chapter of Verizon Telecom Pioneers are pleased to present Beep Ball 2008.

 

Beep Ball is played similar to game of baseball, consisting of 2 teams of players. However, the ball and bases are electronically controlled to emit sound waves to assist the players. Individuals with Visual Impairment, ages 8 and up can participate and the program is free of charge. For more information, call Brady Woods or Priscilla Jones at (202) 698-1794

 

June 7 and 14
Elemental Music: Music Therapy for Children with Autism
Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver Street SE
Saturdays, 2 pm
DPR highlights “Elemental Music,” a music therapy program that helps participants explore the sounds from table top harps in relation to nature. Music therapy is a widely-used alternative treatment used for children with developmental disabilities.

 

The program’s therapeutic value promotes the strengthening of communication/language-building skills, hand-and-eye coordination, and memory and cognitive abilities.  Space is limited. Cost $25 per child. For more information, contact (202) 698-1794.

 

HIGHLIGHTED PROGRAMS: RECREATION SERVICES
The programs below have been highlighted by DPR Ward Managers and represent just a handful of the outstanding programs and services DPR offers. For a more comprehensive listing, contact your local recreation center or visit DPR’s website, dpr.dc.gov.

Note: The following listing is arranged in chronological date order.

 

Wednesday, June 4
“Gray Power: A Comedy In One Act” (presented by The Silvah Sisters of the Cultural Arts Programs)
Theodore Hagans Jr. Cultural Center, 3201 Lincoln Drive, NE
7 pm
Join the Silvah Sisters—an acting troupe consisting of District women, ages 50 and above—for an evening of uproarious laughter. “Gray Power: A Comedy in One Act” is play about a revolt that happens at the senior citizens home. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact DPR Cultural Arts Specialist Sandrea Woolfolk at (202) 671-2242

 

Friday, June 6
Congrats to the Grads
Malcolm X Recreation Center, 1351 Alabama Avenue, SE
6 pm – 8 pm
Join DPR staff and youth of the Center for a celebration of graduates of the Class of 2008. Light refreshments will be served and music will be provided. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Ward 8 Manager Toni Thompson at (202) 645-3961.

 

Friday, June 6
Closing Cookout for After-School Access
Watkins Recreation Center, 420 12th Street, SE
4 pm – 8 pm
Children and youth ages 6 to 15 will engage in games such as soccer, kickball, relay races, riverbanks and “the number game.” Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact DPR Ward 6 Manager Linda Taylor at (202) 673-9128.

 

Friday, June 6
Tree of Life Graduation Ceremony
Brentwood Recreation Center, 2311 14th Street, NE
6 pm – 9 pm
Congratulations to the Class of 2008! Ninth graders, ages 14-15, will graduate from the Tree of Life Charter School. For more information, contact Ward 5 Manager Michael Lightfoot at (202) 997-3138.

 

Saturday June 7
Glover Park Day
 Guy Mason Community Center, 3600 Calvert Street, NW
9 am - 5 pm
“Glover Park Day” is an annual event held at the Guy Mason Community Center. Each year, several hundred people attend this exciting event which has vendors, food, games, music, crafts, and so much more. The event is sponsored by Glover Park Committee. For more information, call Caryl King at (202) 282-2189.

 

Saturday, June 7
Tennis Tournament
Georgetown Recreation Center, 3300 Q Street, NW
9 am – 12 pm
Participants will show off their dexterity and skill by competing in a tennis tournament. For more information, contact Wards 1 & 2 Manager Maria Barner at (202) 673-7611.

 

Saturday, June 7
Riggs-LaSalle Community Day with the Metropolitan Police Department
Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center, 501 Riggs Road, NE
11 am – 4 pm
District residents of all ages are invited to come and join MPD’s Fourth District and the Riggs LaSalle community for food, fun and games at its annual Community Day. For more information, contact Ward 4 Manager Evelyn Lightfoot at (202) 541-6461.

 

Saturday, June 7
Community Outreach Program
Benning Park Recreation Center, 100 Stoddert Place, SE
11 am
The community of Benning Park will host a fun day for youth ages 6 and above with singing, games and give-a-ways. For more information, contact Ward 7 Manager at (202) 645-9202.

 

Saturday, June 7
Dance Dimensions
Benning Stoddert Recreation Center, 53rd & Fitch Streets, SE
1 pm
Benning Stoddert will host a Dance Recital and Fashion Show for the community. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Ward 7 Manager at (202) 645-9202.

 

Sunday, June 8
Community Picnic
Georgetown Recreation Center, 3300 Q Street, NW
12 pm – 4 pm
District residents of all ages are invited to come enjoy an afternoon of food, music, board games, pie eating contests, and softball games. For more information, contact Wards 1 & 2 Manager Maria Barner at (202) 673-7611.

 

Tuesday, June 10
Father’s Day Dinner
Ferebee Hope Recreation Center, 3299 8th Street, SE
6 pm – 8 pm
Youth of Ferebee Hope will join DPR staff to prepare and serve dinner to celebrate the fathers in the community. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Ward 8 Manager Toni Thompson at (202) 645-3917.

 

Tuesday, June 10
Out of School Jam
Payne Recreation Center, 303 15th Street, SE
6 pm – 8:30 pm
Participants, ages 6 to 15, are invited to celebrate the end of the school year at an evening of music, food, fun, games and much more. Activities will also include face painting and dance contests. For more information, contact DPR Ward 6 Manager Linda Taylor (202) 673-9128.

 

Wednesday, June 11
Closing Ceremony for Rudolph
Rudolph Recreation Center, 5200 2nd Street, NW
Wednesday, 4 pm – 8 pm
District residents of all ages are invited to join DPR staff and the Ward 4 community for an afternoon of reflection and celebration of the impact the Rudolph Recreation Center has had within the community and the District of Columbia. For more information, contact Ward 4 Manager Evelyn Lightfoot at (202) 541-6461.

 

Wednesday, June 11
Salute to Fathers
Kalorama Recreation Center, 1875 Columbia Road, NW
4 pm – 6pm
Participants of all ages will create Father’s Day cards and gifts for their fathers or significant male role models. Light refreshments will be served for participants only. For more information, contact Wards 1 & 2 Manager Maria Barner at (202) 673-7611.

 

Friday, June 13
Father’s Day Evening in the Park
Ft. Stevens Recreation Center, 1327 Van Buren Street, NW
4:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Children and youth of all ages are invited to bring their fathers to a special “Father’s Day Evening in the Park.” This event includes both indoor and outdoors games that fathers and sons and fathers and daughters are sure to enjoy. For more information, contact Ward 4 Manager Evelyn Lightfoot at (202) 541-6461.

 

Friday, June 13
Intergenerational Chew and Chat
Lamond Recreation Center, 20 Tuckerman Street, NE
5 pm – 8 pm
All ages
Members from DPR’s “Young Ladies on the Rise” and “Supreme Teens” clubs will come together to discuss various topics related to youth in the community. For more information, contact Ward 4 Manager Evelyn Lightfoot at (202) 541-6461.

 

Friday, June 13
Father’s Day Sports Cookout
Rosedale Recreation Center, 1700 Gales Street NE
5 pm - 8 pm
Participants will unite with their father or guardian in celebration of Father’s Day. Activities will include flag football, ping pong and basketball. For more information, contact DPR Ward 6 Manager Linda Taylor (202) 673-9128.

 

Friday, June 13
Father’s Day Tribute
King Greenleaf Recreation Center, 201 N Street, SW
5:30 pm
District sons, ages 6 to 15, will give special thanks to their dads or male guardians. Games will consist of father vs. son basketball games, spot shots and much more. For more information, contact DPR Ward 6 Manager Linda Taylor (202) 673-9128.

 

Friday, June 13
Ward 6 Cheerleading Pep Rally
Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10 Street, NE
6:30 pm
Participants ages 4 -18 will partake in non-competitive cheerleading activities. This event includes DPR youth from the following DPR recreation centers: Watkins, Sherwood and King Greenleaf. For more information, contact DPR Ward 6 Manager Linda Taylor (202) 673-9128.

 

Saturday June 14
Fitness Day (in celebration of Father’s Day)
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Turkey Thicket Recreation Center will host a Day of Fitness for fathers and sons as well as fathers and daughters. This day will include basketball, kickball, tennis, swimming and so much more. Participants must be between the ages of 6 and 13 and accompanied by an adult.  For more information, call Ward 5 Manager Michael Lightfoot, at (202) 997-3138.

 

Saturday, June 14
Ward 4 Soccer League Banquet
Takoma Recreation Center, 300 Van Buren Street, NW
11 am – 3 pm
This banquet will acknowledge the participants and parents in Ward 4 Soccer League. For more information, contact Ward 4 Manager Evelyn Lightfoot at (202) 541-6461.

 

Saturday, June 14
Father and Son Intergenerational Softball Game & Cookout
Barry Farm Recreation Center, 1230 Sumner Road, SE
11 am – 3 pm
Boys, men, father and sons of all ages are invited to come out and enjoy a day of good sportsmanship, intergenerational interaction and camaraderie while playing tee ball, baseball and softball together. Picnic style setting will be provided. For more information, contact Ward 8 Manager Toni Thompson at (202) 645-3961.

 

Saturday, June 14
Fun Day Health Fair
Benning Stoddert Recreation Center, 53rd & Fitch Streets, SE
12 noon
District residents are invited to a day filled with massages, singing, dancing and information about how to get and stay healthy. All ages welcome. For more information, contact Ward 7 Manager at (202) 645-9202.

 

Saturday June 14
Confident City Cycling
 Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver Street, SE
1 pm – 4 pm
The Department of Parks and Recreation and the District Department of Transportation in conjunction with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association will host free classes to fine-tune traffic navigation skills. No equipment is required. For more information contact Dorcas Adkins at (202) 213-1459.

 

Monday, June 16
Girls Sports Day
North Michigan Park Recreation Center, 1333 Emerson Street NE
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
 The Department of Parks and Recreation will host a Girls Sports Day for youth across the city. Both traditional and non-traditional sports tournaments will be played. For more information, call Ward 5 Manager Michael Lightfoot, at (202) 997-3138.

 

Tuesday, June 17
Father’s Day Celebration
Riggs LaSalle Recreation Center, 501 Riggs Road, NE
In celebration of Father’s Day, fathers will gather for an event of fun and games. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Ward 4 Manager Evelyn Lightfoot at (202) 541-6461

 

Wednesday, June 18
Food Distribution Program
Brentwood Recreation Center, 2311 14th Street, NE
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The center will be open to distribute food to the community. For more information, contact Ward 5 Manager Michael Lightfoot at (202) 997-3138.

 

Wednesday, June 18
Community Clean-Up Day
Rosedale Recreation Center, 1700 Gales Street NE
2 pm – 5 pm
In preparation of the summer, DPR staff and community will unite to clean-up area surrounding the facility. For more information, contact DPR Ward 6 Manager Linda Taylor (202) 673-9128.

 

Thursday, June 19
Open House
Brentwood Recreation Center, 2311 14th Street, NE
11 am – 3 pm
This Brentwood Recreation Center will host an Open House to showcase upcoming programs and service that it will be offering to the community. For more information, contact Ward 5 Manager Michael Lightfoot at (202) 997-3138.

 

Friday, June 20
Trip to Six Flags
Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver Street, SE
10 am
Youth ages 6 -13, will celebrate the closing of the 2007-2008 school year by taking a trip to Six Flags for a fun-filled day of roller coaster rides, food, entertainment and much more. Parental consent is required. For more information, contact Ward 7 Manager at (202) 645-9202.

 

Saturday, June 20
End of the School Cookout
Fort Davis Recreation Center, 1400 41st Street, SE
4 pm
Youth, ages 6 to 18, are invited to a cookout to celebrate the closing of the 2007-2008 School Year and to promote summer fun. For more information, contact Ward 7 Manager at (202) 645-9202

 

Saturday, June 20
Ice Cream Social – Summer Camp Open House
Kelly Miller Recreation Center, 301 49th Street, SE
7 pm
The teen camp of Kelly Miller will enjoy ice cream and various games to prepare for summer of activities. Ages 13 and above are welcome. For more information, contact Ward 7 Manager at (202) 645-9202.

 

Saturday, June 21
Riggs-LaSalle Awards Cookout
Riggs LaSalle Recreation Center, 501 Riggs Road, NE
This tradition dates back 50 years and will honor players, coaches, and cheerleaders of the Riggs-LaSalle for their achievement during the football season. All ages welcome. For more information, contact Ward 4 Manager Evelyn Lightfoot at (202) 541-6461.

 

Saturday, June 21
Family Fun Day
North Michigan Park Recreation Center, 1333 Emerson Street, NE
10am – 6 pm
Ages: 6 and up
The North Michigan Park community will come together for a day filled with food, fun, arts and crafts, music, sports and games. A fashion show will also be produced for this year’s event. For more information, contact Ward 5 Manager Michael Lightfoot at (202) 997-3138.

 

Sunday, June 22
Ward 6 Fashion Show
Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10 Street, NE
6 pm – 8:30 pm
Youth ages 6-19 will produce and star in a multi-generational youth fashion and talent showcase to include urban, hip-hop and summer fun wear. For more information, contact DPR Ward 6 Manager Linda Taylor (202) 673-9128.

 

Saturday, June 27
Ward 7 Teen Model Search
Kenilworth-Parkside Recreation Center, 4300 Anacostia Avenue, NE
7 pm
The staff of Kenilworth-Parkside will host a model search for Ward 7 youth ages 13 – 19 to represent Ward 7 in a District event later this summer. For more information, contact DPR Ward 7 Manager at (202) 645-9202.

 

Saturday, June 27, 11 am – 4 pm
“Great 8” Recreation Day
Fort Greble Recreation Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and Elmira Streets, SW
Join the Ward 8 Community for a day of special events for summer camp participants. There will be relay races, field events, arts and crafts, face painting and a special Tiny Tot Fashion Show. For more information, contact Ward 8 Manager Toni Thompson at (202) 645-6242

 

Saturday June 28
Ice Cream Social
Friendship Recreation Center, 4500 Van Ness Street, NW
10 am - 2 pm
The Department of Parks and Recreation and the Friends of Friendship Recreation Center will host its annual Ice cream social for Ward 3 children youth and families to enjoy. Ice cream will be served and music will be played. For more information, contact Ward 3 Manager Vince Cain at 316-2291