DPR Customer Service:  (202) 673-7647
DPR Media Contact:  John Stokes, (202) 288-7275, [email protected]
OP Media Contact:  Tanya Stern, (202) 442-7635, [email protected]

(Washington, DC)  Today, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the DC Office of Planning (OP), in collaboration with consulting firm AECOM, announced a new city-wide initiative titled "The Parks and Recreation Master Plan" for the District of Columbia.  DPR, OP and AECOM have been working together with 30 additional government, community and private sector organizations to develop the beginning phase of the District's Parks and Recreation Master Plan. This plan will guide a new, bold and strategic vision for advancing the District's parks and recreation resources and help District residents, workers and visitors Move, Grow, and Be Green.

All District residents are asked to participate in planning the District’s park system for the next ten years. A variety of outreach tools including an online forum, public workshops, and an official "launch" at Mayor Gray's One City Summer Kickoff, held on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 12 pm on the grounds of RFK Stadium (Lot 6) will be available to engage citizens, collect feedback and gather information to create the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan project team is interested in hearing residents' ideas on the District's overall parks system, including what is working well, areas that could use improvement, and large-scale ideas to be considered for implementation over the next ten years.

Listed below are the dates for the first three scheduled public workshop dates to introduce the Master Plan project to District Residents and gain their input through a series of interactive exercises:

• Monday, June 17, 2013
  Deanwood Recreation Center (1350 49th Street, NE)
  7 pm – 9 pm
  (Conveniently located near the Deanwood Metro Station - Orange Line)
   
• Tuesday, June 18, 2013
  Judiciary Square (441 4th Street, NW)
  12 pm – 2 pm
  (Conveniently located near the Judiciary Metro Station - Red Line)
   
• Thursday, June 20, 2013
  Raymond Recreation Center (3725 10th Street, NW)
  7 pm – 9 pm
  (Conveniently located near the Georgia Ave./Petworth Metro Station - Green Line)

For anyone unable to attend the workshops, please visit the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Project Website.  The website will be able to provide constituents with background information, access to the online survey, and a link to the online forum. Paper surveys will also be available at DPR Recreation Centers throughout the District.

The Parks and Recreation Master Plan Advisory Committee consist of over 25 stake holders and organizations that are working together, along with the residents of the District of Columbia, to discuss and plan for the future of Washington's park system. Organizations on the advisory committee include:

• Casey Trees
• Cultural Tourism DC
• DC Building Industry Association
• DC Business Improvement District Council
• DC Commission of Arts and Humanities
• DC Council Committee on Workforce and Community Affairs
• DC Department of Environment
• DC Department of Health
• DC Department of Parks and Recreation
• DC Department of Transportation
• DC Department of Transportation - Urban Forestry Administration
• DC Deputy Major of Planning and Economic Development
• DC Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services
• DC Office of Aging
• DC Office of Disability Rights
• DC Office of Planning
• DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education
• DC Metropolitan Police Department
• DC Public Charter School Board
• DC Public Library
• DC Public Schools
• Events DC
• Executive Office of the Mayor – Community Affairs
• Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission
• Montgomery County Department of Parks
• Montgomery County Department of Recreation
• National Capital Planning Commission
• National Recreation and Parks Association
• National Park Service
• Washington Parks and People

The planning process for the master plan is expected to wrap up in early 2014; however a number of public outreach events will be scheduled throughout the process. The goals of the master plan include:

1. Establishing a clear understanding of the current conditions of all the District’s parks, recreation centers, and outdoor facilities;
2. Assessing the current programs available at all parks and recreation centers;
3. Identifying challenges and service gaps; and
4. Developing and proposing solutions that are:
   • Phased for short- and long-term implementation over the next 10 years,
   • Based on sound and detailed analysis that is inclusive and responsive to District residents,
   • Grounded in community input and industry best practices that improve public services and reduce costs,
   • Committed to improving the District’s ability to protect and preserve historic resources, and
   • Clearly adhering to city-wide goals identified in Mayor Gray’s ONE CITY Action Plan, including economic strength and diversification, education and workforce preparation, sustainability, and quality of life.

Please visit playdc.org for up-to-date information on the master planning process and ways the public can help to shape the future of DC's parks and recreation system.

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