The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will host the 30th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet (BHISM) to be held from Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14, 2016, at DPR's Takoma Aquatic Center located at 300 Van Buren Street, NW.  Takoma will close at noon on Thursday, February 12 in order to prepare for the BHISM, and will reopen to the public on Tuesday, February 16, 2016.

The 30th Annual BHISM schedule is as follows and can be found on the BHISM website page:

• Thursday, February 11 – Takoma Aquatic Center will close
   
• Friday, February 12 –
  Session 1. (13 & Older) | Warm up: 9 am to 9:50 am | First Event: 10 am
  Session 2. (12 & Under) | Warm up: 12:50 pm to 1:40 pm | First Event: 1:50 pm

• Saturday, February 13 –
  Session 3. (13 & Older) | Warm up: 6:30 am to 7:10 am | First Event: 7:20 am
  Session 4. (11 – 12) | Warm up: 11:40 am to 12:20 pm | First Event: 12:30 pm
  Session 5. (10 & Under) | Warm up: 3:30 pm to 4:05 pm | First Event: 4:15 pm

• Sunday, February 14 –
  Session 6. (13 & Over) | Warm up: 6:30 am to 7:10 am | First Event: 7:20 am
  Session 7. (11 – 12) | Warm up: 11:40 am to 12:20 pm | First Event: 3:45 pm
  Session 8. (10 & Under) | Warm up: 3:30 pm to 4:05 pm | First Event: 4:15 pm

Due to the popularity of this annual event, and in celebration of our 30th year hosting the Black History Invitational Swim Meet, DPR is using a ticketing system for the first time this year.  Please go to #BHISM30 tickets to secure your free ticket(s) today.  Please note that any and all spectators (both adults and children) must have a ticket to gain entry to the Takoma Aquatic Center during the swim meet. Only swim teams, coaches, media and BHISM staff will be allowed on the pool deck. All patrons and parents must remain on the observation deck.

Two pools will remain open for public use during the BHISM weekend. Wilson Aquatic Center and Barry Farm Aquatic Center will remain open on Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14, 2016.  All other DPR Aquatic Centers will be closed on Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 15, as aquatics staff will assist at the meet.  All facilities will be closed on Monday, February 15, 2016 in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday.  Press Release: Select DPR Aquatic Centers to Close for the 30th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet Weekend

For more information on the 30th Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet, please visit the BHISM webpage or call (202) 671-1289; and be sure to use the hashtag #BHISM30 and follow us @DCDPR on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.