(Washington, DC) – Today the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced the community meeting dates for "Play DC", Mayor Vincent C. Gray's Playground Improvement Project. Play DC is a multi-year initiative and the largest playground renovation project in the District of Columbia's history. Through Play DC, renovations will be begin in the coming months on 32 DPR playgrounds.
“Improving every resident’s quality of life is one of the main goals of my One City Action Plan, and every child in the District should have a safe and inviting place to play,” said Mayor Gray. “Renovating these playgrounds is an investment in the well-being of our children that will pay dividends for years to come.”
The first phases of renovating a playground are planning and design. To ensure that the newly renovated play space will meet the needs of, and reflect the individuality and uniqueness of District neighborhoods, DPR and DGS will host community meetings to discuss the overall Play DC project, and each play space project. The Play DC project team will present the broad project scope and plans for each project, and residents will have an opportunity to weigh in and supply input on details such as design and amenities that should be considered for each play space. Residents, community groups, and especially children, are invited to attend.
“DPR is pleased that the District is supporting the renovations of playgrounds across the city,” DPR Director Aguirre said. “Play is a fundamental aspect of growth and development for children and youth, and a positive exercise experience leads to avoidance of weight gain, higher self-esteem and reduction of risk factors for disease."
The community meetings are listed below.
Wednesday - November 14, 2012
Harry Thomas Recreation Center (1743 Lincoln Rd., NE) (Ward 5)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Harry Thomas Sr Rec Ctr Playground
Wednesday - November 14, 2012
The DCG-DHS Anacostia Service Center (2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., SE – CM Barry SE Office: 3rd Fl) (Ward 8)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Douglass Rec Ctr, Congress Heights Rec Ctr & Fort Greble Rec Ctr Playgrounds
Thursday - November 15, 2012
Randall Recreation Center (South Capitol & I Sts., SW) (Ward 6)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Randall Rec Ctr Playground
Thursday - November 15, 2012
Benning Park Recreation Center (Southern Ave. & Fable St., SE) (Ward 7)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Benning Park Rec Ctr Playground
Monday, November 19, 2012
Takoma Community Center (300 Van Buren St., NW) (Ward 4)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Takoma Comm Ctr Playground
Monday, November 19, 2012
Palisades Recreation Center (5200 Sherrier Pl., NW) (Ward 3)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Palisades Rec Ctr Playground
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Emery Recreation Center (5801 Georgia Ave., NW) (Ward 4)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Emery Rec Ctr, Fort Stevens Rec Ctr, Upshur Rec Ctr and Hamilton Rec Ctr Playgrounds
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center (1100 Michigan Ave., NE) (Ward 5)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Brentwood Rec Ctr and Turkey Thicket Rec Ctr Playgrounds
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Eaton Elementary School (3301 Lowell St., NW) (Ward 3)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Macomb Rec Ctr, Newark Park and Forest Hills Park Playgrounds
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Kennedy Recreation Center (1401 7th St., NW) (Ward 6)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Kennedy Rec Ctr Playground
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Southeast Tennis & Learning Center (701 Mississippi Ave., SE) (Ward 8)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Oxon Run Park Playground
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Banneker Recreation Center (2500 Georgia Ave., NW) (Ward 1)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Banneker Rec Ctr and Harrison Rec Ctr Playgrounds
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Hillcrest Recreation Center (3100 Denver Rd., SE) (Ward 7)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Hillcrest Rec Ctr Playground
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Rose Park Recreation Center (2609 Dumbarton St., NW) (Ward 2)
6 pm to 7:30 pm – Discussing: Rose Park Rec Ctr Playground
DPR currently operates 78 playgrounds, 68 recreation centers, 900 acres of park land, 40 aquatic features (pools and spray parks), 375 parks, over 200 play courts (basketball & tennis), and over 100 athletic fields.
For more information on the Play DC Project, contact [email protected] or call (202) 391-9204.
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