DPR Customer Service: (202) 673-7647
DPR Media Contact: Gwendolyn Crump, (202) 288-6027, [email protected]
(Washington, DC) – In June 2016, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) implemented new regulations and fees. The new regulations, which were approved by the DC Council and published in the DC Register for public comment, will ensure equitable access, the protection of participants on DPR property and a thorough and efficient permitting system. Many of the ideas set in these regulations came from comments from the general public through a permits task force and public meetings.
The regulations also establish new fees for field usage, community rooms, courts, gyms, picnic groves, park-space, pool lanes and equipment. The hourly rates are well below the DC Metro average rates and offer waivers for some qualified users. DPR has also established an activity fee guide with a range of activity fees, with automatic discounts for seniors.
Fee changes will be implemented this fall, beginning after Labor Day, on September 6, 2016.
DPR is also excited to announce the implementation of a new fee-based-use authority. This new authority allows DPR to permit various athletic, fitness, arts and cultural groups and businesses to use DPR space for recreation related activities, even if they charge fees to their participants. The use must align with DPR’s mission and should not interfere with overall public use of the DPR facility.
DPR encourages all members of the public with questions about the new regulations, fees, or fee-based uses to contact DPR by email at [email protected]. Also, applicants who would like to apply for a waiver should review the DC Municipal Regulations and DC Register and contact DPR if they believe they qualify.
The new regulations can be found on the DPR website http://dpr.dc.gov/service/dpr-athletic-facility-permits
About DPR
The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provides quality urban recreation and leisure services for residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. DPR supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, swimming pools and spray parks, and neighborhood recreation centers. The agency also coordinates a wide variety of recreation and educational programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities.