DPR Customer Service: (202) 673-7647
DPR Media Contacts:
Michael Tucker Jr., (202) 717-4242, [email protected]
Gregory Jackson Jr., (202) 714-9550, [email protected]

(Washington, DC) – DC Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) announced its final new tech lounge of the year will launch Thursday, December 21, 2017, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. at Hillcrest Recreation Center.

DPR launched Deanwood Recreation Center’s Tech Lounge on December 7th to over 60 teens and followed that with a ribbon cutting at Riggs LaSalle Recreation Center's Tech Lounge for over 40 seniors, teens and ANC members.

“Tech lounges are another way we can make a difference in the community, starting with Ward 5 and Ward 7 connecting with at-risk youth,” said DPR Director Keith A. Anderson. “Deanwood, for example, had a drab and uninviting teen room that was used mostly for charging cell phones.”

The all-new tech lounges at Deanwood, Riggs LaSalle and Hillcrest Recreation Centers boast 65-inch Smart TVs, IPads and computers with 27-inch monitors. The décor includes cocktail tables and armless, low back chairs, with sofas and lounge chairs for a more sociable setting. The computer desks are also based on modern concepts.

The visual backdrop of the interior incorporates color-coordinated carpeting and accented walls with graphics. Recreation centers housing the lounges now have Wi-Fi connection for better connectivity and the new computers with e-gaming capacity. Beyond computers, tech lounge entertainment ranges from video games to board games.

During the day, the lounges are focused on helping seniors navigate new technology. After 3pm, lounges become a safe teen tech hub. This new concept speaks directly to youth while still being accessible to seniors.

“Tech lounges are more conducive to being social and having fun, while still being equipped with computers and able to meet research needs," explained Anderson. “The plan is that each new facility, like Marvin Gaye Recreation Center in 2018, will include a tech lounge and there are more tech lounges to come at our current sites.”

Final Tech Lounge Launch Event:

Thursday, December 21, 2017, 2pm – 6pm – Hillcrest Recreation Center

Event Highlights:

Seniors 2pm-3:30 p.m. – Computer Training and Games (Bingo)

Teens 3:30 p.m. -6 p.m. – Video Game Tournament (Madden 18 and NBA 2K18)

Refreshments will be served while supplies last.

For more information about the launch events and to RSVP visit DPR.events.

###

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.