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Mayor Bowser Celebrates Modernization of Kenilworth Recreation Center, Announces New Permit and Application Process

Saturday, June 17, 2017

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Saturday, Mayor Bowser celebrated the modernization of Kenilworth Recreation Center in Ward 7 and announced that the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Permit Office is transitioning to a new, more user-friendly permit and application process. The Mayor was joined at the opening by Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray and DPR Director Keith Anderson.

“As we celebrate Back to Basics DC, this ribbon cutting is a tremendous example of what we can do when the government works hand-in-hand with the community to create resources and services that match residents’ needs,” said Mayor Bowser. “And with the development of the new permit and application process, we are not just improving and modernizing our facilities, we are also making them easier for residents to access.”  

The Bowser Administration worked with the residents of Ward 7 to design and construct the Kenilworth Recreation Center, and the new $17 million modernized facility includes:

  • large multi-purpose room;
  • boxing room;
  • senior and teen rooms;
  • computer room;
  • fitness center;
  • demonstration kitchen;
  • locker rooms;
  • support spaces;
  • new gymnasium;
  • new outdoor pool and pool house; and
  • exterior site improvements. 

Additionally, Kenilworth Recreation is eco-friendly, energy efficient, and designed to meet the LEED Gold Certification, with amenities such as: 

  • electric vehicle charging station, the first at a DPR recreation center;
  • bicycle repair station;
  • pervious pavement;
  • bio-retention ‘Rain Gardens’; and
  • a green roof.

“We are excited about this project because it is a continuing example of our commitment to elevating the quality of life for District residents. This new recreation center offers a safe, attractive, and energy efficient place for members of the community to enjoy,” said DGS Director Gillis.

“The Kenilworth Recreation Center, home to DPR’s largest fitness room, largest senior lounge, largest boxing room, largest multipurpose room, and the largest, most innovative demonstration kitchen in our inventory, is the recreation center that this neighborhood deserves,” said DPR Director Anderson.

At the ribbon cutting, Mayor Bowser also announced that the District is launching a new permit and application process, making it easier for residents to access and reserve DPR fields, courts, recreation centers, and pools. Under the new application process, residents will be able to view a space’s availability before requesting a reservation. Many DPR spaces, including most multipurpose rooms, fields, and courts, will be “Open for Purchase” meaning any customer can find an available space, add it to their cart, pay, and immediately receive a permit and receipt. The new application and web link will open Tuesday, June 20, 2017, and the Permit Office will not accept any requests until the new system goes live. 

Between June 20 and July 4, DPR will also accept athletic permit applications for Fall 2017. During this period, residents can make one-time reservations using the new system or submit applications for long-term athletic permits (e.g. a football team looking to reserve a field every Thursday evening). Applications received during the permit window will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified of their permit status during the week of July 31. At the end of the permit window, the application period will close; DPR will no longer accept late applications. Once the process is complete, residents, teams, and leagues will still be able to use the new system to apply for any available space on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, visit dpr.dc.gov/permits.
  
The ribbon cutting and announcement of DPR’s new permit application process are part of Back to Basics DC, a celebration of the day-to-day work that keeps Washington, DC moving forward. Follow Back to Basics DC on social media using #backtobasicsDC.