(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser kicked off DC’s 2017 summer outdoor pool season at Banneker Recreation Center in Ward 1. The Mayor was joined at the kickoff by Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Director Keith Anderson, US Consumer Product Safety Commission Executive Director Patricia Adkins, 93.9 WKYS radio personality Angie Ange, and District officials.
"With so many tremendous options for staying fit and having fun at DPR facilities, we are thrilled to kick off the beginning of a District favorite – outdoor pool season,” said Mayor Bowser. “Today, we recommit ourselves ensuring that all residents are have a safe, fun, and productive summer. We’re encouraging District families to jump into summer by visiting summer.dc.gov to learn about programs, activities, and events throughout the summer.”
DPR’s outdoor aquatic facilities will officially open on Saturday, May 27, and throughout Memorial Day Weekend, outdoor pools will operate from 12 pm to 6 pm. For more information on the summer outdoor pools schedule, visit: summer.dc.gov. This summer, DPR’s aquatic inventory includes 18 outdoor pools, 11 indoor pools, 23 spray parks, and two children's pools. Last year was the first time that DPR offered a concession stand at Banneker, and this year, there will also be a concession stand at Ridge Road Pool.
DPR’s outdoor pools and accompanying programs are an important part of Mayor Bowser’s FitDC initiative, which encourages residents to make healthy life choices. Like the District’s fitness centers, DPR’s aquatic facilities are free for DC residents.
“Swimming is one of the best ways to cool off in the summer heat and a fun way to stay active,” said DPR Director Anderson. “If you don’t know how to swim, DPR offers a number of Learn to Swim classes for a nominal fee and for people of all ages. We also have spaces available in a variety of summer camps and programs that are fun and engaging.”
In addition to regular programming, DPR will also host multiple evening community pool parties this summer at the following locations and times:
- Saturday, July 15 from 7:30 pm to 10 pm
Banneker Pool – 2500 Georgia Avenue, NW - Saturday, July 29 from 7:30 pm to 10 pm
Oxon Run Pool – 501 Mississippi Avenue, SE - Friday, August 4 from 6 pm to 8:30 pm
Fort Stanton Pool – 1812 Erie Street, SE (event will coincide with Funky Fitness Friday)
DC’s park system ranks among the best in the nation, and Washington, DC has more swimming pools per capita than any other city in the US.