Limited in-person fall programs will be offered at specific DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) locations, as well as virtual programs. Registration will open Thursday, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m., and the actual programs and offerings will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
The programs and facilities will all be accesible by reservation only and with restrictions in place.
“Recreation centers, aquatic centers and many recreational programs have been shut down since March 16, 2020 in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19),” said DPR Director Delano Hunter. “We are excited to increase health and wellness opportunities that benefit all eight wards, while safely welcoming residents back inside our facilities.”
DPR will offer limited socially-distanced programs at 29 recreation centers through its reservation system. They will also open seven indoor pools for lap swimming only and for limited swim programs. Reservations can be made for 19 free fitness centers through the online system. Tech lounges will also be reservation only with limited occupancy.
DPR continues to provide a safe space for guided learning for students with additional Learning Hubs, open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at select locations. DPR will also begin issuing a limited number of outdoor athletic permits for moderate contact sports practices and low contact sports games.
New health and safety protocols have been put in place at the recreation centers where fall programs will be offered. Protocols include: face mask requirements for all program participants; enhanced daily cleaning of facilities; signage reminders of social distancing, handwashing, and regular use of hand sanitizers. All patrons will be required to present State-issued Photo ID upon entry to DPR’s recreation centers – to facilitate COVID-19 contact tracing.
All Programs and access to facilities are registration only. Walk-ins will not be permitted. Register online and learn more about protocol at dprprograms.com
AQUATIC CENTERS- Indoor Pools
DPR will operate seven aquatic centers for structured programs and lap swimming only. Swimming reservations are limited to 45 minutes with one reservation per day and a four reservation maximum within a seven-day period. High touch surfaces will be cleaned between each time slot. As part of these safety measures, pool locker rooms will not be open for resident use.
DPR staff will ensure water chemistry readings are taken hourly. Water chemistry levels shall be maintained in compliance with current regulations from DC Health. Sanitizers used in pool operations are regulated by the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The following aquatic centers will operate Monday – Friday from 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (closed 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.), Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and will be closed on Sunday:
- Marie Reed (Ward 2)
- Wilson (Ward 3)
- Takoma (Ward 4)
- Turkey Thicket (Ward 5)
- Rumsey (Ward 6)
- Deanwood (Ward 7) -Note: Closed until Dec. 2020
- Barry Farm (Ward 8)
Access to facilities are available to registrants only and not the general public. Reservations can be made online at DPR Programs.
Specific Precautions/Restrictions for Aquatic Center
- Pool use will prioritize DC residents with valid ID and pre-registration.
- All patrons will be required to present valid State-issued Photo ID upon entry to facility.
- Registrants will complete a health screening questionnaire to enter the facility.
- Face–coverings must be worn by all participants and DPR personnel, except when in the water.
- All wading pools, also known as baby pools or children pools, and hot tubs will remain closed.
- Deck seating will be unavailable.
- Guests participating in reservable programming options are encouraged to arrive on time.
- Arrive no more than (15) minutes in advance. All activities are scheduled in increments to limit crowding.
- All scheduled swimming courses will meet instructor in designated pool area and begin promptly.
- Restrooms will be available to program participants. Pool locker rooms will be available for pool access only.
- Lockers at all pools will not be available for use. Guests must take their belongings with them on the pool deck and place them nearest their scheduled activity.
- To ensure all reservations times are met, we ask guests to minimize their time in these areas by coming to the pool in their swim attire, showering at home, and exiting directly after their scheduled activity.
- Shared equipment such as kickboards, pull buoys, and life vests will be unavailable unless part of a DPR led activity.
- Patrons are encouraged to bring their own water bottles to limit shared use of water fountains.
- All patrons age two years old and over must use a face-covering while on the pool deck, in common areas and when social distancing is not possible.
- All guests are required to maintain at least six feet of space between themselves and others at all times.
More information on start dates for specific aquatic programs and pools is available at DPRPrograms.com and DPR.DC.
