For Immediate Release
October 3, 2022
Contact: Chantal Fuller, Communications Director
202-355-8431
cfuller@dccouncil.gov

                                      Councilmembers Christina Henderson and Trayon White, Sr. Introduce Legislation to Provide Transparency for Recreation Facility Capital Improvements

Washington, DC- Today, Councilmember Christina Henderson and Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. introduced the Planning Actively for Recreational upKeep so Neighborhood Resources Elevate Communities (PARKSNREC) Act of 2022. This legislation would require the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)to provide transparency in the agency’s capital improvement plan (CIP).

Currently, DPR operates and manages 14 indoor aquatic centers, 19 outdoor pools, 4 children’s pools, and 27 splash parks. It also has over 100 playgrounds and over 200 small parks that vary in size. Some of these community assets are woefully underutilized, and some are need of repair and refresh. Unfortunately, it is hard for the public to know which recreational facility will receive capital investments and when the funding will be appropriated. The PARKSNREC Act seeks to change that.

“Much like the PACE Act of 2016 for education facilities, the PARKSNREC Act of 2022 will provide stability to District communities by requiring the DPR CIP to include investments according to facility need and expected community growth, provide full-funding cost estimates for projects, and fund projects throughout the 6-year CIP,” noted Councilmember Henderson.  

“DPR facilities provide space for communities to come together in positive ways.With the introduction of this legislation, DC residents and Councilmembers will have a better understanding of facility needs and project timelines, while ensuring DPR has the resources to carry out improvements and updates in a timely manner. I am proud to support this legislation and what it will mean for those who rely on DPR facilities,” added Councilmember Trayon White, Sr.  

This legislation will complement efforts currently underway by DPR. In 2020, DPR initiated theReady2Play Plan, which is a master facilities plan that evaluates and assessesDPR public recreational spaces. Together with the Ready2Play Plan, the PARKSNREC Act will improve transparency and accountability as it pertains to DPR facilities. PARKSNREC requires guiding principles for the Recreation Facility CIP to ensure correlation with the DPR master facilities plan and the needs of the community. Additionally, this bill requires future analyses on the neighborhood growth in areas surrounding a facility, as well as comprehensive engagement with community members throughout the process.

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