(Washington, DC) The Department of General Services (DGS) and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) provided an update on preparation work of outdoor pools and amenities for the Spring-Summer season. The work included facility-checks at community gardens, playgrounds, pools, pool houses, parks, and dog parks across the District. This seasonal transition also includes turning on water fountains and adjusting light sources to provide for safe and fun activities during the summer months. DGS maintains 55 parks, 39 community gardens, 13 indoor pools, 22 outdoor pools, 33 spray parks, 12 dog parks, and more than 130 fields and playgrounds. This work is performed by DGS on behalf of the District and DPR.
“The Bowser Administration is committed to providing a summer of fun for District residents. We are entering one of the best seasons of the year in the District for residents and visitors to enjoy the public spaces available to them,” said DGS Director Keith A. Anderson. “Our preparedness work at DGS starts early to make sure the summertime season opens safely and strongly for everyone.”
As part of its spring-summer readiness preparations, the facilities team verifies the integrity of plumbing at pools and pool houses in preparation for the opening of the 2022 outdoor pool season. This process includes turning on water sources, painting pools, ensuring pumps are operational, and completing any necessary maintenance or repairs. Final pool inspections are scheduled for early-May. DGS is also scheduling non-automated lighting to be consistent with Daylight Saving Time, and turning on water fountains at parks and dog parks.
“Before DPR can welcome our District residents for some fun in the sun, we turn to our partners at DGS to perform annual maintenance and prepare DPR properties and facilities for use,” said DPR Director Delano Hunter. “We are excited for the return of summer at DPR, including more summer camp offerings, engaging programs for all backgrounds and ages, and events that bring out the whole community.”
As a result of capital construction projects, the Francis swimming pool and Stead Park (including the spray park) both in Ward 2, will be closed for the summer.
The seasonal preparation also kicks off the regular mowing season for District properties. DGS has started mowing services at nearly 600 District-owned locations, including at schools, recreation centers, municipal buildings, and parks. Throughout the summer months, the frequency of mowing will coincide with weather forecasts and rain accumulation. Starting May 9, the DC311 system will go live with an expansion of receiving service requests to be addressed by DGS to include pool maintenance, spray parks, and dog parks.
DGS performs spring-summer readiness operations each year to reduce the likelihood of parks and other resources from being taken off-line for mid-season repairs. These operations also provide an opportunity for recreation center and pool staff to address maintenance issues from the previous season, and for thorough parks and equipment inspections before the heaviest season of use. The readiness program, which started in March and is planned for completion in early summer, is a way to help ensure users of the District’s outdoor recreation spaces enjoy all available activities.
Additional information about the District’s Spring-Summer operations is available here.