(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser was joined by District leaders and community members to cut the ribbon on the new Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center. Spanning 37,000 square feet on seven and a half acres, the center is designed to serve residents of all ages and abilities. With state-of-the-art amenities, it will provide services that enhance physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. The facility’s sustainability features, including nature-integrated designs, underscore the therapeutic benefits of connecting with the outdoors. The $40.4 million project, located in Ward 7, will become the premier therapeutic recreation center in the region.
 
“The Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center is a cutting-edge facility that stands as a symbol of our city’s ongoing commitment to provide high-quality services and programs to people of all ages and abilities,” said Mayor Bowser. “Making sure every resident gets a fair shot means giving people the opportunities and support to live up to their God-given potential, and that’s what we are doing at the Joy Evans Recreation Center.”
 
Key amenities include therapy, wellness, and active rooms, a sensory room, a therapeutic pool and spa, locker rooms, a seniors’ lounge, a tech lounge, a caregiver lounge, a fitness center, multipurpose rooms, a kitchen, an arts and crafts room, and a full-size gymnasium.
 
“The Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center represents a transformative step in creating inclusive spaces for all residents of the District,” said DPR Director Thennie Freeman. “This state-of-the-art facility will not only provide essential therapeutic and recreational services but also foster connection, wellness, and joy across all ages and abilities, reflecting our deep commitment to equity and community well-being.”

The grounds feature two age-appropriate playgrounds for children ages 2-5 and 5-12, shade canopies, a splash pad, a community garden, a sensory garden, a geocaching station, fitness equipment, walkways, open park space, and parking. These amenities provide opportunities for community engagement and outdoor gatherings.
 
“At DGS, our mission is to build, maintain, and sustain real estate properties owned by the District of Columbia, and we proudly manage more than 840 properties across all eight wards,” said DGS Director Delano Hunter. “A standout example of this work is the Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center, which will serve as a one-of-a-kind facility for District residents with special needs. Thanks to Mayor Bowser's leadership and a $40 million investment, this project represents an opportunity to create an inclusive, biophilic-designed space that fosters connection with nature, enhances accessibility, and offers a wide range of services for people of all ages and abilities.”
 
The center honors the legacy of Joy Evans, a former resident of Forest Haven, an institution located 22 miles outside of the District. When she passed away at the age of 17 in 1976, her experience highlighted the need for equitable resources for individuals with disabilities in the District. In 2016, the city ended the landmark 40-year lawsuit that stemmed from Evans’ experience, marking a significant milestone in improving care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more here.

Building on this vision, the Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center also provides seniors with a dedicated place to stay active, build connections, and engage in meaningful activities.
 
“The Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center is a vital space for seniors to connect, thrive, and stay active,” said DACL Director Charon P.W. Hines. “With features like the seniors’ lounge and multipurpose rooms, this center will foster intergenerational community, wellness, and engagement, reflecting our commitment to supporting seniors across the District.”
 
With its innovative design and comprehensive amenities, the Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center will serve as a cornerstone for wellness, connection, and opportunity for generations to come. For more information, please visit dpr.dc.gov/page/therapeutic-aquatic-center.

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