Media-Only Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195
Heads up, Washington! The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) today announced that the Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, located at 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE, has been chosen as a stop on a nationwide tour to promote “Meet Dave” - Twentieth Century Fox’s upcoming, fish-out-of-water comedy starring Eddie Murphy.
On Monday, June 30, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm, as part of the Summer of Safety Program of the Metropolitan Police Department, “Meet Dave” will headline at Turkey Thicket; inviting the public to “get inside his head” and possibly land a role in the film’s new poster! Hundreds of District youth from DPR and MPD-sponsored programs are expected to “Meet Dave” – or rather, a 15-foot tall replica of the title character’s head from the movie. Dave is currently on a cross-country tour (which began in Los Angeles on June 13) and will be visiting major US markets.
“An afternoon of ‘Meeting Dave’ while learning more about the many structured activities our city offers District children and youth will be a win for everyone,” said DPR Director Clark E. Ray. “DPR welcomes this opportunity to once again partner with MPD, government agencies and District organizations to make sure that our youth stay safe this summer.”
Visitors to the traveling head, which weighs almost three tons, will have an opportunity to have their photo taken inside of Dave’s ear (mirroring the image in the film’s current poster), which will be uploaded to the movie’s website, www.meetdavemovie.com
“We are happy to participate in these kinds of activities that are geared towards making the summer enjoyable for our city’s youth,” said Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier.
DC Government agencies and District organizations which specialize in youth services are also welcome to be vendors at the event. To reserve a space as a vendor at the event, contact DPR Public Affairs Specialist MosesAlexander Greene. Media will also have the opportunity to sightsee with Dave as he “drives by” landmarks of Washington, DC. For routing details, contact Brandi Dunnegan of Allied Advertising at (240) 676-7076
Due to the District’s critically-acclaimed DC Free Summer Meals Program, participants of the event age 18 and younger will be provided a free, nutritious meal as well.
About DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)
The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) presents quality urban recreation and leisure services to residents and visitors to the District of Columbia. The agency supervises and maintains area parks, community facilities, and neighborhood recreation centers as well as coordinates a wide variety of programs including sports leagues, youth development, therapeutic recreation, aquatic programming, outdoor adventure, camping, child care services, and senior citizen activities. Adaptive programs and facilities are available for persons with disabilities.
About Metropolitan Police Department (MPDC)
One of the ten largest local police agencies in the United States, the MPDC is the primary law enforcement agency for the District of Columbia. Founded in 1861, the MPDC of today is on the forefront of technological crime fighting advances, from highly developed advances in evidence analysis to state-of the-art-information technology. These modern techniques are combined with a contemporary community policing philosophy, referred to as Policing for Prevention. Community policing bonds the police and residents in a working partnership designed to organize and mobilize residents, merchants and professionals to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit the Nation's Capital.
About “Meet Dave”
In the film, opening in theaters everywhere on July 11, Dave Ming Chang (Eddie Murphy), newly arrived in New York City, may be the ultimate fish out of water. There’s something about him that’s not quite right – for starters, he seems remarkably out of place and uncomfortable in his own body. And for good reason: “Dave” is not a man at all, but a ship made in the image of its miniature-sized captain. It’s Eddie Murphy in Eddie Murphy in MEET DAVE. Also stars Gabrielle Union.