Media Only Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195 (DPR); Gail Edwards, (202) 966-8665 (DCBIA)
On Saturday, September 13, the Douglass Community Center, 1898 Stanton Terrace, SE, will be the site of the 16th Annual Community Improvement Day of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA). The public is invited to participate on this day of service and volunteerism which begins on 7 am and continues until 3 pm. At 12:30 pm, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held with Clark E. Ray, director of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Councilmember Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., chair of the DC Council Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation, and Chris Smith, president of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association.
This major renovation project is a collaboration of DCBIA professional members, including designers, construction companies and other real estate related businesses, in partnership with DPR. While substantial work began the week immediately following Labor Day, approximately 500 volunteers -- from architects and general contractors to attorneys, DPR staffers and members of the Ward 8 community -- are expected to accept the challenge of completing the scope of work on September 13.
The project includes a new roof, total renovation of the bathrooms, repaving of basketball courts, new entrance features and a promenade area, installation of shade structures around the pool areas, upgrades to the kitchen and computer room, and improvements to the interior design of the center. The estimated value of the contribution to the District is nearly one million dollars, including professional design and technical services, installation of new products and materials, skilled labor, donated equipment, volunteer services and the extraordinary amount of time and expertise contributed by members of the DCBIA Community Services Committee and volunteers.
A barbeque luncheon, which directly follows this ceremony, has been planned for participants. Those interested in volunteering in the DPR/DCBIA Community Improvement Day should call DPR’s Office of Partnerships and Development at (202) 671-1462.
WHAT: District of Columbia Building Industry Association’s 16th Annual Community Improvement Day
WHEN: Saturday, September 13, 7 am – 3 pm
- Work begins at 7 am and continues until 3 pm.
- Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, 12:30 pm. Luncheon, 1:30 pm.
WHERE: Douglass Community Center, 1898 Stanton Terrace, SE
VISUALS AND INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
- Clark E. Ray, Director, DC Department of Parks and Recreation
- Chris Smith, President, DC Building Industry Association
- Harry “Tommy” Thomas, Jr., Councilmember, Ward 5 and Chair, Committee on Libraries, Parks and Recreation
- 500 Volunteers
About the DC Department of Parks and Recreation
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 District of Columbia Building Industry Association
The District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA) is the professional association representing both the commercial and residential real estate industries in the nation’s capital. Its membership of nearly 500 companies and organizations represents several thousand real estate professionals. The Association’s membership encompasses all aspects of real estate development and includes developers, general contractors, architects and engineers, lenders, attorneys, brokers, title companies, utility companies, community development organizations and other professional members.