Media Only Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195

In October, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) promises to be the place to be for the best in urban recreation, athletic and leisure services. Just days into a fun-filled fall, we invite District residents of all ages to participate in the wide array of stellar programming our dedicated staff has created with you in mind.

We would quickly like to thank you for your tremendous support in September. Some of the highlights included 30 of our youth basketball players from Fort Davis and Sherwood Recreation Centers joining Washington Wizard Caron Butler, the American Lung Association of the District of Columbia and the DC Department of Health to kick off the District’s new Tobacco Free Sports Campaign; the groundbreaking at Fort Reno Park; an outstanding celebration with our newest programmatic partner Positive Nature, Inc. at the DC Center for Therapeutic Recreation in Southeast Washington, and youth scholars from the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center bringing down the tent at the National Council of Negro Women’s Annual Black Family Reunion on the Mall with its Blacks-in-Wax Museum portrayals.

This month, an abundance of educational, informational and entertaining activities await you. You can join our Camping and Environmental Education Division for white water rafting and youth mountain bike riding; attend the open houses our Ward 4 facilities are hosting on Friday, October 10; snap your fingers and tap your toes at the “Juicy Jazz Concert” at Riggs-LaSalle Community Center, or join the critically-acclaimed Young Ladies on the Rise for its “Reflections of Pink,” a Breast Cancer Awareness Day event in Ward 8.

These programs and more are here at your Department of Parks and Recreation! To find out more about the events, programs and services DPR is offering in October, visit us online at dpr.dc.gov or stop by your nearest recreation center.