Media Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195
This afternoon, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty joined hundreds of Ward 7 residents, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and pep rally to celebrate the opening of DPR's new artificial turf premier athletic field at Ridge Road Recreation Center, 800 Ridge Rd., SE.
“Today marks the second time this month that residents are witnessing our commitment to ensuring that the children who participate in our sports programs, whether at our recreation facilities or in District schools, compete on the best fields possible, “ said Mayor Fenty. “I celebrate with the Ridge Road Titans and this community that the best is here!”
The new athletic field at the Ridge Road Recreation Center is DPR’s second premier athletic field. DPR has committed approximately $9.9 million to OPEFM for renovating athletic fields at four DPR locations; Fort Stanton Recreation Center, Ridge Road Recreation Center, Banneker Recreation Center, and Riggs LaSalle Community Center. The agency’s first premier athletic field opened on Friday, October 17 at Riggs LaSalle.
“Step by step DPR is realizing Mayor Fenty’s vision that DC would be a world-class city with world-class recreational facilities for residents,” said Jason Turner, director of DPR Capital Projects and Planning. “Our partnership with OPEFM will continue to produce athletic fields that will become building blocks for community and youth sports for generations to come.”
Immediately following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the Ridge Road Titans, a community organization which fields 6 youth football teams comprised of over 150 local children and youth, exploded onto the field from various directions as well wishers celebrated in the stands to the 1979 R&B classic, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.”
The $2.8 million Ridge Road premier athletic field project converted the existing 60-foot baseball diamond and football/soccer field to a new FieldTurf artificial turf playing surface, with inlaid game lines and markings. Brand new features such as seating for 500 spectators, a press box, scoreboard and goal posts were constructed as well as improvements in lighting, repairs and additions to existing fencing, and improved Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access. An on-site storage facility and athletic field maintenance equipment has also been purchased.
For more information about ways to support or contribute to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, please contact DPR's Office of Partnerships and Development at (202) 671-1462 or DPRpartnerships@dc.gov