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

February promises to be another month of celebration throughout the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), as DPR will host a variety of special programs and events across the District of Columbia.  This month’s highlights include Valentine's Day events, the annual "Blacks In Wax" program at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, and "Make Your Mark!" the 23rd Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet at the Takoma Aquatic Center.

"DPR This Month"
By Clark E. Ray, Director, DC Department of Parks and Recreation

DPR is still buzzing from a January filled with excitement from the Inauguration of President Barack Obama, service projects at DPR centers to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and welcoming in the New Year.  This month, DPR continues to keep things moving during the chilly and snowy winter weather.
 
Over three exciting days, from February 13 - 15, swimmers from across the country will compete at the Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren Street, NW, at "Make Your Mark!" the 23rd Annual Black History Invitational Swim Meet.  This national event draws hundreds of swimmers each year to be part of the "premier minority swim competition in the United States and in the World," as described by USA Swimming.  I hope you’ll join me in watching these young athletes compete, as the Black History Invitational Swim Meet is open to the public for viewing and admission is free.  More information about the meet and the complete schedule is available on our website.
 
I’m very excited that this year February marks the opening of Summer Camp registration!  This summer, from June 15 to August 21, DPR is offering five two-week sessions, and camping fees are only $100 per session for District residents for most of our camps.  We will also offer eight, one-week overnight camping sessions at Camp Riverview, DPR's residential camp located in Scotland, Maryland. Camp Riverview sits along the Potomac River near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, surrounded by 217 acres of woods.  If you’re looking for a unique camping experience for your children and the opportunity for them to enjoy outdoor activities they can't find in the city, be sure to make a trip to Camp Riverview part of their summer.  Complete information on all of our summer camps and registration is available online at summercamps.dc.gov.  You can also call our Camp Central office at (202) 671-2095 or visit a DPR center for more information.
 
Finally, on February 26, DPR host our annual Blacks In Wax event from 6 to 9 pm at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center (SETLC), at 701 Mississippi Avenue, SE.  Students and parents will depict historic figures from past and present Black History and will bring them to life, and teach you about their lives and accomplishments.  The theme of this year's program is "From Chains to Change," and individuals to be portrayed include author Maya Angelou, Chair and President Emerita of the National Council of Negro Women Dr. Dorothy Height, Founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, Marian Wright Edelman, 1960’s civil rights movement leader Malcolm X, our very own Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, and our newest President, Barack Obama.

Enjoy the other DPR highlights listed below and if you would like to learn more about these events or the other programs and services available at the DC Department of Parks and Recreation please visit any DPR center or visit us online at dpr.dc.gov.

Select the link below for DPR's February 2009 Featured Programs and Events:

• DPR's February 2009 Featured Programs and Events