Media Contact: John A. Stokes, (202) 673-2195 (DPR); Jack Pfeiffer, (202) 727-1751 (EOM)
Today, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty was joined by DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Acting Director Ximena Hartsock, Langdon Elementary School students and community members for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of new playgrounds and other capital improvements at the Langdon Park Community Center, 2901 20th Street, NE.
Improvements throughout the Langdon Park Community Center began in fall 2008 with the construction of two new playgrounds; one specifically designed for children 2 to 5 years old, and another for children ages 6 to 12 years old. Both new playgrounds feature poured in place rubber play surfaces, with a base made from 100 percent recycled rubber and a slip-resistant surface when either wet or dry. Two new swing sets, one with bucket seats for young children, were also installed. The new playgrounds meet safety standards outlined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for the prevention of injuries.
"In the District, we pride ourselves on putting safety of our children first,” said Mayor Fenty. “I'm proud to say that these improvements have made Langdon Park safer and were made by using high quality recycled materials.”
In addition to the two new playgrounds, a new central plaza was also built featuring a pavilion, individual and group seating, and outdoor chess/checker/game tables. New paved walkways were installed throughout the area, with connections to existing park pathways, creating a continuous walking loop.
The nearby amphitheatre was renovated to provide a new stage surface, new stage stairs, and an ADA compliant ramp, and the seating benches were rebuilt. To help manage storm water, DPR reengineered much of the site's underground drainage, and installed bioretention swales at the park. Bioretentaion swales are a special type of rain garden and storm water management system which allows rainwater to seep into the ground rather than running off into streets and into the sewer.
"The work completed here at Langdon Park demonstrates DPR's ongoing commitment to make our playgrounds and parks safer and more accessible for all of our residents," said DPR Acting Director Hartsock. "I’m also proud that DPR is supporting the Mayor’s Green DC Agenda by making capital improvements which make a positive impact on the District’s environment.”
Another green improvement at Langdon Park was the installation of a new high efficiency HVAC system which utilizes an advanced refrigerant that is less harmful to the ozone. The new unit also has state of the art technology controls to better maintain comfort and humidity levels.
The indoor gymnasium floor at Langdon Park Community Center is scheduled to be resurfaced later this year after summer programs have ended.
Select the link below to view photos from this event on DPR's flickr photostream:*
For information on how to support or contribute to the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, please contact DPR's Office of Partnerships and Development at (202) 258-6021 or DPRpartnerships@dc.gov.