(Washington, DC) Community leaders and area residents will be on hand July 20 at 11 am to break ground for the planned Emery Recreation Center at Georgia Avenue and Madison Street, NW.

The $6.2 million facility is scheduled for completion by October 2003. This project will provide for a new two-story recreation facility with an indoor gymnasium.

The new state-of-the-art facility contains more than 28,000 square feet of space, several offices, meeting and multi-purpose rooms, kitchen facilities, a hardwood floor gymnasium, and other amenities. The community has remained steadfast in their commitment to this project and anxiously awaits groundbreaking and commencement of construction.  Holder Construction is working with Jair Lynch Consulting/Alpha Corporation to construct the new facility and amenities.

Officials believe that the center will bring needed recreation services to the area.  “This will truly be this community’s center,” Neil O. Albert, director of DC Parks and Recreation, said. “Its proximity to the area schools, coupled with the Georgia Avenue reinvestment initiative, makes Emery Recreation Center a high-profile project.”

"The Emery project illustrates the administration’s continued emphasis on recreation," Albert added.

“The new recreation center, gymnasium, and playground are necessary assets to this community and our city. This project is a symbol of the rebirth and growth of our neighborhoods throughout the city,” he said.

WHO:
Mayor Anthony A. Williams
DC Parks and Recreation Director Neil Albert
Ward 4 Councilmember Adrian Fenty
ANC Commissioners
Residents

WHAT:
Groundbreaking Ceremony

WHERE:
Emery Recreation Center, Georgia Avenue and Madison St., NW

WHEN:
11 am – Noon  
Saturday, July 20
(Rain Date: Saturday, August 3, 2002)