The DC Department of Parks and Recreation has released Ready2Play, the city’s long-range parks and recreation master plan, for public comment. This plan is the result of over two years of public engagement. You can submit comments in one of two ways:

• Comment directly on sections of the document and view comments from others at ready2playdc.com.
• Submit more general comments or narrative and submit letters or resolutions through the Ready2Play Public Comment Survey.

Either way, be sure to submit comments by January 31, 2023.

I have only skimmed the document so far. It is a pretty hefty document containing a Strategic Plan with 4 Goals, an Equity Framework, Recommendations, and an Implementation Plan. There is discussion of what DPR heard during the public engagement process, recreation trends, and lots of other interesting stuff. Thanks to neighbor Gavin Baker for passing along a few highlights from the plan for parks & recreation centers in our neighborhood.

• Fort Totten & Fort Circle Park on South Dakota Avenue NE included in list of sites to “assess and discuss with National Park Service for further collaboration, based on neighborhood desire, need, and quality of site/amenity.”

• Plan recommends “Work[ing] with DDOT and NPS to further develop the Fort Circle Park hiker/biker trail system.”

• A “small park” called Reservation 0452, located roughly near New Hampshire Avenue, Chillum Place, and 1st Place NE, received a low equity investment score. The plan describes small parks as,

Less than an acre in size, this typology includes triangles, circles, plazas, and landscaped medians. Small parks provide opportunities for beautification, commemorative works of importance to neighborhoods, and public art. They are perfect settings for passive recreation and socialization or active recreation with amenities such as playgrounds, dog parks, walkways, and multi-purpose turf areas. Additionally, they may provide infrastructure to address environmental challenges such as stormwater management, biological diversity, and ecological and habitat restoration.

• Plan recommendations for Lamond Recreation Center include (1) renovated playground; (2) renovated field; and (3) new community garden. Looks like implementation plan recommends funding improvements for fiscal year 2024

• Plan recommendations for Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center include (1) new tennis court; (2) new community garden; (3) new exercise equipment; (4) new track & fitness loop; (5) center renovation; and (6) spray park renovation. Looks like some funding identified in fiscal year 2023 capital improvement plan and also funding recommended for fiscal years 2024, & 2025.

• Nearby, North Michigan Park/Queens Chapel and Brightwood Park/Manor Park are recommended as “areas to study for potential park expansion.” There is a list of recommendations for North Michigan Park Recreation Center.

Let’s keep advocating for what we want in our neighborhood parks and rec centers. It really does make a difference to participate in these public engagement processes. Be sure to submit comments by January 31, 2023.