Today, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Valerie Santos and Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Acting Director Jesús Aguirre joined Ward 7 community members for the grand opening of Deanwood Recreation Center and Library at 1350 49th Street, NE.

The state-of-the-art $32 million, 63,000 square foot facility boasts a leisure swimming pool complete with the District's first ever water slide, locker rooms, a gymnasium, a full service kitchen, a game room, a senior services area, a music studio, a fitness center, multi-purpose rooms, and a 7,500 square foot library with 20 computers, space for children's activities, space for teens to study and capacity for 25,000 books.  The facility is LEED Silver certified.

"We are committed to investing in our communities and today's grand opening of the Deanwood Recreation Center and Library is a prime example of that," said Mayor Adrian M. Fenty.  "In 18 months, we delivered a new, state-of-the-art Deanwood facility that residents can be proud of for years to come."

"DMPED is committed to revitalizing and encouraging growth in District neighborhoods so that residents can easily access the services they desire," said Deputy Mayor Valerie Santos.  "In the past few months, we opened the area's first sit-down restaurant, Marvin Gaye Park, and another library on Benning Road to meet the needs of Ward 7 residents.  We are excited to see Deanwood come to fruition and look forward to the continued growth and development in Ward 7."

"DPR provides District residents with facilities, programs and services which lead to a robust, active, higher quality of life," said DPR Acting Director Jesus Aguirre, "The new Deanwood Recreation Center and Library is a world class, monumental landmark that stands as a shining example of how far DC has progressed. From the state of the art pool and library, to the magnificent athletic field, senior and fitness rooms, there is something residents of all ages to enjoy. This is a milestone of which DPR is very proud."

"As District residents are using libraries more than ever before, I cannot wait for Deanwood to be filled with children checking out books, adults using the public computers and teens editing video on Mac computers," said DC Public Libraries (DCPL) Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper.  "Once people see what this library offers, I am confident that it will become a valuable part of this community."

DMPED/DPR has selected Forney Enterprises Manhattan Construction Company (MCC) to serve as the general contractor for the Deanwood Recreation Center and Library.  Forney is a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) by the Department of Small and Local Business Development and has constructed the Trinidad Recreation Center, the Ward 4 Senior Wellness Center, and worked on the renovation of Eastern Market.  MCC has worked on Bell Lincoln Multicultural School and Randle Highlands Elementary School.