(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, Mayor Vincent C. Gray; New Communities Initiative (NCI) Director Kimberly Black King; Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Acting Director Sharia Shanklin; Department of General Services (DGS) Director Brian Hanlon; D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) Director Adrianne Todman; Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 8C Chair Mary Cuthbert; ANC 8C06 Commissioner Naomi Carthens; ANC Elect 8C06 Commissioner-Elect Rhonda Edwards-Hines and Barry Farm Resident Council President Monica Miller joined community leaders and residents to celebrate the opening of the new Barry Farm indoor aquatic center in Ward 8.
“I am thrilled today to celebrate the opening of this state-of-the-art aquatic center for the residents of Barry Farm and the Ward 8 community. This facility pays tribute to the memory of our beloved former Mayor and Ward 8 Councilmember Marion S. Barry, Jr., who fought tirelessly to ensure Ward 8 residents received equal access to quality services,” said Mayor Gray. “I want to thank all of the government agencies who worked to make this facility a reality.”
The Barry Farm revitalization project is part of NCI, through collaboration with DCHA, DPR and DGS. The $26 million project will include a new Barry Farm Recreation Center alongside the new aquatic center. The aquatic center represents the completion of the first phase and the recreation center represents phase two, slated for completion in spring 2015. The Barry Farm community will also receive a new playground under Mayor Gray’s Play DC: Playground Improvement Initiative.
“The opening of the pool represents one of many amenities to come for the Barry Farm community under the New Communities Initiative,” said NCI Director King. “We are excited to continue our work with residents and other stakeholders to see the vision of a vibrant mixed-income neighborhood where residents have quality housing, real economic opportunities and access to human services to fruition.”
The new 8,800-square-foot LEED Silver indoor center, which replaces an outdoor aquatic center, will boast a 6-lane, 25-meter, fully ADA-accessible lap pool; a leisure pool with beach entry; and a waterslide.
“This phase of the project brings a world-class aquatic space to the residents of Ward 8, providing space for interaction and enjoyment. But, most importantly, it serves as a foundation for the redevelopment and growth of the community,” said DGS Director Hanlon.
The new Barry Farm aquatic center will operate Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. District residents may participate in open swim for free with a valid photo ID. Non-residents must pay a fee. The center will also offer a variety of classes including: Learn to Swim for Seniors, Adults, Youth, Children and Parent/Child; Water Aerobics for Seniors; Lifeguard Training Academy (LTA); Swim Skills and more. Classes begin on Monday, December 15 and registration is currently open. (Please note that some classes may have associated fees.)
“We are so excited to cut the ribbon at this new, state-of-the-art natatorium. This is a top-quality District facility located right here in Ward 8,” said DPR Acting Director Shanklin. “Providing an indoor pool allows for year-round access to classes, robust programs and open swim. I look forward to the completion of the recreation center and I believe our beloved Mayor, Councilmember and former DPR oversight chair Marion S. Barry, Jr. would be proud.”
“DCHA welcomes having this new aquatic center as a great space for us to continue to engage with residents,” said DCHA Director Todman. “It’s an example of our commitment to our promise to listen to Barry Farm residents’ desires for their homes and community.”
The Barry Farm Recreation Center is a key component of the redevelopment plan for the historic neighborhood. As part of NCI, the Barry Farm neighborhood will be transformed into a mixed-income, mixed-use community with new housing, roads, public facilities and community amenities.
For more information about NCI, go here.
For more information about DPR, go to dpr.dc.gov.
Media Contacts:
- Chanda Washington, DMPED, (202) 727-6365
- Rob Marus, EOM, (202) 727-6853
- John Stokes, DPR, (202 288-7275