• Department of Parks and Recreation

Performance Oversight Hearing Synopsis

There were 26 public witnesses. Much of the testimony was geared around the following:

• Programs that DPR helped to sponsor, such as Casey Trees.
• The benefits of DPR programs, such as FitDC, Recreation Pop-Ups at Oxon Run Park, cheerleading with DC Elite, tEmery Recreation Center, and tennis the Southeast Tennis & Learning Center.
• New facilities and increasing communication surrounding the progress of facilities, such as Crummell School.
• Current facilities that require renovations, such as Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center.

There was a testimony regarding the concern around long-term leases for public facilities by private companies. One public witness advocated for more transparency around contracts that have allowed private companies to take over DPR facilities and parks for decades. 

DPR Director Delano Hunter discussed the programs that it offered over the past year and how they dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, including creating virtual programs for seniors. He discussed the first School Year Internship Program that was sparked by their Teen Career Camps. He also mentioned their increased use of providing and maintaining greenspace, constructing a new community garden at Congress Heights Recreation Center, renovated gardens at Ferebee Hope and Fort Greble Recreation Centers.