Section 10-A809. PROS-2.1 ASSESSING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

 

809.1Benchmarks provide a means of measuring the adequacy of the District’s recreational facilities based on “peer cities” and national standards. For example, Figure 8.1 indicates that the District has a higher number of recreation centers per 1,000 residents than Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, or Philadelphia. Similar analysis conducted during the Parks Master Plan found that the District ranked close to its “peer” cities in its number of swimming pools, was above average in tennis courts, and was well below average in athletic fields. These are citywide benchmarks, however. They also pertain to the quantity of facilities, rather to facility condition or quality. 809.1

 

809.2Figure 8.1: Recreation Centers per 1,000 Residents

 

http://planning.dc.gov/planning/frames.asp?doc=/planning/lib/planning/2006_revised_comp_plan/8_parksrecreation.pdf.

 

809.3Map 8.2 (page 8-15) shows the location of recreation center buildings in the city. The Map also shows a one-half mile radius-or about a tenminute walk-around each center. Service gaps appear in neighborhoods like Fairlawn, Deanwood, Forest Hills, and Shepherd Park. Similar analyses for recreational facilities indicate a need for more athletic fields in the central part of the city, swimming pools in Upper Northwest, and tennis courts in the Mid-City and Capitol Hill areas. 809.3

 

809.4The policies below provide general direction on how existing facility gaps might be closed and how new facilities can be provided to meet future needs. Again, the Parks Master Plan provides more detail on these issues and should be consulted for additional guidance and programmatic recommendations. 809.4

 

809.5Policy PROS-2.1.1: Recreational Facility Development

 

Improve the physical and psychological health of District residents by providing a variety of recreational and athletic facilities, including playing fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, basketball courts, trails and paths, and open areas for other sports activities. 809.5

 

809.6Map 8.2: Recreation Center Buildings and Potential Service Area Gaps

 

http://planning.dc.gov/planning/frames.asp?doc=/planning/lib/planning/2006_revised_comp_plan/8_parksrecreation.pdf.

 

809.7Policy PROS-2.1.2: Use of Benchmarks and Standards

 

Develop recreational facilities in an orderly way by using benchmarks and service standards that help identify local needs. Direct investment in new facilities to the areas with the greatest unmet needs and areas where additional demand is expected in the future. 809.7

 

809.8Policy PROS-2.1.3: Quality and Compatible Design

 

Require all park improvements to be of high design and construction quality, sensitive to the natural environment, and compatible with surrounding land uses. 809.8

 

809.9Policy PROS-2.1.4: Responding to Local Preferences

 

Provide amenities and facilities in District parks that are responsive to the preferences and needs of the neighborhoods around the parks. Park planning should recognize that there are different leisure time interests in different parts of the city. To better understand these differences, the community must be involved in key planning and design decisions. 809.9

 

809.10Policy PROS-2.1.5: Adapting to Changing Needs

 

Allow the development of facilities which respond to changing preferences and community needs in appropriate District parks, including fenced dog exercise areas (dog parks), skate parks, tot lots, and water spray parks. 809.10

 

809.11Action PROS-2.1.A: Capital Improvements

 

Provide systematic and continuing funds for park improvements through the annual Capital Improvement Program. Use the Parks Master Plan as a guide for directing funds to the facilities and communities that are most in need. 809.11

 

809.12Action PROS-2.1.B: Needs Assessments and Demographic Analysis

 

Conduct periodic needs assessments, surveys, and demographic studies to better understand the current preferences and future needs of District residents with respect to parks and recreation. 809.12

 

See also the Community Services and Facilities Element for policies on the co-location of recreational uses with other public facilities.

 

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.