Mayor Bowser announces the official grand opening of the Reservoir Park Recreation Center
Muriel Bowser
cutting
Saturday, June 15, 2024
an aquatic center
By J. Pamela Stills Special to the AFRO
On Saturday, June 15, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated the grand opening of the Reservoir Park Recreation Center, located at 2501 First Street N.W. Community leaders who were also in attendance for the celebration included Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Nina Albert, Director of D.C. Parks and Recreation Thennie Freeman, Ward 5 Council member Zachary Parker and Director of D.C. General Services Delano Hunter.
Mayor Bowser and community leaders led a ribbon cutting ceremony, welcoming community access to the recreation center, an aquatic center and a 6.2 acre park located on the former McMillan Sand Filtration site. Community leaders touted additional improvements the Ward 5 community could look forward to such as a grocery store.
The recreation center houses a multipurpose room with a warming kitchen, fitness studio with lockers and shower facilities, a gallery and an outdoor gathering space that includes two splash pads and an amphitheater. The aquatic area of the center highlights a pool with three-lap lanes and a learn-to-swim area. The park area comprises an immense grass field, a children’s playground, the Olmsted Walk, which encircles the site with adult exercise stations and the restored Memorial Fountain. The center will be managed by D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation and maintained by D.C. Department of General Services. The recreation center will operate Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The aquatic center will operate Monday through Friday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
and Recreation,
out the benefits and amenities that are available to all of
D4 The Afro-American June 22, 2024 - June 28, 2024 To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com
Mayor
(left); At-large D.C. councilmember Kenyan McDuffie; Ward 5 Council Member Zachary Parker; former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner C. Dianne Barnes; Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Nina Albert and Director of D.C. Department of General Services Delano Hunter all participate in the ribbon
ceremony for the new Reservoir Park Recreation Center on
in Ward 5 of Washington, D.C. The recreation center includes
and access to a 6.2-acre park.
Former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner C. Dianne Barnes gives remarks before the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Reservoir Park Recreation Center.
Mayor Muriel Bowser applauds efforts to renovate public land for public use and the learning that occurred during the development of the recreation center.
At-large D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie speaks to the crowd during the grand opening.
Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert addresses those attending the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Reservoir Park Recreation Center.
Director of D.C. Department of General Services Delano Hunter highlights the efforts to preserve and honor the history of the site.
Thennie Freeman, director of the D.C. Department of Parks
lays
D.C.’s residents with the opening of the 6.2 acre park grounds.
Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Nina Albert (left); Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner 5E05 Kevin Rapp; Director of Strategic Initiatives at Office of the DMPED Gilles Stucker; Director of D.C. Parks and Recreation Thennie Freeman; Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker; Former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner C. Dianne Barnes; Mayor Muriel Bowser; At-large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie and Director of D.C. General Services Delano Hunter prepare to cut the ribbon signaling the opening of the recreation center.
Top-level view of the pool, located at the aquatic center.
Ava Ferguson enjoys the new water activities offered at the center.
Robert Sockwell (left), of Ward 6, and Arthur Linder, of Ward 5, attend the grand opening of Reservoir Park Recreation Center.
A look at the Reservoir Park Recreation Center, with a view of the lower level courtyard.
All photos by J. Pamela Stills
Fleet Week comes to Baltimore
By Tierra Stone AFRO Intern tierrastone@afro.com
And Lizzie Suber
AFRO Intern lizziesuber@afro.com
Northrop Grumman’s Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover event was held from June 12 to June 18. While residents and tourists could attend festivities at the Baltimore Inner Harbor, events took place throughout the Charm City, attracting interest from people of all age groups and backgrounds. In addition to downtown Baltimore, events were held at Martin State Airport, Fells Point and the Under Armour Pier. Fleet Week activities included science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming and festivals.
Attendees were able to recognize the sacrifices of veterans, celebrate current service members, learn about Navy life and tour Navy ships, while the entire city was able to enjoy the excitement of jet flyovers. This week, the AFRO conducted interviews with civilians and naval officers about the annual occasion and the importance of having Black naval officers in the service.
“A lot of people feel like reaching for the stars is impossible. I think if you see that representation it’s like ‘Oh, they’re doing it…I can do it too.’ ”
think it’s important because we’re a part of the country. We helped build it–so we help protect it.”
“I
B4 The Afro-American June 22, 2024 - June 28, 2024 AFRO photos
To purchase this digital photo page or photos contact editor@afro.com
think it’s a good thing because this shows [the Navy] is not biased. It shows that people of color can have positive success in their goals in that type of atmosphere.”
Dwayne Ellis Groundskeeper Baltimore native
Chief Shaunte Monroe Tour guide North Carolina native
“I
Christopher Johnson Auxiliary Officer Virginia native
“I’m excited because I used to come every year. I like to photograph and I put it online for people who don’t live in the area, so that they can experience Fleet Week through the internet.”
Avionna Smith Photographer Arundel County native
A fighter jet, as part of Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover festivities, flies by Oriole Park at Camden Yards during a baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Philadelphia Phillies, on Sunday, June 16, in Baltimore.
Chief Hospital Corpsman Shiva Giri, from Naval Medical Research Command (NMRC), stands inside of the Baltimore Inner Harbor Amphitheater as confetti reigns down, marking the start of Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover.
Crew members of the U.S.S. Oak Hill participate in Baltimore’s 2024 Fleet Week.
Photo courtesy of Med.Navy.Mil
AP Photo
“The United States Navy is a predominately White environment and I think it’s good that we come out and represent our race. That’s a good thing– always.”
Roseal Fowlkes Retired Military Upper Marlboro native
Photo courtesy of VisitMaryland.org