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Mayor Bowser Kicks Off Outdoor Pool Season, Announces Free Wi-Fi at All DC Recreation Centers

Friday, May 22, 2015

Mayor Muriel Bowser, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Director Keith Anderson and Department of Health (DOH) Director LaQuandra Nesbitt launched the DPR summer pool season at the Banneker Pool this afternoon. Mayor Bowser also announced that the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) is connecting all DPR Parks and Recreations Centers with free broadband and Wi-Fi.

“My administration is constantly working to make this city and even greater place to live, work and play,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “With 18 outdoor pools, 19 spray parks and four children’s pools, DPR's facilities provide a great respite for those who love the water. And now, you we will be able to surf the net, read an e-book, or even take a web call – at all DC Recreation Centers, including ones with adjoining pools.”

All aquatic features open for the season on Saturday, May 23rd at 12 pm leading into the Memorial Day holiday. The District’s outdoor pools will remain open for the entire Memorial Day weekend - Saturday, Sunday and Monday - from 12 pm to 6 pm. Spray parks will also be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10 am to 7 pm. District residents with acceptable proof of residency can swim free of charge at all DPR pools; non-District residents must pay a fee.

Indoor aquatic facilities will be closed Monday, May 25 for the Memorial Day holiday. All permitted events will take place as scheduled and all fields will be open.

More than 70 percent of the District’s 69 recreation centers are now connected to high-speed internet and all will soon have public outdoor Wi-Fi. The new Wi-Fi service, will be completed this summer and will add to the 600 plus free public indoor and outdoor public Wi-Fi spots across the District.

DPR’s outdoor pools and accompanying programs are an important part of Mayor Bowser’s FitDC initiative. FitDC is a project of the DC Department of Health and DC Department of Parks and Recreation to educate the public and increase awareness of the importance of making healthy lifestyle choices.

Celebrity Chef Spike Mendelsohn and area residents celebrated the opening of pool season by taking the first dive into the pool.

Please visit DPR’s website at dpr.dc.gov for more information on DPR's pools and pool safety.