Capitol Hill

709 8th Street, SE

UPDATE from the owner:

“SkillZone is doing very, very well as a business with incredible month over month growth and hundreds of member families.

Due to demand from our members, our business model has expanded to focus on the social side of raising children. This includes letting families have a drink or two in the afternoons as they socialize with other parents and watch their children.”

Thanks to Alex for sending:

“Guess the second paid entry indoor children’s playground in a row, in this location, has failed.”

The liquor license application for SkillZone says:

“New private club with 70 seats and a Total Occupancy Load of 174. Club is for parents with young children. Establishment will hold “members-only” social events for parents and will serve wine and beer.”

Ed. Note: On a personal note I’ll go ahead and throw an AMEN.

635 North Carolina Avenue, SE

Update from DPR:

“On Sunday, August 13, there was an unfortunate incident at the Rumsey Aquatic Center at Eastern Market. While at no point was the safety of our guests at risk, the incident did involve an individual being asked to leave the facility due to offensive language and inappropriate behavior.

At approximately 2:45 p.m., an individual entered the facility and proceeded to the pool deck, where he sat down and began charging his electronic device. The individual had visible drawings on his body of swastikas, upside down crosses, and “666.” Several guests raised concerns to DPR lifeguards about the individual being on the pool deck, but not using the pool. A DPR lifeguard responded by trying to speak with the individual. At this point, the individual became irate, repeatedly and aggressively using offensive language towards the lifeguard. As the situation began to escalate, a second lifeguard intervened, and the police were called. Once officers from the Protective Services Division arrived, the individual was escorted out of the facility. The pool remained closed for about 30 minutes after the incident while staff cleaned up glass from a door window that was accidentally broken while the second lifeguard was assisting with deescalating the situation. To be clear, there was no physical contact between the individual who was asked to leave and any staff or guests at the facility.

Going forward, we will continue to stand by and promote our DC values of inclusivity and diversity. DPR’s mission is to provide universal access to parks and recreation services. We want to reassure our guests that while the agency does not deny access to programs or facilities based on personal appearance, we do require that all guests and employees treat one another with respect. DPR thanks the members of the community who offered our lifeguards support during and after this disturbing incident.” (more…)