pools

“Summer is Winding Down and Outdoor Pools will be Closing”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DPR:

“The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has released the outdoor aquatic facilities’ closures schedule for the 2023 summer season. Outdoor pools will close in waves beginning on Sunday, August 6, 2023 and ending on Monday, September 4, 2023. Pools will close for the season at 6 p.m. on their respective day.

All spray parks will close for the season at 8 p.m. on Monday, September 4, 2023.

Below is the comprehensive closure schedule for outdoor pools listed by closure dates. (more…)

Adult Swim Returns at DPR Pools!

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to N. for passing on from DPR yesterday:

“DPR pools have seen 260,000+ visitors this summer! It’s cool to be at the pool, but we must be safe! Starting today, safety breaks returned to only children and guardians exiting the pool for 15 min every hour at the 45-minute mark.”

“Safety Breaks” at DPR pools?

By Prince Of Petworth

Update from CM Parker:

“The 45/15 minute swimming rule is a new citywide policy following the near-drowning incident last week in Ft Lincoln. I’m told the policy is being implemented out of caution to make sure swimmers are safe.”

“Dear PoPville,

It looks like DPR has instituted a new policy at both indoor and outdoor pools to call a roughly (sometimes longer) “safety break” where all patrons have to exit the pool – even lap swimmers. (more…)

“Dunbar pool closed?” For Summer?!

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Just showed up (7am) to Dunbar Aquatic Center and this sign was on the door. No official DPR signs posted.”

And Dan asks: “With Wilson closed again and Dunbar apparently shut down for the summer, what are the best public-pool options for lap-lane swimmers in Northwest?”

Speaking of updates, “It continues…”

By Prince Of Petworth


4551 Fort Drive, NW

That was fast. Thanks to P. for passing on from DPR: “Wilson Aquatic Center is closed today, 6/24 due to emergency maintenance”

Update from DPR: “ALERT: Wilson pool is now closed for the day (6/26). The humidity threshold has been met. Hearst pool remains open until 8pm.”

Pool was still closed yesterday the 6/25 when I took these photos: (more…)

What happened to the Diving Board at the Banneker Pool?!?

By Prince Of Petworth


photo by wizzyliz

Update from ANCJosh (Josh Jacobson):

“Diving board: hoping to replace with a 0.5m board pending DC Health follow up. Diving board standards changed, and pool is not deep enough to support a 1m board. The depth further from board might not be enough for a 0.5m board. Hoping to have more info on approval in 2 weeks.

best case is that a shorter board comes back before end of summer. The pool might not be deep enough to meet health code though.”

“Dear PoPville,

Do you now what happened to the diving board at Banneker pool? Is it coming back?”

I asked DPR 11 days ago (June 5) and was told, “I’ll see what info I can get for you on this.” Unfortunately no further updates despite continued requests. Will update when/if they follow up.

Wilson Swimming Pool could “re-open, hopefully within the next three weeks”

By Prince Of Petworth


4551 Fort Drive, NW

From Councilmember Frumin’s office:

“My last newsletter outlined the Departments of General Services and Parks and Recreation’s failure to reopen the Wilson Aquatic Center in a timely manner. After I urged leaders of both departments to implement short-term repairs to address issues with humidity and ventilation, reopening is finally in sight.

DGS recently installed temporary HVAC units to address ventilation problems inside the facility. Following health and safety inspections, the aquatic center will be able to re-open, hopefully within the next three weeks. If the temporary units do not last as an interim solution, the aquatic center may need to close again. (more…)

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