pools

Swimming Pool at Cardozo high school completely restored, Opens to Public in October

By Prince Of Petworth

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From Council Member Jim Graham:

“We have another solid step forward in progress for Columbia Heights~~~~ something very special has now been finished is about to be used by the public.

And that is the swimming pool at Cardozo high school built in 1915 and shuttered for many years. It has now been completely restored! I recently visited to see the fine work that had been done.

I ask you–how many communities have a 100 year old pool back in service?

If you permit me a brief commercial message – the pool was not part of the planned restoration of Cardozo high school and was to be mothballed until such time as the money was available for rehabilitation.

I’m pleased to say that I was able to locate the million dollars that reversed that decision and made the pool restoration possible with the rest of the high school.

Special word of thanks to Mayor Vincent Gray, Alan Lew our City Administrator and Brian Hanlon the director of the Department of General Services. And of course all the people who worked on this

Community use will begin in October– I’m told– with both early morning and evening swim hours”

Ed. Note: Thanks to a twitter follower for tweeting us some historical photos of how it used to look.

Dear PoPville – New Rule at Public Pools?

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

Not sure if any information is out there, but encountered a “new rule” while swimming laps at Francis pool.

While swimming laps today I was told, everyone out of pool for 15 minutes, every hour, new rule. Kids, I can see needing a break, but adults swimming laps. This is like going to the gym and being told to get off a machine or stop using the equipment. Lifeguards were nice,but just sat around for 15 min. Frustrating, burned up a half of lunch swim time.
Emailed DC Parks and Rec, no response.

Any idea where to get more information with this new rule?”

UPDATE: DPR responds:

“Regarding the 15 minute safety break. In a municipal pool setting, 15 minute safety breaks are very standard. They are in place for several reasons. The CDC Healthy Swimming tips recommends this practice in pools that serve a high number of children. During the break, parents take that opportunity to use the restroom which has drastically reduced the amount of water contamination closures. Secondly, our pools often hit capacity and traditionally we see large numbers of guests leave during the break and then we can accommodate more of the public. Third, some of our outdoor pools have small staffs and there needs to be an opportunity for them to check the restrooms, water chemistry, make adjustments, and simply refresh themselves to remain optimal vigilance.

As a lap swimmer myself, I know it would be difficult to get a good workout with these breaks taking place. To remedy that, we have published designated lap swimming times and the safety breaks do not occur. Also our network of indoor pools are available for lap swimming without interruption. The outdoor pools by design are for community use by all. The indoor pools have public hours but also have more availability for other usage such as learn to swim class, self directed fitness and water exercise.

The 15 minute rule has been the policy here at DPR for some time. We are just ensuring it is consistently enforced which I am learning has not always been the case. As I begin to review and revise procedures in the aquatics division, I welcome feedback from the public.”

Rooftop Terrace and Pool opening July 1st after $500k reno at The Embassy Row Hotel in Dupont

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photos courtesy The Embassy Row Hotel [2015 Massachusetts Avenue, NW]

From a press release:

“The rooftop oasis nestled upon a renowned Dupont Circle hotel is now ready to kick off summer with a big splash. The Embassy Row Hotel, by Destination Hotels & Resorts, announced today that the three-month, $500,000 renovation of The Rooftop is nearly complete and will officially open to the public on Tuesday, July 1. The 4,130-square-foot, open-air roof terrace features a 450-square-foot swimming pool and outdoor lounge area adorned with resort cabanas and lounge seating giving travelers and locals a place to relax and unwind. (more…)

DPR Opens the District’s Spray Parks Starting Today

By Prince Of Petworth

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Ed. Note: I inquired with DPR and pools will open for regular weekday summer hours starting Monday (they have already been opened for weekends.)

From DPR:

“Due to the anticipated heat advisory this week, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will open all spray parks one week early, starting today.

All spray parks will operate during their normal hours of operation from 10 am to 7 pm.

Please see the list of the District’s spray parks below: (more…)

It’s Official Public Pools Open Saturday then Open Weekends Only Until June 23 when Regular Summer Hours Start

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

From DPR:

“The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced today that it will open all its outdoor aquatic features (18 outdoor pools, 4 children’s pools and 19 spray parks) to kick off the 2014 summer season, starting Saturday, May 24 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. DC’s spray parks will also be open for the entire holiday weekend 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.

DPR’s administrative offices, indoor aquatic facilities, recreation and community centers will be closed Monday, May 26 for the Memorial Day holiday, with the exception of the Wilson Aquatic Center (4551 Fort Dr., NW), which will operate from 9 am to 5 pm. All permitted events will take place as scheduled and all fields will be open.

Immediately following the Memorial Day weekend, all outdoor aquatic facilities will operate on weekends only (Saturday and Sunday), from 12 pm to 6 pm, until Sunday, June 22. Starting the next day, on Monday, June 23, all outdoor pools and spray parks will begin their regular summer schedules. All outdoor pools are open six days a week, and are closed one day for cleaning and maintenance. Spray parks will operate seven days a week.

For a complete listing of DPR’s outdoor and children’s pools, and spray park sites, please see below: (more…)

More Details on DPR Doggie Day Swim on Sept. 7th – New Third Location Added

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota

From a press release:

“The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will partner with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Washington Humane Society (WHS) to host the 5th Annual DPR Doggie Day Swim on Saturday, September 7, 2013 from 12 pm to 4 pm at DPR’s Upshur Pool (4300 Arkansas Avenue, NW); Francis Pool (25th & N Street, NW); and newly added location, Randall Pool (South Capitol and I Sts., SW). With the end of the outdoor swimming season, this annual event provides dogs with a one day opportunity to partake in the pools, enjoy a swim and play fun aquatics games. DOH will be on location to monitor the health and safety of the pets and their owners; to issue DC dog licenses; and to provide outreach and education regarding pet vaccinations, dog licenses and dog park licenses. (more…)

DPR’s Doggie Day Swim is Saturday September 7th

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota

“Dear PoPville,

Are dates up yet for doggie swim day 2013 in the local pools?”

I’m told this year it will be the Sat. after labor day (Sept. 7th) but they are still finalizing which pools will host. Last year it was at Upshur and Francis pools but I’ll update when it’s been finalized.

Better Get Your Swimming In! DPR Announces the 2013 Outdoor Pools Closure Schedule

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

From DPR:

“DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) released the Outdoor Aquatic Facilities Closure Schedule for the 2013 summer season, as DPR prepares to bring this year’s swim season to a close. Beginning Sunday, August 11, 2013; DPR will implement the first phase of Outdoor Pool closures.

All Outdoor Pools will close in waves beginning on Sunday, August 11, 2013. Pools will close for the season at 6 pm on their respective Sundays.

All Spray Parks will be closed for the season by 7 pm on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2013, with the exception of the spray park at 14th & Park Rd, which will close for the season at 7 pm on Monday, September 30, 2013.

All Children’s Pools will be closed for the season at 6 pm on Sunday, August 18, 2013.

Below is the comprehensive closure and maintenance schedules for the 2013 season.
Pools are listed by type (Outdoor, Children’s and Spray Park) and then by date.
Please call DPR’s Aquatics office at (202) 671-1289 for additional questions or further assistance.

OUTDOOR AND CHILDREN’S POOLS CLOSURE SCHEDULE (more…)

DPR Posts Official List of Proper Swim Attire for DC Pools

By Prince Of Petworth

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Back in June a reader wrote in about being banned from Turkey Thicket pool for wearing a “swim shirt”. Here is the definitive list of permitted swim attire from DPR:

The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) reminds patrons of the current DPR Swim Attire Requirements for all District pools; and provides a more illustrated guide.

The current requirements are as follows:

All persons on the pool deck and/or swimming in the pool must have on proper swim attire.
All infants/toddlers that require a diaper must wear swimmer diapers and proper swimwear.
Clean cotton t-shirts and sarongs are allowed on the pool deck, however patrons must have on proper swim attire underneath.

The following attire is not allowed at District pools:

“Street clothes”, Brazil/French-cut, thong style and/or revealing swim wear, cut-off jeans, jeans, skirts, shorts, sport bras, leotards, leggings, dri-fit wear, compression shorts and compression shirts are prohibited. Underwear and undergarments are not allowed to be worn under swimsuits.

Pool patrons often ask, “Why do I have to wear proper swimwear?”. Here are just a few reasons as to why it is important to only wear pool attire in the pool.

1. Street clothes (especially cotton) can transport airborne and ultimately water borne contaminants into the pool.
2. Lycra and Nylon are the best non-absorbent material for swimming and are the best fabrics for proper swim attire.
a. Other absorbent materials (such as cotton) can break down in the water and cause fibers to clog filters.
b. Any “colored” material (unless specifically made for swimming) can bleed into the pool, effecting water chemistry and balance. This is also a reason for turbidity in pools.
3. Cotton and similar materials can absorb the chemicals in the water, causing the water to become less effective at maintaining the proper chemical balance or may cloud the water.

Photo of permitted swimwear after the jump. (more…)

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