Photo courtesy of DCPS
Thanks to @ry_hudson for tweeting us an update on when Cardozo swimming pool [1200 Clifton Street, NW] will open up to the public – “RT @DCDPR: working with DCPS to get permits in place. Our goal is mid Dec if not sooner”
Photo courtesy of DCPS
A few readers have written in:
“Now that it is October 1, any update on the opening of the Cardozo High School pool for public use?”
Ed. Note: An email sent to DCPS has not been returned – anyone else hear word of an exact opening date?
1200 Clifton Street, NW
Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota
Though it’s always sad to learn of the public pools closing schedule – there is one more day of happiness for many – Doggie Day Swim. This year DPR tells me it will be on Saturday, Sept 6th at Randall (25 I Street, SW), Upshur (4300 Arkansas Ave, NW) and Francis (2435 N Street, NW) pools from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Ed. Note: Reminder from previous years – “All dogs must have a valid DC dog license, issued by DOH, to enter the pool. For more information on how to obtain a dog license, call DOH at (202) 535-232 or go to the DOH Dog License website.”
UPDATE: From the full press release:
“The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will partner with the Department of Health (DOH) to host the Sixth Annual DPR Doggie Day Swim on Saturday, September 6, 2014 from 12 pm to 4 pm at DPR’s Upshur Main & Kiddie Pool (4300 Arkansas Avenue, NW); Francis Pool (25th & N Street, NW); and 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 ensure that all dogs have a DC dog license; and to provide outreach and education on animal related issues.
Admission is free, however all dogs must have a valid, DOH-issued DC dog license, to enter the pool. DPR and DOH encourage dog owners to obtain dog licenses prior to Doggie Day Swim. For more information on how to obtain a dog license, call DOH at (202) 535-2323 or go to the DOH Dog License website. Licenses will be issued on site, however dog owners must have all the required documentation (proof of rabies and distemper vaccinations; and proof of spaying/neutering) and fee payment. Only money orders or personal checks are accepted (no credit cards nor cash), made payable to “DC Treasurer.” The cost of the license is $15 for dogs that are spayed/neutered and $50 for non-spayed/neutered dogs.
Attendance on the day of the event will be based on capacity at the time of arrival. During Doggie Day Swim, there will be a capacity limit in terms of the number of dogs allowed in the pool at one time; 75 dogs at Upshur Pool, 75 dogs at Randall pool and 150 dogs at Francis Pool.
To maintain order and to ensure a safe and fun event, dog owners are asked to follow these rules:
All dogs MUST have and wear a valid DC dog license.
Dog handlers must be 16 years of age or older.
Dog handlers cannot swim or enter the pool with their dogs.
Dogs must be sociable and remain leashed while on the pool deck.
All dogs must be current on vaccinations including rabies and distemper.
All dogs must be spayed/neutered.
To volunteer for Doggie Day Swim, please call (202) 535-1952.
Doggie Day Swim will take place rain or shine.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user nici161
From DPR:
“The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) released the Outdoor Aquatic Facilities Closure Schedule for the 2014 summer season. DPR will implement the first phase of Outdoor Pool closures starting on Sunday, August 10, 2014.
All Outdoor Pools will close in waves beginning on Sunday, August 10, 2014. Pools will close for the season at 6 pm on their respective Sundays.
All Children’s Pools will close for the season at 6 pm on Sunday, August 17, 2014.
All Spray Parks will close for the season at 7 pm on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2014. Please note that select spray parks will undergo renovations after September 1.
East Potomac Outdoor Pool will close for the season at 6 pm on Sunday, October 19, 2014.
Below is the comprehensive closure schedule for the 2014 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 should you have additional questions or need further assistance.
2014 OUTDOOR AND CHILDREN’S POOLS CLOSURE SCHEDULE (more…)
Yesterday we learned that the Swimming Pool at Cardozo high school was completely restored and would open to the public in October. Thanks to DCPS for sending us these awesome photos of how it turned out. An awesome indoor complement to Banneker!
Ed. Note: Thanks to a twitter follower for tweeting us some historical photos of how it used to look.
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,
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.”
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…)
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…)
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…)