The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has recreation centers in every ward. No matter where you live in DC you are within 2 miles of a DPR recreation center. You can search for recreation centers near you using the DPR Online Facility Guide. The guide provides details on each center. Descriptions of the various types of centers is provided below.
Recreation Centers
A neighborhood recreation center is close to your home. The well-supervised centers are your gateway to a broad range of fun and challenging activities. They are safe zones for children and teens and offer the chance for families to enjoy special activities and events close to home. Your city's network of recreation facilities also includes 12 senior citizens centers, where residents over the age of 55 may take part in programs that challenge them to remain active and involved in the larger community.
- View all DPR Recreation Centers
Gymnasiums
A number of DPR recreation centers include gymnasiums for public use. Additionally individuals and organizations can permit gym space at DPR centers, as availability allows. For more information visit the DPR Permits page.
- DPR Gymnasiums
Tennis Courts
DPR operates 127 tennis courts across the District. There are multiple courts available in every ward, with a premier tennis facility, the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, located at 701 Mississippi Avenue, SE in Ward 8. For a list of DPR tennis courts click the link below.
- DPR Tennis Courts
Fitness Centers
DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Fitness Centers are maintained by the Athletic Programs Administration (APA) at DPR centers across the District. DPR Fitness Centers offer a wide variety of wellness and fitness activities with equipment to maintain or improve your physical fitness. Fitness Centers feature a variety of equipment including elliptical cross-trainers, stationary cycles, treadmills, rowing machines, free weights, weight machine, upright bikes, recumbent bikes and stair climbers.
- DPR Fitness Centers
Senior Service Centers
The Department of Parks and Recreation Senior Services Division maintains Senior Services staff and programming at 10 Senior Services Program Centers, and offers additional programming for seniors at 11 DPR centers.
Environmental Education Centers
DPR operates two Environmental Education Centers at Twin Oaks Garden and Lederer Environmental Education Center, which offer environmental and gardening programs and workshops year-round for residents of all ages. Both centers feature community gardens which are open during the growing season. DPR's Environmental Education Centers and community gardens are open to anyone who shares an interest in the environment and a desire to learn about the wonders of nature.
The Lederer Environmental Education Center is an environmental science resource center designed to provide District residents and visitors with multiple learning experiences about nature, gardening, animals, weather reporting and forecasting, and the preservation and protection of the environment.
Community Gardens
DPR works with the community to establish garden across the District. DPR currently has 13 community gardens under its jurisdiction, comprising approximately 1/5 of the garden acreage in DC. Garden plots may be permitted out through the Environmental Education office located at 1480 Girard Street, NW. Residents are subject to a limit of two plots per household.
- DPR Community Gardens
If you are interested in obtaining a plot at a DPR community garden or would like to learn more about starting a new community garden in your neighborhood, please contact DPR's Environmental Education Division at dpr.environment@dc.gov or (202) 674-6619.
Dog Parks
Dog Parks in the District of Columbia are maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation in partnership with the public.
- DC Dog Parks
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