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Mayor Bowser Breaks Ground on Palisades Recreation Center

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser broke ground on the Palisades Recreation Center, a $9.5 million modernization project in Ward 3. The Mayor was joined at today’s groundbreaking by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh, Department of General Services (DGS) Director Greer Gillis, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Director Keith Anderson, and representatives from the Palisades Civic Association. Prior to the groundbreaking ceremony, Mayor Bowser participated in the Palisades Fourth of July Parade.

“Today’s groundbreaking is another example of my Administration’s commitment to make every ward and every neighborhood a great place for residents to live, work, and play,” said Mayor Bowser. “By enhancing the Palisades Recreation Center, we are not just investing in a building – we are investing in a community to create new opportunities for residents.”

The new Palisades Recreation Center, which is expected to be completed in the summer of 2018, will include:

  • a community room;
  • a fitness room;
  • a senior room;
  • a teen area;
  • a half-court gymnasium;
  • new windows;
  • new doors; and
  • a 6,000 square-foot addition near the outdoor terrace and rear lawn.

Designed to meet the LEED Gold Certification for an eco-friendly and energy-efficient environment, the building will be equipped with the necessary access to connect a generator allowing greater usability in times of emergency or crisis.

“The Department of General Services is committed to designing environment-friendly facilities that elevate the quality of life for District residents,” said DGS Director Gillis. “We appreciate the community’s effort on this project and look forward to returning in 2018 to celebrate the ribbon cutting.”

The renovated facility will also include new installations of fire alarms, fire sprinklers, and ADA compliant public restrooms to ensure the building is accessible for everyone.

"We are excited to renovate this historic facility,” said DPR Director Keith Anderson. “We will maintain the integrity of the site, but by adding and upgrading amenities, we will be able to offer the Ward 3 community more quality programming."

For more information about the modernization project at Palisades Recreation Center, visit dgs.dc.gov.