Do you want the Roosevelt HS pool to also be open for residents? [survey]
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Just a pool, not the Roosevelt pool…
Ever since Roosevelt High School (13th and Upshur Streets NW) reopened, there’s been calls from residents to make their new pool available for use during off-school hours. The main push is that it’s the only local indoor pool, and it’s set up for using swim lanes.
The main issue holding this option up from happening is that the pool is not separated from the rest of the school. This means to provide access, the school will have to be modified to add new security doors (along with other changes for safety and access), so that pool visitors can’t wander the halls of the high school.
The high school won’t have to pay for or manage the pool (nor will DC Public Schools). It would be the DC Department of General Services (DGS) who would have to pay for any additional construction, and then the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) would provide staffing and management. Again, when school is not in session.
Debbie Matties, the ANC commissioner for the area (single member district 4C05), has created a Google survey to get feedback, and she’s hoping you’ll take a moment and share your opinion.
“We will leave the Roosevelt High School Pool survey up for at least the remainder of March and perhaps beyond,” Commissioner Matties said. “There will also be opportunity for neighbors to help provide support for Councilmember Todd's request for funds for the Department of General Services (DGS) for FY 2020 to create a separate entrance for the pool that is ADA compliant and to staff it.”
Matties says they’ve received almost 300 responses to the survey the possibility of reopening the pool, and she says there is enthusiastic support for it. Most of the feedback is that it will provide a valuable resource for residents of all ages to be more active and healthy, and also that it will bring residents into Roosevelt High School, which will help create stronger bonds between the school and the community.
If you want to have more of a say than just a survey, there are two hearings where residents are able to submit written testimony, or appear in person. The first hearing is for the DC Department of General Services on April 4th, then a follow-up hearing for the DC Department of Parks and Recreation on April 5th.
Thursday, April 4, 2019 10:00 a.m.
Committee on Facilities & Procurement Budget Oversight Hearing
Wilson Building Room 500 (1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW)
Friday, April 5, 2019 10:00 a.m.
Committee on Recreation and Youth Affairs Budget Oversight Hearing
Wilson Building Room 412 (1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW)
