D.C. officials cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Raymond Recreation Center outdoor spaces, which include tennis courts, soccer fields, a walking track and a playground featuring state-of-the-art equipment that is new to D.C.
Among the new playground equipment outside 3725 10th St. NW is an Eclipse Net Plus climber, which, says D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation chief of staff John Stokes, "encourages upper-body strength, balance, coordination and depth perception."
"The Eclipse Net Climber as it is configured at Raymond is the first installed in the country," he adds.
DPR also invested in a Pulse Tempo, an "interactive, multisensory game" that encourages kids to chase musical tones and flashing lights from pole to pole, and a "We Saw," a see-saw that seats up to five children at one time.
Each playground renovated through the District's "Play DC" initiative has a theme, Stokes says, "and the theme at Raymond Recreation Center Playground is 'the new innovative equipment' playground."
The playground renovation also includes a fitness zone, new trees and landscaping, and a shade pavilion with picnic tables.
The renovation was completed nearly five months to the day that the renovated Raymond Recreation Center opened its doors, showing off the new gym, game room, arts and crafts room and more.
Rachel is the managing editor of Elevation D.C. She also covers tech, business and science for publications nationwide. She lives in Brookland.