Message from Mayor Marion Barry Jr.

The Department of Recreation and Parks provides true learning experiences for our residents of all ages and abilities. Now, for the first time, and because of increasing private sector support, many neighborhood recreation centers are equipped with computer labs that enable children and teens to expand hands-on learning. Across the spring and summer we look forward to the growth of viable "Friends Groups" at each of the 77 recreation centers that comprise the neighborhood recreation concept in the District of Columbia.

If you are interested in forming a Friends Group to serve your neighborhood recreation center, or would like to become a part of the work of one already in existence, please feel free to contact the agency's policy and planning office at (202) 673-7692. Your call is welcome. Friends Group organizations represent another unique way for parents and other interested parties to exercise a greater role in the development of activities and programs offered at recreation centers, which are safe zones for our children and teens.

Indeed, my wife, Cora Masters Barry, and our family look forward to sharing with you some of the many activities highlighted in this publication. We especially look forward to seeing you at this year's Futurefest, a program I envisioned three years ago to showcase the promise of our young people in the visual and performing arts. There are so many other opportunities including league sports, amateur boxing, swimming, and camping in every neighborhood pocket of our city. Let's all be proud of these opportunities and devote ourselves to taking advantage of them so we may grow and learn together. We can not give our children anything greater that the opportunity to become involved in programs that afford lifelong learning experiences.

Mayor Marion Barry Jr.