Harry Thomas Sr. Rec Center 2012 Assessment II By I.S. & H.Y.

Harry Thomas Sr. Recreation Center 2012 Assessment Interview with Staff
By: Ileana Schinder & Hugh Youngblood

Content: Introduction Challenges Successes Vision About the Authors

Harry Thomas Sr. Rec Center 2012 Assessment II By I.S. & H.Y.

Communication is KEY; its the next best word to Love. Ernest Pee Wee Kinard (HTSr Rec Center Staff)

Introduction This report documents the results of a meeting between the authors, Ernest Pee Wee Kinard (HTSr Rec Center Staff), and Greg Poag (DPR Ward 5 Manager), held on October 2, 2012, at Harry Thomas Sr. Rec Center. The discussion focused on three main topics: challenges, successes, and vision for Harry Thomas Sr Recreation Center. Challenges involve all topics that affect the functionality of the venue and the usability of the facility. Successes involve all topics that have proven to attract users and improve their quality of life. Vision encompasses the staffs view of what would make this Recreation Center an ideal venue to serve neighbors. For clarity the issues discussed were organized under the following groups: communication; building infrastructure and equipment; rules and regulations; and activities and programs. However, by reading the whole document it is evident that all topics are interconnected and need to be addressed as an integrated system of facilities, coordination, and communication.

Challenges Communication Coordination to promote activities in the center via print and digital media requires significant improvement. Minimal information is available online, and DPR distributed an insufficient supply of program books to maintain a stock onsite for visitors to consult. The Rec Center staff currently lacks channels of digital communication with the community. Flyer production is insufficient to reach the full breadth of the target audience in the community. Building, infrastructure and equipment Access is an issue. Adjacent neighbors and organizations often disagree with MPD as to whether the gate to the practice field facility should remain open or closed beyond the posted hours of operation. Capital improvements are needed. Playground equipment needs to be upgraded and made more aesthetically pleasant. Visibility of outdoor play areas is a problem. Bench spaces on the grounds would make it more welcoming to parents and caregivers 2

Harry Thomas Sr. Rec Center 2012 Assessment II By I.S. & H.Y.

although they could also attract the homeless population based upon previous experience Theres a conflict between exterior lighting and landscape. Trees block the lights, tree trimming efforts have fallen significantly behind schedule, and/or lighting types require redesign to accommodate existing trees. Homeless people trying to access the center is an issue. The front door of the center often remains locked as a deterrent. Lack of communication systems and visibility between entrances and interior office spaces impede visitor entry when doors remain locked. The posted hours of operation require update from the previous summer schedule to the current fall schedule. The existing building is the result of a partial construction of the original design that took place in 2000. Abandoned concrete foundations on the grounds reveal the locations of additional recreation buildings demolished in 2000 that were scheduled to be rebuilt during the renovation/construction. Vandalism is a big issue in all Rec Centers. When changes are made, vandalism prevention measures should be taken in consideration for interior and exterior features. The pool currently operating outdoors was designed for indoor applications resulting in excessive maintenance requirements. Rules and Regulations Recently updated ID policies for pool use remain unclear and challenging for some users, especially youth. Students gathering and loitering at nearby bus stops often behave in manners disrespectful to adjacent homeowners. Having adults using the grounds after operating hours would be welcome by the staff but would conflict with current DPR policies. Staff recognizes the benefit of having outdoor facilities fully utilized. Activities and Programs This facility functions as primarily as a Community Service Center rather than as a Rec/Athletic Center 80% Social activities 20% Athletic activities Staff sees the benefit of having Capital Bikeshare and other transportation sharing equipment on site. A gymnasium remains the greatest need, as it would serve the broadest group of users spanning the entire age spectrum. The lack of a Gym puts this center in a disadvantage 3

Harry Thomas Sr. Rec Center 2012 Assessment II By I.S. & H.Y.

compared to other Rec Centers. The longstanding cheerleading program recently relocated to a different location. Neighbors are still looking for a similar program to join.

Successes Activities and Programs The Young Men of Distinction program is the biggest program here, serving youth ranging from ages 5-21. The program engages kids in schools and grows via word-ofmouth promotion. Youth from several neighborhoods spanning the District of Columbia attend the program. The Kickboxing program is second biggest program operating at the center, serving both youth and adults. The program recently expanded the to include a dedicated class for young children ranging from ages 8-12. Emory House homeless shelter is no longer a problem since the shelter implemented a requirement for most of its residents to work during the day. The swimming pool and community meeting space are the biggest attractions to the center beyond the scheduled programming. The Rec Centers athletic programs feed athletes to schools. The criminal justice system sends offenders with community service requirements to rec centers. Roving Leaders do outreach for DPR to schools, home visits, court headings, etc. Roving Leaders staff use the Rec Center as a base for meetings and coordination. The rec center provides job announcements although Job Registration kiosks from DOES were recently removed from the center even though they were heavily used by the community. CM Tommy Wells is listening and gets things done for the Rec Center. Staff is appreciative of his efforts. The rec center and the Young Men of Distinction have strong longstanding partnerships with City Year, American Promise, and other organizations. Vision More Staff- Total of 4 for Optimal Management of Various Activities 4

Harry Thomas Sr. Rec Center 2012 Assessment II By I.S. & H.Y.

Gymnasium with Weight Training Facilities Playgrounds Multi-Purpose Athletic Fields- Football, Baseball, Kickball, Lacrosse, etc Meeting Facilities with Audio-Visual Equipment Movie Nights Boxing Ring HVAC for the Basement Boxing Gym Heating for Locker Rooms Padding for Elevators Aerobics Pool Improvements: Mitigate Environmental Mismatch to Minimize Maintenance Burden Removable Enclosure and Solar Heating to Facilitate Winter Swim Team Furnishings- Lounge Chairs, Landscaping

Complete building out the facilities originally designed

Harry Thomas Sr. Rec Center 2012 Assessment II By I.S. & H.Y.

About the Authors Ileana Schinder is an architect, new mother, and resident of Eckington. Please obtain Ms. Schinders consent prior to reproducing or reusing this document by contacting her via email at ileschinder@gmail.com (Subject line: HTSr Rec Center) Hugh Youngblood serves as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) for Single Member District 5C03 in the Bloomingdale community. Hugh also trains with the Harry Thomas Rec Center Kickboxing Team and serves on the Board of the Amateur Kickboxing Federation, Inc., a local non-profit organization that promotes Bando Kickboxing in the District of Columbia and beyond as a method for channeling youth energy into positive outlets. This assessment of the Harry Thomas Sr. Recreation Center represents the views and experiences of independent citizens as described above. These views are not sponsored, paid for, or influenced by any group or organization.