Mayor Bowser Encourages Families to Get Ready for DPR Spring Program Registration

(Washington, DC) - Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) are inviting families to get ready to register for 2026 DPR spring programs next week so they can take advantage of exciting opportunities that help DC youth learn and grow. Registration will open at noon on Tuesday, March 3, for aquatics programs and at noon on Wednesday, March 4, for all other programs.

This spring, DPR is expanding opportunities for residents of all ages with programs focused on wellness, workforce development, creativity, and community connection.

Spring Program Highlights Include:

• Lifeguard Training classes prepare participants for certification and employment opportunities.
• The return of Girls Who Code, empowering youth through technology and STEM learning.
• Sweat & Sound Thursdays at Kennedy Recreation Center, combining fitness and music for a high-energy community workout experience.
• That's My DJ at Brentwood Recreation Center, introducing youth to DJing and music production.
• Art Escape at Woody Ward Recreation Center, offering creative arts programming for youth and families.
• Spring Break Camps aligned with DC Public Schools' spring break schedule.
• Sports and fitness programming, including tennis, pickleball, kayaking, dance, and youth athletics.

Offerings for seniors include wellness clinics, special events and registration for the DC Senior Games, alongside ongoing fitness and social programs designed to keep older adults active and connected.

Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and DPR will utilize a virtual waiting room on both registration days to manage demand. Residents are encouraged to create an account in DPR's registration system in advance by visiting dpr.dc.gov/DPRaccount. Reduced rates are available for qualifying DC residents and must be approved prior to registration.

For a full list of programs and registration details, visit DPRprograms.com.

Mayor Bowser and DPR are also reminding residents that there is still time to register for the Herstory 5K race, happening at Freedom Plaza on Saturday, March 7. Register today for this fun, all-ages race celebrating Women's History Month at Herstory5k.com.

The Bowser Administration offers free and low-cost programming year-round through the Department of Parks and Recreation, ensuring DC youth have safe and productive opportunities to learn, play, and grow. In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, DPR offered more than 1,700 programs for kids ages 3-17, serving more than 21,500 participants. DPR's Roving Leaders Program hosted 61 special events for at-risk and hard-to-reach youth, engaging with more than 25,000 participants. And the District's Late Night Hypes, Holiday Hypes, and Late Night Drips-teen and family-focused late-night events-served more than 14,000 participants. Additionally, DPR's Rec for All Grants, which fund other organizations to do programming to reach youth that do not come to DPR recreation centers, funded 87 grants at almost $1.7 million, serving more than 3,500 youth.

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