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After almost 12 years in the making, the Kennedy Recreation Center finally had its grand reopening ceremony on Thursday, August 28. The ceremony started at 6:30 pm and VIP guests included Mayor Anthony Williams, Councilmember Jack Evans, Director of Parks and Recreation Neil Albert, and former mayor Marion Barry.
The Kennedy Recreation Center is located in the Third District’s PSA 311. Commander Larry McCoy and PSA 311 Lieutenant Ralph Neal were also in attendance. Commander McCoy expressed that this is a very positive step in improving activities for children as well as adults. “This is something that has been missing in this area for a long time,” McCoy said.
The ceremony started with the emcee Peter Easley, who headed the Friends of Kennedy PlaygroundAssociation, in moving this project forward. He wanted to thank all present and had everyone stand for the presentation of the colors. After some words he introduced the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners whose area covered the Kennedy Recreation Center, ANC Chair Leroy Thorpe, and ANC commissioner Alex Padro.
One of the speakers was Curtis Mozie, who was introduced by his brother Dana Mozie. Curtis Mozie had chronicled the early days of DC and followed the recreation center through its early development. Mozie also followed the lives of many DC youth and wrote their stories in a journal he kept.
Marion Barry had spearheaded the center with help from Jack Evans, and between the two of them the center came into being, albeit twelve years later. He was glad to be at the ceremony and wished everyone in attendance well.
Councilmember Jack Evans was one of the present members who pushed for the center after Barry left office. He continued to advocate for the center knowing that it was something children should have instead of the ‘big hill’ that was there before.
Mayor Williams arrived and spoke briefly about some of the history and his part in the development of the center. He added at the time he was working as the city’s chief financial officer, this was a project where he could channel some of the monies that the city had to develop a project the city could use.
The last speaker was Neil Albert, the Director of the District’s Department of Parks and Recreation. He gave thanks to residents and officials who helped make the center a reality.
After the close of the ceremonies, the center was “officially” opened with a ribbon-cutting and tour. Residents and visitors alike came to appreciate what a facility like this does to raise hope and pride. As resident Mary Sutherland said, “It may have taken a while but we have it now.”
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