Mayor Bowser Announces Outdoor Pools and Spray Parks Open This Weekend, Celebrates DC Being Named #1 Park System in the Nation for the 6th Year in a Row

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) are reminding residents that outdoor pool season officially begins this weekend, with all outdoor pools and spray parks opening to the public on Saturday, May 23. Additionally, this week, the District of Columbia was named the nation’s #1 big city park system by the Trust for Public Land for the sixth consecutive year—a testament to the Bowser Administration’s continued investments in parks, pools, and recreation facilities across all eight wards.

“Six years at the top isn’t an accident — it’s the result of deliberate, sustained investment in the parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers that make DC the best city in the world,” said Mayor Bowser. “And we know — the pools and spray parks that open in all eight wards this weekend are part of what make our park system the best in the country.”

Beginning Saturday, May 23, DPR will open 17 outdoor pools and 35 spray parks across all eight wards. Outdoor pools and spray parks will be open Saturday, May 23; Sunday, May 24; and Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, from 10 am to 6 pm. While rain is in the forecast for this weekend, outdoor pools will open as long as conditions remain safe for lifeguards to monitor the pools and as long as there is no lightning.

The District of Columbia earned the top score in the Trust for Public Land’s Park Score Index by scoring strongly across all rating factors, with more than 21 percent of District land reserved for parks—one of the highest proportions in the country—and by outperforming national benchmarks on both park access and park equity measures. This year’s findings reaffirm that the District of Columbia continues to set the standard for accessible, equitable, and well‑invested public spaces, reflecting years of intentional commitment to enhancing parks, playgrounds, and recreation opportunities for all residents.

“Being named the nation’s number one park system for the sixth year in a row reflects Washington, DC’s longstanding commitment to intentionally investing in pools, parks, playgrounds, and recreation spaces in every neighborhood,” said DPR Director Thennie Freeman. “These investments aren’t just about building great places; they’re about delivering real benefits for our residents. We’re proud that our efforts continue to create a greener, stronger, and more equitable city for all who call DC home.”

Following this weekend, outdoor pools and spray parks will operate on a weekend-only schedule through June 21. Starting Monday, June 22, all full‑service outdoor pools will open six days a week, and spray parks will operate daily from 10 am to 6 pm (except for spray park facilities requiring reduced hours for recirculating water system maintenance).

“Year after year, the Department of General Services is proud to deliver safe, clean, and fully operational pools for District residents to enjoy all summer long,” said Department of General Services Director Delano Hunter. “This marks our 13th consecutive year with all pool assets opening on time, reflecting our continued commitment to maintaining and sustaining these important community spaces.”

Residents can visit dpr.dc.gov/outdoorpools or dpr.dc.gov/sprayparks for more information.

As in past years, DPR will maintain a real-time webpage offering updates on emergency closures and pool capacity status. When a pool reaches capacity, a one‑in, one‑out policy will be used. Real‑time updates are available at DPRsplash.splashthat.com.

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