Takoma Aquatic Center (photo: David Tully)

by Cesse Ip

On Thursday, October 1st, the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Mayor Bowser announced that they will reopen indoor pools on a modified schedule, and opened registration for limited in-person fall programs at specific DPR locations. DPR centers have been shut down since March in response to COVID-19.

These are the locations that a reopening in Ward 4. (You can see a full list online.)

Takoma Aquatic Center, 300 Van Buren St NW
Emery Heights, 5701 Georgia Ave NW
Raymond Rec Center, 3725 10th St NW
Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center, 501 Riggs Rd NE

Through DPR’s online reservation portal you can reserve times to use the Fitness Centers for 45-minute increments from 6am to 6:45pm. Only four reservations are allowed at a time.

Swim lap lane reservations are also 45 minutes from 6am to 7:45pm, and 16 reservations are available at a time at Takoma. Reservations should open at 9am for the following week’s reservations. For example, at 9am on Tuesday, you will be able to make reservations for the following Tuesday.

Each reservation begins on the hour, and there’s a 15-minute buffer between each reservation period. Individuals are able to make a maximum of three reservations per week, and are only allowed one reservation a day. While there will not be a “buffer lane” between each swimmer, each swimmer will have their own 7-foot wide lane, separated by a lane line. There are 19 total 25-meter lap lanes at Takoma which will accommodate the 16 swim reservations per time slot.

Walk-ins are not permitted, and face coverings are required for lifeguards and visitors (except while in the pool). While the lockers are not permitted to be used for the time being, the bathrooms will be open for swimmers to use and as a place to change clothes. Additionally, chemical readings at the pool are required once an hour. Prior to COVID-19, pool chemicals were checked and recorded at a minimum of every 3 hours.

Reservations are only available for District residents at this time, and patrons must bring a form of ID to use the facility. However, if you’re a new resident and still have your old state’s ID, DPR has asked that you bring another form of identification to prove residency, like a power bill.