Want more recreational space? Now is your chance to let the District know.

DC is looking for input on the master plan that will shape the city’s parks and recreation for the next 20 years. This plan will serve as a “blueprint” for the DC Department of Park and Recreations’ funding and programmatic priorities.

The Ready2Play master plan was first introduced back in July 2020. The District rolled out the survey to the public on November 10 as a way for District residents to weigh in on how our parks and recreation centers are funded, designed, and programmed.

DC’s plan for park space takes on new significance as the world remains under the thumb of a global pandemic. Outdoor space has proven crucial for socially distanced recreation.

Today, DPR manages about 900 acres of green space, 101 playgrounds, 70 recreation centers, and 34 pools. But the agency doesn’t operate the majority of park space in the District.

Right now about 75% of DC’s parkland is owned by the National Park Service, which operates 25 national parks in the District. DC Public Schools also owns a lot of park space, with 92 fields and 89 playgrounds. While DPR doesn’t have direct influence over school sites and federal parks, officials say they will be forming partnerships with NPS and DCPS to take a holistic approach to planning.

The survey is part of a larger and lengthier process to identify the recreational needs of the District. Over the next several months, DPR will do inventory and needs assessments, engage the public on the overall vision, create working groups, and develop and review a draft plan, before finally approving it.

DPR plans to map out short, medium, and long term goals, and revisit their progress every five years or so until 2040.

Funding for the master plan is made possible by a kaleidoscope of sources including District capital and operating dollars from local funds, city bond funds, and revenue raised through DPR programs as well as partnerships with government and non-government donors.

Currently, about $345.9 million is earmarked in the capital budget to “improve and expand public parks and recreational facilities.” This includes projects like $30.3 million for the 11th Street Bridge Park, $26 million to complete the Therapeutic Recreation Center in Ward 7, and $8.9 million for the Ward 8 Senior Wellness Center.

The goal is for the master plan to be drafted by September 2021 and put into place by fiscal year 2022.

Participants have until December 20 to fill out the form. Readers, what would you like to see go into the parks and rec master plan?

Correction: The District has $30.3 million in their capital expenses for the 11th Street Bridge Park not $68.8 million, as was incorrectly reported in an earlier version of this article.