'Washington Magazine has named 'Turtle Park' one of the area's "BEST PLAYGROUNDS"

Friends of Friendship Park (FOFP) and "Turtle Park" need YOU!

FOFP Board meets monthly to discuss matters that affect "Turtle Park." For the past nine years, FOFP has assisted DC Parks & Recreation with the "preservation and maintenance" of the Park. FOFP is comprised of truely dedicated moms and dads in the neighborhood.

FOFP needs new participants to serve as officers and Board members. In addition, volunteers are always needed to help with the various programs and events.

If you have an interest in "Turtle Park", please join the FOFP community by signing up for the 'Turtle Park' listserv at www.turtlepark.org or contact president@turtlepark.org.

Join the Board! Help keep FOFP and 'Turtle Park' flourishing.

Don't let your pre-schooler miss out on a great learning opportunity.

At the Turtle Park Co-Op, young children are introduced to a structured play setting with activities that engage the whole child - mentally, socially, physically, and emotionally - in preparation for entering the formal education system. Emphases are placed on socialization such as learning to take turns; cognitive growth through music, painting, and cutting; and gross motor development by running and jumping.

Children are accepted to the Pre-School aka Co-op at 2 1/2 to 5 years and must be 2 1/2 by October 31, 2009. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9AM to Noon. Parents must serve a duty day one day per week, per child to assist with organizing and planning of activities. Each site will determine the substitute(s) for duty day(s).

This office reserves the rights to cancel classes with enrollment less than 60%. For more information, call DCPR Office of Education Services at 202- 671-0372 or click here to visit the website Department of Parks & Recreation Childcare and Early Education.

The Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) Permit Office manages and issues permits for all DPR facilities and sites as well as all community gardens. A permit is required for the use of any DPR facility or site by: more than 10 people for an hour or more; organized leagues; or for special events or the reservation of a multipurpose room.

The 12th annual May Fair held on Saturday, May 16th from 10am-4pm was wonderful despite the initial rain.

'Turtle Park' lost its greatest supporter and advocate, Karen Rosenthal, in February 2007. Karen's strength, enthusiasm, dedication and humor elevated all of the lives she touched. Perhaps you never met the woman behind the sandbox. You didn't have to know her. If you know Turtle Park, you know Karen. More information...

Friends and neighbors came out and enjoyed Karen Rosenthal Day which was held on Saturday, June 30, 2007. People ate pizza and ice cream as they listened to the DJ who played Karen's favorite song 'Under the Shady Tree.' The evening was indeed beautiful and provided a nice way for people to come back to the Park with your families, take a break and enjoy just being there.

Do I need to reserve a picnic table for a birthday party?
Yes. Please contact our Park Manager, Enrique @ 202-282-2198, Please note there are only a few picnic tables available. Limit your time, and take your trash with you due to limited trash capacity at the park.

What are the hours of the sprayground?
The sprayground is open through the summer until Labor Day. Hours of operation are Monday thru Sunday from 10AM - 7PM. (Note: The sprayground automatically stops at 4PM for a 15 minute break. After 15 minutes, service is restored until closing).

Do I need to reserve the recreation center for private use?
Yes. Please click here for information. Also, contact our Park Manager, Enrique at 202-282-2198

Where can I get more information about the Pre-School Program?
The Pre-school commonly referred to as the 'Co-op' at Friendship Park is managed by the DC Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Education Services at 202-671-0372

What are the hours of the restrooms?
Same as the hours of the Recreation Center.

Thank you, thank you and thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and efforts as well as those who participated and made Turtle Time and Story Time a great success. Thanks to Enrique Leiva & Paula Nolan from DPR; Margaret Olivier from SCORE!; and Jenifer Rose Meuwissen & Mary Kwak from FOFP.

Thank you, Matt Walters, Outdoors with Friends for bringing your hedgehog to "Turtle Park." We are anxious for your return with more live animals.

Larry Kern, the Reader Dude, was such a big hit at Saturday's Story Time that he has agreed to come back next year. Thank you.

Learn more!

• Our-Kids-Your Link to Family Fun!
• Yong Studios
• Middle C
• TenniStar
• Brit-AM Soccer
• Suzanne Reilley Personal Trainer
• Outdoors with Friends

Location
45th and Van Ness Streets, NW
Washington, D.C.
(202) 282-2198

Mailing Address
PO BOX 9921, Washington DC 20016

Park Director
Enrique Leiva
202-282-2198
Enrique.leiva@dc.gov

Recreation Center Hours of Operation:
 M-F, 2:30 PM - 9PM
 Sat, 10AM - 4PM

Co-op Hours:
 The Co-op is closed for the summer.

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Soil Testing
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Report: Soil sampling results indicate no arsenic concerns at Friendship (Turtle) Park in the Spring Valley area.

Keep the park clean and fresh! Please put trash in the trash bins and recyclables in the recycling bins. When containers are full, do not stuff them. Instead, bring it to the attention of the Park Director. Trash and recyclables are managed by the Department of Public Works (DPW).