45th & Van Ness NW
Washington, D.C.

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What's New at the Park?

Turtle Park Needs You!

Join the Board of Directors at FOFP.

The Board of Directors meet the third Thursday of each month at 8:00 PM at the Recreation Center. The Board of Directors makes decisions on how the money raised by FOFP will be spent. For the past nine years, FOFP has assisted DC Parks and Recreation with the "preservation and maintenance" of the Park. We focus on our yearly events, tree maintenance, playground equipment, tennis and basketball courts as well as the upkeep of the Rec Center. Our group is comprised of Moms, Dads, working and non-working parents.

If you have an interest in Turtle Park, you are strongly encourage to attend the meetings which are held once a month (the third Thursday) from September through June.

We need new members to keep FOFP and the Park flourishing.

The Board is currently in recess. Board meetings will resume beginning on Thursday, September 18th.

FOFP would like to thank the following sponsors for their time and efforts on Sports Day: Tennistar; HoopEd; Izzy Gainsburg; Brit AM soccer; and Strollerstrides. We would also like to thank Yong Studies and Score! Many thanks to our great performers Marybeth Rizio and the DC3 Band. Also, our fabulous scoopers Carey, Cassie, Marli, Dean, Maren and Carla. Last but not least, thank you Giffords for the ice cream.

Pre-School

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, 2008.. 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.

May Fair

The 11th Annual May Fair was held on Saturday, May 17th. Thanks to all for making it a great day! If you are interested in becoming the new Mayfair Chairperson or want to join one of the committees, please send an email to the current May Fair Chair, Karen Hopfl Harris, @ karen@hopflharris.com

Karen Rosenthal

In February 2007, Turtle Park lost its greatest supporter and advocate, Karen Rosenthal. Karen has been a presence at the Park for so long. Her strength, enthusiasm 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.

FAQ

Do I need to reserve a picnic table for a birthday party?
Yes. Please contact our Park Manager, Enrique Leiva at 202-282-2198, Monday through Friday, 3PM to 9 PM. 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?
M-F 10-4 and 4:15 -7:15; Sat 10-4; and Sun 10-4
The sprayground is operated on a timer that requires you to manually turn it on. The timer is located in a small box on the left hand fence as you enter the sprayground.

Do I need to reserve the recreation center for private use?
Yes. Please click here for information. Also, contact our Park Manager, Enrique Leiva at 202-282-2198, Monday through Friday, 3 PM to 9 PM.

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?
Monday through Friday 9 AM - 9 PM, Saturday 10 AM - 2 PM, Closed Sunday.

Winter Arts & Crafts and Storytime

Winter Storytime - Saturdays from 10:30-11:45am, January 19-March 15 at the recreation center. All are welcome!

Winter Arts & Crafts Turtle Time: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30-4:30 PM from January 14-March 12th at the recreation center.

Turtle Time will be on Mondays and Wednesdays starting January 22nd and run through March 14th.

Learn more!

Activities

Sports Activities at Friendship Park or Nearby

Park Info

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

Hours of Operation
Recreation Center Hours:
Co-op:
 Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Rec Center:
 Monday - Friday 3 p.m.- 9 p.m.
 Saturday 10 a.m-3 p.m.

» Make A Contribution

» Our Mission

» DC Parks and Rec's Friendship Park page

» DC Parks and Rec's main page

» Reserve the Park

» Map

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




Sign up for the Turtle Park Listserv

Friends of Friendship Park is a non-profit organization whose mission is to assist the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation in the care, maintenance, and improvement of Friendship Park.