Kennedy Park & Recreation Center

The 17,000 SF Kennedy Recreation Center stands as the centerpiece of the reinvigorated historic Shaw neighborhood. Originally home to the first high school in the District of Columbia, the site was dedicated in 1964 as a memorial playground to the late President John. F. Kennedy by his brother, Robert F. Kennedy. The “free urban amusement park,” as Robert Kennedy envisioned it, started out as a neighborhood treasure, but fell victim to vandalism and neglect. After a decade of community activism, the city committed funds to the redevelopment of this important community hub. Today the Kennedy Recreation Center stands as a safe haven and a place where young and old can come together in a true communal center.

The center stands directly across from the community’s local O Street market, and was built in the same color brick to solidify the space as the heart of Shaw. Generous amounts of glass were used to create a light and airy building that welcomes people in. The placement of the gym windows creates the effect of a lantern when lit at night, and the building’s overall transparence proudly displays its community activities. The Kennedy Recreation Center is now a thriving hub of Shaw neighborhood life.

AWARDS
AIA DC Catalyst Award