On June 8, 2019, Saturday, in Washington, DC, the restoration of Campus RFK is underway, with the first five short-term program elements being the City’s original District’s entertainment and sports corridors. As part of this restoration, the community, along with professional athletes and city dignitaries, have transformed 27 acres of asphalt into three new state-of-the-art artificial turf recreational fields. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Mayor Muriel Bowser are present at the Fields today.
Mayor Bowser stated, “Through a combination of thoughtful planning and a little bit of creativity, we have been able to create a large city with ample green space and a vibrant waterfront, offering all the amenities one could desire. This first phase of the District’s campus marks just the beginning as we continue to seek full ownership in order to unlock the true potential of this multi-use development, including housing. The opening of the RFK Fields at Campus RFK is the culmination of our efforts to make this vibrant recreational area accessible to the community.”
“The soccer and baseball fields being unveiled today align with the approved utilization of this location for recreational activities,” declared Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. “While we await the passage of my legislation to transfer ownership of RFK to the city, the federal government currently possesses the RFK stadium site, which is the most valuable, underutilized property in DC. Nevertheless, the District is making the appropriate decision by maximizing the full utilization permitted under the lease agreement.”
The Campus is linked to the Fields through the Anacostia River and the surrounding neighborhoods. The Fields, which symbolize the new connection, offer convenient amenities for busy parents, such as portable chargers, designated parking areas, walking and cycling paths, and expanded green spaces. Additionally, there are picnic areas, a playground, public restrooms, and a spacious 6,000-square-foot pavilion for celebrations. The fields can accommodate various sports including soccer, kickball, lacrosse, baseball, softball, and more. Amateur sports programs, leagues, and tournaments have the privilege to reserve these fields. Moreover, the fields are open to the public for recreational play during both daytime and evening hours. Constructed with artificial turf, these multi-purpose fields serve as recreational spaces for the community.
“We thank Mayor Bowser for her vision and leadership in making all of this a reality for the Directors of the Board of DC Events. We are driving forward to create jobs, provide community benefits, and support tourism, recreation, and sports in our city. The District is a capital sports and recreation hub, and we are excited to open the first completed element of the reimagined 190-acre RFK redevelopment project, the Campus at RFK Fields. We couldn’t be more thrilled to mark the opening of this new recreational hub, which quickly turned 27 acres of asphalt into a future hub for generations to enjoy. We have listened to the desires of our community and collaborated with stakeholders, including the Council, to bring this project to fruition. DC Events is excited for what the future holds.” Said Max Brown, Chairman of the Board at Events DC.
The 27 acres of asphalt within the district have now been transformed into a vibrant new destination for recreational and sports activities. The new complex was named “Campus RFK at Fields The” based on the votes casted by the community on social media. The plan for the redevelopment of RFK was first presented to the community in 2016, which included elements recommended by official city feedback and stakeholder community.
By creating this new space, our goal is to better serve our neighborhoods and city by providing opportunities for economic growth and recreational activities. We are proud to share these fields with the residents of DC, and we are excited for the youth to be inspired and enjoy them for generations to come. According to Executive Officer and Chief President O’Dell A. Gregory, today’s ribbon cutting ceremony for the new multi-purpose recreational fields at Campus signifies another step forward in our collective vision to restore Campus as a vibrant hub for entertainment and sports in the District.