DPR Fall Programming, DC Senior Games, and More

News from Mayor Muriel Bowser banner

 

John A. Wilson Building

1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004

 

Phone: (202) 727-2643
Email: muriel.bowser@dc.gov

Chief of Staff:
Tomás Talamante

City Administrator:
Kevin Donahue

Director of the Mayor's Office of Legal Counsel:
Eugene Adams

Senior Advisor:
Lindsey Parker

Director of Mayor's Office of Community Affairs:
Lamont Carey

Director of Mayor's Office of Community Relations and Services:
Phil Thomas

Scheduling Requests:
mayor.dc.gov/page/invite-mayor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 14, 2026

Letter from the Mayor

Dear Washingtonians,

It’s been a summer of sports in DC, and there’s still plenty to look forward to: the Mystics, Spirit, D.C. United, and Nationals are all still in their regular seasons. The Commanders are back in September and the Wizards and Capitals are back in October. Audi Field will host the U.S. Women’s National Team in October and then the NWSL championship in November. Monumental Sports and Entertainment released new details about what we can expect to see in the transformed Capital One Arena and the Commanders are one step closer to delivering an iconic Super Bowl-ready stadium at the RFK campus.

Our teams are also being recognized for their efforts off the field/court: D.C. United teamed up with the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services to host the Twinning Project, an initiative that uses the power of sport to help young people build confidence and strengthen their decision‑making skills. Monumental announced an initiative to get more girls in DC involved in sports. And on Thursday, the Wizards joined me at Powell Elementary School to celebrate the new school year – which begins for K-12 students in DCPS on Monday, August 24.

Photo of Mayor Bowser, students, Chancellor Jackson and Wizards representatives at Powell Elementary School.

But being the Sports Capital isn’t only about the pride we have in our professional teams, it’s also about creating opportunities for DC residents of all ages to get in on the fun and games. This week, the Department of Parks and Recreation opened registration for fall programming and there are still a number of spaces open in fitness classes like strength training, basketball skills and drills, toddler sports, cheer and dance, and more.

DPR is also calling on seniors in DC to register for the DC Senior Games. The games are open to DC residents 50 and older (and those who will be 50 by the end of 2026). There are many sports to choose from and activities and competitions will take place in the coming months. 

So, whether you're looking for an opportunity for your toddler or contemplating your first Senior Games, check out what DPR has to offer and get registered!

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser

In This Week's Newsletter:

Get Ready for a New School Year at DC Public Schools

Image promotes the upcoming DCPS Back to School info session.

Join Chancellor Jackson and DC Public Schools (DCPS) leadership for a virtual information session to learn about important updates for the 2026-2027 school year!

Topics will include: technology updates, learning supports and services, student health resources, upcoming family engagement opportunities, and other information to help families and students start the school year informed, connected, and prepared for success.

  • When: Tuesday, August 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Register here 

The presentation will include live Spanish and ASL interpretation.

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Thursday: DC 311 App Resident Engagement Virtual Session

Image promotes the upcoming 311 app virtual engagement session.

Following four great in-person sessions, the DC Office of Unified Communications and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer are excited to host a virtual DC 311 Resident Engagement Session to help shape the next generation of DC's 311 mobile app.

This session is designed to gather firsthand feedback from residents and ANC leaders to ensure the new 311 app reflects real community needs across all eight wards.

  • When: Thursday, August 20 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Register here 

Language interpretation and ASL translation services are available; please request services via email at ouc@dc.gov.

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#BeDowntown: Vintage Car Show & Pinewood Derby Race

Image promotes the Vintage Car Show and Pinewood Derby Race happening at the MLK Library on Saturday at 12pm.

You've probably heard about the Freedom 250 Grand Prix coming to DC this month, but first, there's another opportunity to admire cars in Downtown: the Vintage Car Show and Pinewood Derby Race happening at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library this Saturday, August 15. 

Come admire beautifully restored automobiles from local car clubs and individual collectors, and chat with the passionate owners who keep these classics humming. Besides the chrome and polish, you’ll find a whole different kind of race day: the library’s very first Pinewood Derby! Build your own wooden racer and send it flying down the track. All ages are welcome to craft, compete, and cheer.

This event is free and part of the District Vibes / American Pride: How D.C. Changed American Culture exhibit at DC Public Library.

Learn more here

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