Fort Stevens Recreation Community Project proposal

DCI is exploring a partnership with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to enhance the existing facilities at Fort Stevens Recreation Center. The proposal includes revitalizing the current athletic field into a regulation-size synthetic turf field and exploring the construction of a shared indoor multipurpose recreation space.

The athletic field improvements would also include dedicated bleachers and field lighting to support expanded, year-round use.

The proposed indoor recreation facility would support a range of school and community uses, including athletics, arts programming, after-school activities, performances, and community meetings. The proposal also includes supporting spaces such as parking, secure equipment storage, offices, and facility maintenance areas.

DCI is currently exploring two possible locations for the indoor facility:

• Option 1: Build in the forested area while keeping the playground, splash pad, basketball courts, tennis courts, and existing DPR programming in place.

• Option 2 (New): In response to community feedback received after the original proposal was submitted, DCI is also exploring an alternative option that would locate the facility in the area currently occupied by the playground, splash pad, and basketball courts. Under this option, DCI would work with DPR and the community to identify relocation options for those amenities.

Overall, the proposal aims to improve a space already shared by students and the community while expanding opportunities for recreation, athletics, arts, and community gathering.

Our public school students – 1,000+ who are Ward 4 and 5 residents – rely heavily on Fort Stevens as their primary athletic field space because our campus has limited athletic facilities. As a long-time user of the field, DCI is exploring an opportunity to invest in improvements that would benefit both our students and the broader Ward 4 community.

No. The project does not request capital funding from the District government. DCI would privately fund the proposed improvements through its capital budget and private fundraising. 

Yes. Fort Stevens would remain a DPR site open to the public. The goal is to improve the space while ensuring it continues to serve both community members and students.

As part of this proposal, DCI is requesting access to the space primarily during after-school hours, while keeping it available for community use at other times.

Proposed DCI Use:

• Weekdays, 3:00–7:00 p.m.: After-school programs, practices, and games

• Occasional daytime use (9:00 AM–3:00 PM): PE and school activities (not daily)

• Periodic events: Performances, games, and school events

• Late summer: Tryouts and preseason practices

Proposed Community Access:

• Available evenings after 7:00 p.m., weekends, and non-school days

• Final scheduling would be coordinated with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to ensure fair, shared access

This proposal reflects how DCI currently uses the Fort Stevens field and is intended to balance student needs with community access.

DCI’s proposal focuses on two areas: improving the existing athletic field and exploring the possibility of a shared indoor multipurpose recreation facility for athletics, arts programming, and community events.

Athletic Field Improvements

The proposal would:

• Convert the existing grass field into a regulation-size synthetic turf field

• Add dedicated bleachers

• Install field lighting to support year-round and evening use

Indoor Recreation Facility

The proposed facility would include indoor recreation and gathering space.

DCI is currently exploring two possible locations for the facility:

Option 1: Build the facility in the forested area of Fort Stevens rather than expanding the existing recreation center. This option includes underground parking. Under this option, the playground, splash pad, tennis courts, basketball courts, and DPR recreation center programming would remain in place. Some trees would need to be removed, and new trees would be planted as part of the project.

Option 2: Build the facility in the area currently occupied by the splash pad, playground, and basketball courts. This option does not include underground parking. DCI would work with DPR and the community to identify new locations for those amenities where possible.

The proposal includes converting the grass field to a regulation-size synthetic turf field. We are also proposing to add dedicated bleachers and new field lighting to allow for year-round usage of the field. Community input will be an important part of informing the direction of this design, particularly around field lighting.

These improvements would enhance durability and safety for athletic programming an additional three months out of the year for students and residents. Any field improvements would follow DPR and District environmental requirements.

Athletic Field Improvements

The athletic field would remain in its current location and footprint.

Indoor Recreation Facility

Some existing amenities would remain unchanged depending on which facility option is pursued:

• If Option 1 is explored (building in the forested area), the playground, splash pad, tennis courts, basketball courts, and existing DPR recreation center programming would remain in place.

• If Option 2 is explored (building near the current recreation center), the tennis courts and forested area would remain in place. DCI would work with DPR and the community to relocate affected amenities (playground and splash pad) in a way that minimizes environmental impact as much as possible.

We recognize that the trees and green space at Fort Stevens are important. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, sustainability is central to our mission, and any proposal would prioritize responsible site design that minimizes environmental impacts and follows all DPR and city environmental requirements, including LEED certification. DCI is also working with a professional arborist to help guide responsible planning.

The project is currently in its early exploration and community input phase. If the proposal is approved in spring 2026, the projected timeline could include design and permitting later in 2026, construction beginning in 2027, and potential completion in 2028.

DCI has been working for several years to find ways to expand or improve its facilities to support its growing student body. During this time, the school explored several potential options across the city:

• Walter Reed campus (2021–2024): DCI engaged with the DC government about using space there, but the District chose to pursue non-educational uses for the site.

• U.S. State Department properties (2021–2025): DCI inquired about surplus federal properties, but those sites have been reserved for future embassy and mission use.

• Expanding the current campus (2022–2024): DCI explored growing its existing campus, but this is not possible due to the site’s historic designation.

Because these options were not feasible, DCI continues to have a need for nearby athletic and community space. Fort Stevens is one of the few proximate sites that could help meet this need. As one of its primary users, DCI is now exploring a potential shared-use approach in partnership with DPR and the community.

Community input is an important part of this process. You can take our short survey to share your feedback, sign up to receive updates, and learn about opportunities to stay involved as the proposal evolves.