In 2010, a group of parents frustrated by the lack of field space for young athletes in Washington, DC, formed a nonprofit organization, Capitol Riverside Youth Sports Park.
Capitol Hill Little League, Sports on the Hill, and Washington Capital United were the three founding youth organizations and later joined by DC Fray, District Sports, Washington Area Frisbee Club, Living Classrooms and DC SCORES.
Since its inception, CRYSP DC has engaged with the community around the RFK stadium to develop a joint vision of how this unused parcel of asphalt could be activated for community use. Our vision was one of green waterfront space that would be a gathering place for youth and adult sports.
Events DC began construction of The Fields at RFK in November 2018 and issued a request for proposals for an operator of the facility. We developed a proposal and were awarded the contract. In June 2019, our vision was realized with the opening of The Fields.
The Fields complex has already alleviated overcrowding on existing nearby fields and is making the area a destination for those who want to exercise, enjoy the waterfront, bike, or hike on Kingman Island. Reclaiming this area as usable space also helps solve the storm water runoff issues that are associated with the existing parking lots.
CRYSP DC is employing its advocacy and design skills to identify and advocate for additional areas in the city for play spaces.