There’s been a lot of talk about “teen takeovers” this summer. But I have a takeover I’d much rather talk about.
Seenager Takeovers.
Our DC seniors have been taking over recreation centers, pools, parks, stages, baseball games, campgrounds and just about everywhere else this summer. They’ve been dancing, swimming, traveling, competing, laughing, learning, making new friends and reminding all of us that getting older does not mean slowing down.
If anything, our “Seenagers” are just getting started.
At the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), we believe recreation is for all. And our seniors have embraced that philosophy all summer long.
The numbers tell part of the story. This summer, more than 1,100 senior enrollments have filled DPR programs across all eight wards with residents participating in aquatics, fitness, arts and one of our 27 senior day programs. Aquatics alone accounted for more than half of those enrollments, while hundreds more participated in fitness activities, including strength training, yoga, Pilates and cardio.
But if you really want to understand what a Seenager Takeover looks like, you have to see them in action.
This summer, more than 400 seniors participated in our Senior Drip pool parties, proving that style and confidence only get better with time.
We took more than 100 seniors to Camp Riverview for two Senior Fun Camp sessions—overnight experiences designed especially for them. Think facials, bid whist, stargazing and live musical performances. This wasn’t your typical camping trip. It was a curated getaway where our seniors could relax, connect and have a little fun.
We took 75 seniors out to a Washington Nationals game and another 35 to experience “CrazySexyCool: The TLC Musical” stage play at Arena Stage. Our enhancement trips served approximately 300 seniors, giving residents opportunities to explore, experience and enjoy destinations and activities throughout the region.
Seniors also joined us for Jazz on the Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building, the Frankly & Beverly presentation at Hamilton Live. and our annual highly-anticipated Senior Cruise on the Potomac.
And we aren’t done yet. When you’ve spent your summer moving and grooving, there’s no reason to stop when the weather starts to change.
But here’s what makes me especially proud: These experiences aren’t isolated special events. They’re part of a larger commitment to keeping our seniors active, engaged and connected throughout the year.
That’s what recreation can do.
It can create a reason to get out of the house. It can introduce you to someone who becomes a new friend. It can give you something to look forward to on a Tuesday morning. It can help you discover a new activity, strengthen your body, stimulate your mind or simply have a good time.
And sometimes, it can give you the confidence to try something you never thought you’d do.
That’s why I love spending time with our seniors. At DPR events, you’ll often find me right there with them—laughing, line dancing, cheering them on and enjoying every minute. Their energy is contagious. Their stories are inspiring. And their enthusiasm reminds me why access to recreation matters at every stage of life.
Now, as summer winds down, our Seenagers are getting ready for their next takeover: the DC Senior Games in September.
This is serious business—and our seniors age 50 and over take it seriously.
DC is a two-time National Senior Games champion, and our local Senior Games are an important opportunity for athletes to compete, challenge themselves and represent their city. We’re looking forward to celebrating this year’s champions and sending our DC representatives to the National Senior Games next summer in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Whether you’re competing, cheering from the sidelines or simply finding a new way to stay active, there’s a place for you.
That’s my message to our platinum residents: There is always a place for you at DPR.
So here’s to the Seenagers.
Keep taking over the dance floor. Keep taking over the pool. Keep taking over the trails, the courts, the stages and the parks.
Take over the room and influence the generations to come.
Take over the conversation.
Take over your health.
And most importantly, take over your life.
At DPR, we’re interested in creating more opportunities for you to live, move, connect and have fun.
The Seenager Takeover is just getting started.
And I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
For all things seniors at DPR including DC Senior Games, visit dprseniors.splashthat.com/.
