Banneker Recreation Center Playground

We visited the Banneker Pool today (July 3rd) in scorching 100+ degree heat. As MD (non-DC) residents, we paid about $20 for two adults (parents) and child. Security will check your bag(s), then you'll step to the check in table to get cleared to there the pool area. If you're a DC resident, you'll get in free, but if you're non-DC, they have you scan a QR code to fill out an online registration form and just online. Once you show proof of receipt/purchase code, you're allowed in. There are restrooms in the locker rooms. There are two pools: one kiddie pool with a water feature and one adult pool that probably starts at 4 feet or so. I'm only 5'1", so it got deep for me pretty quickly. You can bring your own swim vests inside for kids, but no pool noodles are allowed, which we found out after an hour when several staff approached us to tell us they weren't allowed and to put them up, which we quickly did. It was our first time there, so they were cool about it. Pro tip: you're technically *not* supposed to bring outside food inside, but if you're cool about it and it's wrapped up and in a bag so no one sees it, you should be good to go. It's like bringing food to the movie theater, be cool about it and you're likely good to go. I highly recommend bringing sandals (do NOT walk around barefoot) bc the ground gets *very* hot (painted cement) and watch out for the metal railings in the heat, as well, as they got hot to the touch. We spent 3 hours there from 2-5 pm and the were plenty of kids, families, and neighbors, even some out of towners (a small family from NY), so it truly is a community pool. The kids had a blast and left satisfied, hungry, and tired, so perfect.

DJ, all day swim lanes, kids playing, hipsters reading, tattoos showing and tennis, skatepark, and hoops next door. What’s there not to love? They found my phone after I left it there after hours and they called the emergency contact and patiently explained situation. Great staff and lifeguarding crew. Only thing that could be improved are the bathrooms: they need to be updated with new shower heads and lockers and drains so water doesn’t pool and make it gross in there. Beyond that, Club Banneker is one of my favorite places in DC. Thank you all for your great work 🙂

Great pool! Track is always open. I love coming here.

The pool has been closed for maintenance at opening time on three separate occasions. That wouldn’t be such a problem if the community were notified ahead of time. This is a shared space—people are arriving by bus, with children, and in the heat. Waiting outside with no information about when the pool will open is frustrating and avoidable. Clear, timely communication is essential so that residents can plan accordingly.

Great COVID testing site. Easy parking. No line! Good spacing between people. Way to go DC with the great testing sites!