The District of Columbia’s Department of General Services and Department of Parks and Recreation sought to transform an aging 1970s-era facility into a place of health, inclusion, and connection for the Ward 7 community. They envisioned more than just a building. They wanted a destination where people of all abilities could gather, heal, and thrive.

Guided by principles of openness and relationship to nature, the result is a 37,000-SF therapeutic recreation center that welcomes visitors into a warm, light-filled environment. Inside, curved ceilings in the corridors and lobby funnel sunlight through clerestory windows, minimizing the need for artificial lighting and enriching the interior experience. Strategic recesses along the facade reduce the building’s scale and create an inviting rhythm, while sloping roofs with deep overhangs provide solar protection and blend the structure into the neighborhood. Together, these elements symbolize the seamless relationship between interior and exterior, reinforcing the center’s role as a community anchor for health, inclusion, and well-being.

This center stands as both a modern facility and a reflection of the community it serves, where thoughtful design supports every individual’s path to wellness. Our design strives to embody a vision of wellness and inclusion, offering a space where the community can thrive together.

The expansive 37,000-SF community wellness center includes an indoor natatorium with a warm water therapy pool and spa, gymnasium, a wellness studio, sensory and play therapy rooms, fully accessible playgrounds, and sensory and community garden connected by a network of trails throughout the site. These spaces are interconnected through a network of trails, promoting engagement with outdoor therapy programs and the community.