Anacostia Recreation Center at Ketcham
New 15,000-Square-Foot Community Recreation Facility for Ward 8
Project Overview
The Anacostia Recreation Center at Ketcham, located in Ward 8 at 1929 15th Street SE, Washington, DC, is a new 15,000-square-foot standalone recreation facility constructed adjacent to Ketcham Elementary School. The project was delivered for the DC Department of General Services (DGS) and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), with DLR Group serving as the project architect and Chiaramonte Construction Company serving as general contractor. The $16 million facility broke ground in August 2023 and opened to the public in February 2026, and was designed to exceed LEED Silver Certification standards.
Our Role & Scope of Work
CCC served as general contractor on the Anacostia Recreation Center at Ketcham, overseeing the full construction of the new facility under the Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) delivery method. The 15,000-square-foot interior includes a full-size gymnasium with a basketball court, a fitness room, a demonstration kitchen, classrooms, multipurpose rooms, a technology lounge with free internet access, and a lounge area. The facility is also equipped with a standalone generator capable of powering the building independently for up to 72 hours. Exterior work includes playgrounds for children ages 2 through 12, a natural grass multi-use athletic field, walking and running paths, covered outdoor seating, an entry plaza, enhanced lighting, and a promenade connecting 14th and 15th Streets SE.
Community Impact
The Anacostia Recreation Center at Ketcham delivers a long-awaited recreational anchor to one of Washington, DC's most historically underserved neighborhoods. Situated directly adjacent to Ketcham Elementary School, the new facility gives Anacostia residents of all ages a modern, purpose-built space for recreation, programming, and community connection. The center joins a growing campus that already includes a child development center completed in 2019, with a full school modernization for Ketcham Elementary planned for 2028 — together representing a sustained investment in the future of Ward 8.
