In the department of bad timing, at the end of last week the Department of Parks and Recreation sent around a press release notifying the community that the play courts, plaza, and playground at the Stead Recreation Center at 1625 P Street NW will temporarily close beginning April 30, 2008.

The city plans to construct a brand new playground, but the rec center itself as well as the athletic field will remain open during construction — you’ll just have to access those areas from 17th Street, via Church Street, through the rear of the recreation center.

Why bad timing? The construction is going to take up the whole of whatever period of nice weather the city ends up being treated to this season, since the new playground won’t open until August. There’s no question a face lift for the playground and courts at Stead are welcome, it’s just too bad the work couldn’t have been done before folks in the neighborhood had a chance to enjoy some of the warm, but not yet brutally muggy, spring and early summer. August isn’t exactly prime time to imagine getting excited about a new spot for outdoor activity. Guess we can always hope for a warm early fall.

For more info on the Stead closing, you can contact DPR at (202) 673-7647.

Photo by {ryan}