DC Parks and Recreations Host 15th Annual Stead Park Sports Day

In the heart of the DuPont Circle neighborhood, DC Department of Parks and Recreation collaborated with the University Club, a private social club near Stead Recreation Center to host the 15th annual Stead Park Sports Day last weekend.

The university club is known for their upscale dining, recreational facilities and social programs. Lisa Stewart, a University Club board member said they collaborated with Stead Park the past 15 years because they believe in being good neighbors to the community.

 "This park has been through a lot over the last fifteen years, and we are proud to be a part of that."

Although the event initially targeted children under 13, but Sports Day featured entertainment that attracted a more mature crowd as well. Arts and craft stands, food trucks and a DJ that played Top 40 hits like Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj kept the crowd energetic.

As additional entertainment, a Washington Nationals truck filled with team paraphernalia, parked on the center's field and gave away freebies like plastic baseball bats and wiffle balls. Vincent Hill, the site manager for Stead Recreation Center, pointed out that this is the second year that the Nationals participated with Sports Day.

"This event basically brings the whole community together. [It's] a nice family event. All the kids [and] parents have a good time," said Hill.

Tiffany Atwell who lives a couple blocks from the recreation center, stumbled upon Sports Day as she took her son to the park.

"I love it. It's great. It's a nice mixture of kids from different places," said Atwell. "It's really nice exposure for kids to be able to play the different sports they may not get a chance to do otherwise."

Stead Recreation Center is located two blocks away from Dupont Circle. While Sports Day is the center's most popular yearly event, the park is also has Picture Day with Santa in December.

The University Club is a private social club located a couple blocks from Stead Recreation Center. They are known for their upscale dining, recreational facilities, and social programs.