(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Department of General Services (DGS) is excited to announce the expansion of service requests that residents can submit using the automated DC311 system. The new service categories advance the partnership between DGS and the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) that will allow residents to use the District’s 311 Call Center to request maintenance at District dog parks, spray parks, and indoor and outdoor pool facilities – during the spring and summer season.
“DGS wants to ensure that everyone enjoys their summer activities and the best way we can support that is to ensure our recreational spaces are operating properly and efficiently,” said DGS Director Keith A. Anderson. “Adding these service request categories to the DC311 system allows residents to connect with us and inform us of where we need to be to provide maintenance services.”
DGS manages approximately 840 buildings within the District’s owned and leased properties and is committed to providing residents with safe, dynamic, and accessible recreational spaces. Starting today, District residents can report such maintenance needs at dog parks including broken gates, water fountain leaks and faucets needing repair. At spray parks, residents can also report service needs for water timers, broken gates, as well as fountain leaks and park equipment repair. DGS anticipates an active summer season for indoor and outdoor swimming pools and is pleased that both pool types are now part of the DC311 system to report inoperable showers, repairs needed for faucets and bathhouse repairs to include inoperable dryers. Water services will begin on Memorial Day with sites closing by Labor Day. Indoor pool services are year around.
Residents can continue using the DC311 system to report requests for grounds maintenance services at District-owned properties, at schools, municipal facilities and parks and recreation centers, to include grass mowing, bush/hedge-trimming, weed removal, as well as the removal of small and/or dead tree limbs.
The OUC 311 Call Center Operation provides a one-stop service experience for residents and visitors searching for government services, numbers, and information. The Operation was designed to make the public’s interaction with city government more convenient and less prohibitive. Residents can speak to a 311 agent, submit an online request at 311.dc.gov, through the DC311 mobile app, or by tweeting @311DCgov.
“This kind of partnership, in direct response to residents’ feedback, is a demonstration of our commitment to helping make DC the best place to live, work, and play,” said Karima Holmes, Acting Director of the Office of Unified Communications. “I am proud of our role as a conduit to services, and in making it easier than ever to report maintenance issues at pools and specialty parks.”
Users of DC 311 should provide as much information as possible to ensure DGS can assess and complete dog park, spray park, pool, and grounds maintenance requests in a timely and accurate manner, contingent on weather conditions. DGS aims to maintain grass levels at approximately 3 inches, except for ‘no mow’ areas. While mowing season for the District will conclude on October 31st, DGS will continue to respond to other requests for grounds maintenance. Additional information on District grounds maintenance services performed by DGS is available here. For mapping information of dog and spray parks and pool locations, visit these sites: DC Dog Parks, DC Spray Parks, DC Indoor Pools, DC Outdoor Pools.
##