The Department of Parks and Recreation Field Priority Access Amendment Act of 2025 aims to enhance access to outdoor athletic fields for youth sports leagues in the District of Columbia. The bill establishes a program that allows certified community-based youth sports organizations to have priority access to both Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) fields during peak times for practices and games. To qualify for this priority access, organizations must be non-profits that serve youth, do not restrict participation based on ability, and have provisions for low-income families. The bill also mandates that these organizations maintain the fields' safety and cleanliness.
Additionally, the legislation amends existing laws to create a new permit program for outdoor field use by these certified organizations, ensuring that they are not charged custodial or security fees for field use. It reorders the priority for permitted uses of recreational spaces to favor community-based youth sports organizations and outlines the responsibilities of these organizations regarding field maintenance and compliance with regulations. The bill reflects a commitment to supporting youth sports and maximizing the use of existing recreational facilities in the District.