: : Department of Parks and Recreation : Arlington, Virginia

Residents

Visitors

Businesses

Department of Parks and Recreation

WalkArlington will host the debut of its newest Walkabout on Sunday, June 10, from 3 to 5p.m.
This 2012 Walkabout, the 20th in the series of neighborhood walking tours, will feature the adjoining neighborhoods of ARLINGTON RIDGE-AURORA HIGHLANDS. The guided walking tour will be led by residents, with additional commentary from County Board Chairman Mary Hynes. This two-mile, seven-stop route is a shortened version of the full, two-loop Arlington Ridge-Aurora Highlands Walkabout. The Walkabout begins and ends at the Aurora Hills Community Center. The Walkabout is free of charge and will take place rain or shine! View the event webpage for details.

Try Something New this Summer by Taking a Recreation Class
From ballroom dancing to painting, meditation to tennis...there's something for everyone this summer in our selection of great classes published in the summer Enjoy Arlington! County residents can register online beginning May 23 and classes begin the last week June. Don't let fee be a barrier to your summer fun. You may qualify for a fee reduction.

55+ Guide
You are never too old to play! Celebrate Older American's Month with 150+ classes in the latest 55+ Guide. Whether you are interested in exercising your brain and body, being social, planning for the future, catching a movie, learning a new skill or healthy living we have something just for you! Registering for a 55+ offering will bring adventure, education, community and leisure to your summer! Most programs are free if you have a 55+ Pass. Registration for fee-based programs has begun. Visit the 55+ Guide page to learn more about how to register online, by phone or in person.

Community Groups Invited to Apply for Park Enhancement Grants
Do you have a project idea or suggestions on how we can improve a county park or other county site? This is your chance to make a difference! The Park Enhancement Grant (PEG) Program was designed to assist in the completion of projects that fall outside of the normal Arlington County budget process. The Arlington County Park and Recreation Commission manages this competitive program which provides grants of up to $15,000 for small, public improvement projects that are sponsored by county citizens. Each proposed project is evaluated by the commission and park staff to ensure that it meets county standards, will provide long term service to a substantial number of citizens and meets a number of other important criteria as outlined in the FY 2013 PEG Guidelines. If your group is interested in enhancing a park, please attend the June 5, 2012 PEG Process Information meeting at the Central Library second floor meeting room at 7:00pm. Your Letter of Intent will be due June 15. Read the PEG Program page for more information

Celebrate July 4 at Long Bridge Park!
On Wednesday, July 4 from 12 to 10 p.m., Arlington's new Long Bridge Park will be the site for an exciting family-friendly event! Highlights include a family bike parade, local arts and crafts vendor market, YMCA Arlington obstacle course, face painting, balloon art, moon bounces, adult lawn games, local food vendors, and amazing views of DC's fireworks display! Watch the event PSA video. View the event page.

Harambee Nominations
Nominations are open for Arlington's 2012 Harambee Ceremony! The ceremony, now in its 14th year, honors Arlington's African American elders who have contributed to the community. If you know a friend, family member, or neighbor who has made a difference, please nominate them to be honored at the September 8 ceremony. Nominations must be received by June 29, 2012. View the criteria and nomination form (PDF). For more information, and to see list of the past honorees, visit our Harambee Honors page.

Be on the look out for English Ivy that can Choke and Kill Trees
What looks like a lovely little green plant can actually strangle trees, accelerate rot, attract mosquitoes and cause mature trees to fall down during storms. Thankfully we as a community can fight back! Protect your trees, landscaping investments and home by cutting ivy away from your trees by following these steps: 1) Use garden clippers to cut ivy at the bottom around the entire trunk of infested trees. 2) Pull all ivy out of the ground around the base of the tree, making a 2 foot "life saver ring" around the tree. 3) Once cut, leave ivy on the tree. Do not pull it off because it could harm the tree. Ivy will gradually blend into the tree bark after it is cut. For more information visit www.armn.org.

Summer Camp Registration has Begun!
Arlington has published information on more than 250 camps in its Guide to Arlington Summer Camps. Registration has started for people who register online or who fax or mail in their forms. Be sure to have your household, camp and payment information in hand if you register online...it's the busiest registration day of the year! Phone and carry in registration has begun. Registration has begun for people who live outside Arlington. Artisphere is also offering some great creative camps for teens this summer in film, fashion, design and theatre for you to consider too!