Department of Parks and Recreation Inclement Weather Policy

Updated Dec. 2022

The safety of our participants is our number one priority. Therefore, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) reserves the right to cancel scheduled activities if the forecast warrants. In the event of inclement weather, we advise our patrons to call the inclement weather line at 703-228-4715. For general guidance, please see below DPR’s procedures in inclement weather events affecting DPR and Arlington County Government. 

If Arlington County Government is in Virtual Operations: 

• All departmental facilities are closed, and all activities and programs are canceled.  
• All Enjoy Arlington, 55+ Classes and Trips, Summer Camp, Preschool, Break Blasts, Therapeutic Recreation program or Nature and History registrations scheduled for that day will be postponed until the next business day at its original scheduled time.  

If Arlington County Government/Department of Parks and Recreation is DELAYED Opening: 

• DPR Community centers including Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center will open at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted. 
• All Preschool Programs, full-day and half-day will begin at 10 a.m. 
• Congregate meal programs located at Arlington Mill, Langston Brown, and Walter Reed Community Centers will begin on time as scheduled. 
• All Enjoy Arlington, Private Swim, 55+ classes and trips, Summer Camp, Preschool, Break Blasts, Therapeutic Recreation program, or Nature and History programs, Sports activities, Leagues, and facility rentals and instructional programs with a start time before 10 a.m. in all DPR buildings are canceled. 
• All Enjoy Arlington, 55+ Classes and Trips, Summer Camp, Preschool, Break Blasts, Therapeutic Recreation program or Nature and History programs and Sports activities, Leagues, facility rentals and instructional programs will proceed to start at  10 a.m. in all DPR buildings unless otherwise specified. 
• Meetings and social events scheduled at the Hendry House at Fort C.F. Smith Park may proceed at 10 a.m. or after. Please call 703-228-4747, option 2, for more information. 
• All Enjoy Arlington, 55+ Classes and Trips, Summer Camp, Preschool, Break Blasts, Therapeutic Recreation program or Nature and History registrations scheduled for that day will be postponed until the next business day at its original scheduled time.  

If Arlington County Government/Department of Parks and Recreation Declares an EARLY CLOSURE: 

• All DPR classes, activities, and programs with a scheduled start time after the designated time of closure will be canceled.  

DPR Programs in Arlington Public Schools Standalone Facilities 

In general, DPR’s decisions regarding inclement weather are included in the Arlington County Government announcements. However, when adverse conditions cause delays, early dismissal, and/or closing of Arlington Public Schools (APS), some DPR activities and programs held in APS facilities may be impacted. In these instances, DPR will directly notify participants. (Please be sure to have an updated email address on file)  

Arlington Aquatics Club – All practices at APS pools will follow APS inclement weather schedule. In addition, all practices at Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center will follow Arlington County Government's inclement weather schedule. For more information, contact the Arlington Aquatics Club manager at 571-279-7056. 

DPR Sports Leagues - All weekend (Saturday and Sunday) practices and games will follow APS inclement weather schedule regardless of the scheduled location. All weekday (Monday - Friday) practices and games will follow Arlington County Government's inclement weather schedule unless the practice or game is scheduled in an APS standalone Facility. For more information, contact the DPR Inclement Weather line at 703-228-4715 or the DPR County Wide Rover at 571-238-0265. 

Inclement Weather Hotline

All DPR closing information will be included on the DPR Inclement Weather Hotline, which is: 703-228-4715.