Athletic Fields

Arlington has 96 athletic fields available for use to community groups, sports organizations and individuals. Arlington’s goal is to provide as many recreation facilities as possible for community use. Fields are classified to support community access and field sustainability as Permit Only, Permit Takes Priority or Drop-In.

NOTE: Only one-time athletic field reservations are being accepted at this time. Up to 3 one-time reservations are allowed within a 90-day period.  

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Field Status

Parks and Recreation will monitor field conditions and reserves the right to close any field should its turf condition start to deteriorate.  And of course, all field availability will follow the DPR Inclement Weather Policy. See below for information on accessing our athletic fields.

To find out about daily field closures, due to inclement weather, sign up for Field Closure Alerts via Arlington Alert. Alerts are sent out in the afternoons and evenings during the week and periodically throughout the weekend. 

To Reserve a Space

Fill out the Facility Request Form and email to the Facilities Scheduling Unit

Field Classifications for Accessing Athletic Fields

Permit Only

A permit is required to use this field at any time. To obtain a permit call 703-228-4747 or go here.  Permit only fields include:

  • Barcroft Park 1-4, and 6
  • Greenbrier Park 1 and 3
  • Washington-Liberty Combination
  • Quincy Park 1
  • Wakefield 1 and 2
  • Wakefield Chesterfield

Permit Takes Priority

From mid-March to mid-November groups of 10 or less who are not part of an organized group can enjoy these fields during daylight, weather permitting. School fields are open after school hours. Organized groups need a permit to use these fields. Neighbors can use the athletic fields to throw a Frisbee, kick the ball around, fly a kite,  and passive activities.  Permit Takes Priority fields can be used for passive activities as well. The only activities that cannot occur on a Permit Takes Priority fields without a permit are structured games, practices or special events.

Drop-in

Some fields are dedicated for drop-in play with limited permit use.  Drop in play is open to all with participation through rotation.  Organized groups may not use drop in fields without permission.  These fields are:

  • Barcroft Park 5
  • Gunston 3
  • Rocky Run Park
  • Thomas Jefferson Lower Synthetic
  • Virginia Highlands 2
  • Westover Park

Please note: Dogs are never allowed on athletic fields, even on leash. The eight Arlington County Dog Parks are open from sunrise until half-hour after sunset unless otherwise designated.

Batting Cages

Batting cages are offered at several parks throughout the county including:

  • Barcroft Park
  • Gunston Park
  • Greenbrier Park
  • Tuckahoe Park
  • Westover Park
  • Stratford Park

Batting cages are connected to the adjoining field.  When a field is permitted, priority use goes to the permit-holder.  All other times, batting cage use is first come-first serve for Baseball and Softball use only.   Cricket, and other sports are not permitted in batting cages.

Field Schedules

Season Dates Status
Spring & Fall 3/15-6/14; 9/1-11/14 All fields open.
Winter 11/15-3/15 All natural grass fields are closed.
Summer 6/15 – 8/31 Bermuda grass fields are closed, all others are open

* dates are approximate