Accessing Arlington County’s Athletic Fields

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.

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.

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 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, build a snowman and many more unstructured activities to promote healthy and happy living. Just want to put a blanket out and read a book? No worries, 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

Fields are generally open for unstructured drop-in use during daylight, weather permitting. As needed, a drop-in field may be scheduled.

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

I want to…

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Background

As Parks and Recreation was updating its Public Spaces Master Plan, it became apparent the community would benefit from more open fields and public spaces. With this in mind, the department developed a pilot program to see if it could convert some Permit Only fields to Permit Takes Priority.

As grass fields degrade with use, it was believed that classifying them as Permit Only allowed for better field quality and longer-lasting fields. Piloting more fields to Permit Takes Priority will allow the department to see if increasing field use diminishes field quality.

Field Schedules

* dates are approximate