This July we celebrate both Parks & Recreation Month and Disability Pride. During this time, we recognize the important role that parks and recreational activities play in improving our physical, mental, and social well-being. It is also a time to celebrate the accomplishments, history, and contributions of people with disabilities.
The intersection of Parks & Recreation Month and Disability Pride highlights the importance of creating inclusive and accessible spaces where everyone can enjoy programs, places and spaces. Let's use this opportunity to advocate and support inclusion initiatives that ensure our parks, programs, and facilities reflect the diversity and strength of our communities.
Celebrate by learning more about Disability Pride and raising awareness about the need for inclusivity in recreation.
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The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) acknowledges that the start of 2025 has been challenging for many in our community. With economic uncertainty and job losses—particularly in the federal workforce— some families are facing difficult decisions about future plans, including those regarding summer camps. To help ease some of the financial strain, we are making temporary adjustments to this year’s summer camp payment schedule and cancellation options. Our goal is to offer more flexibility, so families have the time they need to plan. We encourage all summer camp families to review these updates and see how they may help.
You can review the full message and updated policy here:
Summer Camp 2025 - Updated Payment Schedule and Cancellation Options
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Summer camp is here, and we're excited to see our campers enjoying all that the season has to offer!
Our dedicated inclusion staff are ensuring all campers are able to participate and have fun throughout general recreation camps. Meanwhile, our adapted camps are providing tailored experiences that meet the unique needs of campers with disabilities, offering a supportive and engaging environment.
Whether in general recreation or adapted camps, our goal is to create inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive, build friendships, and make lasting memories.
Adapted classes are heating up! We're highlighting three fantastic options below, but there's so much more to explore. Select the register button below to see all our available adapted classes. Don't forget to check out the Summer Enjoy Arlington catalog for a full list of general recreation offerings.
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Sunday, July 13 - August 17, 1:15pm - 1:45pm
Activity #: 410411A
6 sessions - $54
Join our beginner swim class at Long Bridge Center. This class is designed for participants and their parent or guardian. Participants will learn water safety, basic swim skills like floating and kicking, and get comfortable with instructors. Perfect for preparing them for future swim classes on their own.
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Sunday, July 13 - August 17, 12:30pm - 1:10pm
Activity #: 420414A
6 sessions - $66
Enjoy the water your way with Adapted Open Swim at Long Bridge Center. This program offers unstructured pool time for activities like lap swimming, aqua jogging, or kickboard exercises. While instructors are on hand to answer questions, there is no formal instruction. Participants requiring 1:1 support in the water must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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Sunday, July 13 - August 17, 2:25pm - 2:55pm
Activity #: 440415A
6 sessions - $54
Dive into confidence with Teen/Adult Splash at Long Bridge Center! This adapted swim class offers a modified environment with a low participant-to-instructor ratio. Teens and adults will build water confidence while learning essential safety skills and foundational techniques like floating, bubble blowing, kicking, and submerging. Perfect for swimmers who benefit from extra support and encouragement in the pool.
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Mark your calendars for the Arlington County Fair. This year the fair will be taking place from August 13 - 17 at Thomas Jefferson Community Center. Be sure to share this information with your friends and family so everyone can join in on the fun-filled event featuring attractions, games, food, and much more.
Join us for the sensory-friendly hours on Saturday, August 16, from 10am-1pm and Sunday, August 17, from 11am-1pm! This will be a great opportunity for Fair friends to enjoy all the magic without loud sounds or music. We're also excited to share that we'll be there with our Sensory Tent, designed to provide a calming and inclusive space for all attendees. You can visit the tent during the following times:
- Friday, August 15 from 4pm - 7pm
- Saturday, August 16 from 10am - 6pm
- Sunday, August 17 from 11am - 4pm
For more information and updates, visit the Arlington County Fair website.
Celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at WAWAbility. This two-day event, happening on July 11-12 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., is a wonderful opportunity to honor the progress made in disability rights and continue working for a more inclusive future together.
The event will feature a variety of keynote speakers, incredible performances, an accessibility exhibition, and networking opportunities. You'll have the chance to connect with a community dedicated to accessibility and inclusion. The celebration will conclude with an ADA 35th Anniversary Party on July 12 from 8pm - 11pm at The Anthem.
Mark your calendars and be part of the change at WAWAbility 2025. Let's come together to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the ADA and continue to push for a more inclusive world.
Discover the different events happening across our Parks & Recreation units! From fitness classes to community gatherings, there is something for everyone. Visit the Programs for All Ages website for a full list of events. Your next adventure awaits – do not miss out!
Check out some of the exciting things other units are doing this month:
The Therapeutic Recreation Office is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities in recreation activities by:
- Creating and sharing modification plans - If we don’t already have a Participant Modification Information on file, please complete and submit online here.
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Conducting class and program observations upon request.
- Supporting instructors and parents/guardians on implementing inclusion supports, upon request.
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Providing additional staff support when available, however this is not guaranteed.
Contact our office at trinfo@arlingtonva.us or 703-228-4740 if you are unable to complete the Program Modification form online, would like to request any program modifications, or discuss specific supports to successfully participate in activities.
Adapted Aquatics is a learn-to-swim program for children and adults with developmental disabilities and is supported by volunteers.
Volunteers will work one-on-one with participants in the water to strengthen and develop basic swim skills. Volunteers must be strong swimmers, comfortable in the water and enthusiastic about helping people learn.
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“Like” our Therapeutic Recreation Facebook page to stay connected and never miss an update! Follow us on Facebook for the latest news, event announcements, and fun behind-the-scenes content. Join our community and be the first to know about all the exciting happenings. |
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