Setting the National Standard in Parks and Recreation
Arlington County’s Department of Parks and Recreation has
been named a 2025 National Gold Medal Award Winner – one of the highest honors in our field.
Presented by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), this award recognizes agencies that set the national standard for innovation, community impact, and excellence in service. It also honors the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and residents who make Arlington’s parks and programs a place for everyone, everywhere, every day.
This Gold Medal win represents Arlington’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion and access for all. It’s a reminder of what happens when a community comes together to plan, play, and participate - because when we do, everyone benefits.
Watch the video that earned Arlington the Gold and see how we’re connecting our community through play, wellness, and belonging.
|
New 55+ Guide Coming Soon!
The Winter 55+ Guide will be sent out in a special eNews message on Tuesday, November 11, so keep an eye on your inbox! Winter program registration will open on Tuesday, November 18 at 12 p.m. for Arlington County residents and Thursday, November 20 at 12 p.m. for out-of-county residents.
Do you have questions about the new 55+ Guide? Join 55+ Center Director Ashley Gomez at Let's Go Over the Guide on November 13 or 14 to get ready for registration day!
Save the Date!
The annual New Year's Eve celebration will be on Wed., Dec. 31, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at our new location, Lyon Park Community Center. There will be a $35 admission fee. Keep an eye out for more details coming soon in the Winter 55+ Guide, and make sure to sign up when registration opens on November 18!
|
Newly Retired?
If you're just starting to get involved in the 55+ Program, we would love to hear from you! What programs would you like to see at 55+ centers? What times work best for your schedule? Do you have feedback to help us make the 55+ Program the best it can be? Let us know by emailing 55plus@arlingtonva.us!
November Fun at Arlington Mill
-
Fall Finger Painting: Wed., Nov. 5, 10-11 a.m. at Arlington Mill. Register: #911310-13. Enjoy a hands-on activity and create colorful autumn-themed art with the preschool.
-
Black Bears: Wed., Nov. 5, 6-7 p.m. at Arlington Mill. Register: #911400-37. Learn about the habits and habitats of Virginia's black bears.
-
Residential Permit Parking: Fri., Nov. 14, 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Arlington Mill. Register: #911400-11. Get your questions answered about residential parking in Arlington, your eligibility, and how to apply and pay.
-
Bookmaking Workshop: Wed., Nov. 19, 3:30-5 p.m. at Arlington Mill. Register: #911310-04. Make a book about things you're grateful for, just in time for Thanksgiving!
-
Teen & Senior Friendsgiving: Thurs., Nov. 20, 4:30-7 p.m. at Arlington Mill. Register: #911899-06. This cozy Friendsgiving celebration invites teens and older adults to connect over food, fun games and meaningful conversation. Please bring a side dish to share. Open to all ages: no 55+ Pass is required.
|
Tuesday, November 11
Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28
Volunteer Opportunity at Aurora Hills
Volunteers are needed to support the front desk at Aurora Hills on Mondays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Other volunteer opportunities include leading the Aurora Hills 55+ Walkers on the second and last Fridays of the month, 9-10:30 a.m. and Tai Chi Practice on Mondays, 2-3 p.m.
For more information or to find out about more volunteer opportunities with the 55+ Program, email 55plus@arlingtonva.us or click here to fill out a volunteer interest form.
Sat., Nov. 15, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Aurora Hills. Drop-in
The holidays are coming, and now is a great time to shop for a unique gift at our second hand jewelry sale! All proceeds benefit the Aurora Hills 55+ Center programs.
Do you have jewelry to donate? Stop by Aurora Hills on Nov. 10, 12, & 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., to drop off donations.
|
Mon., Nov. 17, 1-2 p.m. at Walter Reed
Dance Bingo, created and led by 55+ Center Director Jennifer Weber, is a fun game that combines cardio dancing with the luck of the draw of Bingo. Join us for this special Pride edition featuring anthems from LGBTQ+ icons! You will be sure to sweat and have a good time! Register: #911802-03
Explore Drop-in Programs at Aurora Hills!
-
Tai Chi Practice: Mondays, 2-2:45 p.m. at Aurora Hills. If you’ve taken a Tai Chi class before, come by and practice with experienced volunteers.
-
Aurora Hills 55+ Walkers: Second and last Fridays of each month, 9-10:30 a.m. at Aurora Hills. Join a two-to-four-mile morning walk with this dedicated group.
No need to pre-register (but a 55+ Pass is still required), just stop by and join in the fun! Check out the 55+ Guide for more great drop-in options.
Wed., Nov. 19, 10-11 a.m. at Arlington Mill
In this class with Virginia Cooperative Extension Master Food Volunteers, learn how to digest nutrition information, from reading nutrition labels to trends. Register: #911501-12
|
|
