Department of Parks and Recreation Community News - September 3

Post date: Sep 6, 2013 5:23:45 AM

James Hunter Park Open

James Hunter Park is now open! Over the past few weeks remaining amenities have been installed and all final inspections were approved. Accordingly, County staff conducted a walk-through inspection late this week and declared the park safe for use. Come out this weekend to check out the park's top-notch amenities including a plaza area for picnicking, demonstration garden, solar panels providing power to the irrigation and water management system, open grassy area for informal play and a community canine area (CCA). As typical with construction, there will be some outstanding items to be completed after the park opens. Therefore you may see construction workers in the area from time to time and areas of the park may be temporarily closed to users. A community event to celebrate the opening will be set for the fall.

Spraygrounds Close Labor Day

Have fun and keep the kids cool this month at one of Arlington County's four spraygrounds located at Drew Park, Hayes Park, Lyon Village Park, and Virginia Highlands Park. The last day the spraygrounds will be open is Labor Day, September 2. For more information, visit our Spraygrounds page.

Arlington Mill Opens September 3 with Ribbon Cutting on September 21!

The much-anticipated Arlington Mill Community Center is set to open its doors September 3! Stop by to check out all of its amenities and features including a high school size gymnasium, a teaching and preparation kitchen, Project Family, Early Headstart and senior nutrition program areas on the plaza level. On the Dinwiddie Street level is the game room, shared areas for youth, teen and senior programs, the community living room with public access computers and bakery shop. Visual arts, fitness, community outreach, clinic and computer skills training programs are on the top level of the center. There are a total of four multipurpose rooms and five classrooms. This just in…the Capital Bikeshare station has been installed and is ready to roll!

Join the community in welcoming this exciting facility on Saturday, September 21, 5-7pm. The ribbon cutting ceremony will include remarks from the County Board, a sneak peek of the center's programs, light refreshments, an opportunity to sign up for classes at the center, live music and more! View the event flyer (PDF).

Harlem Wizards Basketball Game

Watch the Harlem Wizards take on the Arlington Elite at Thomas Jefferson Community Center on Friday, September 27, 7-9pm. The Harlem Wizards display amazing basketball talent combined with hilarious comedy. The athleticism, tricks, fancy teamwork and ball-handling wizardry, plus wild dunks not even seen in NBA games, will wow fans of all ages. Don't miss the halftime show where hundreds of kids are invited on the court, and the postgame interaction with the Wizards who stay until every autograph is signed! Haven't heard of the Arlington Elite? They are made up of school teachers and administrators, parks and recreation staff, police and firefighters, and other community leaders. You can purchase tickets online or at the event. Read more information.

Arlington Youth Fitness and Wellness Expo

Discover a plethora of youth-based fitness offerings in our community! The FREE expo held on Saturday, September 28, 5-8pm at Thomas Jefferson Community Center is open to all ages and will feature sports and fitness demos, inflatable moon bounces and slides, rock climbing wall, an obstacle course, live performances and more! Visit our interactive information tables to get the latest on classes and workshops, sports organizations, dance/theater groups, community groups. While you are there, don't forget to sign up for the award-winning Arlington Teen Fitness Challenge! For more information, contact Kevin Clements at 703-228-4729.

Latinoamericano Festival

Celebrate the best of Latino culture during Hispanic Heritage Month, Sunday, September 29, 1-5pm at Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Rd., 22204)! Live music, authentic food, local vendors and artistic performances from different countries! FREE entrance. Free Parking. Free shuttles from Ballston Metro. For more information, call 703-228-3329 or visit our Latinoamericano Festival page.

Tree Distribution Event

Free trees! Arlington County's Natural Resources Division is providing 500 native tree species for residents. The annual tree distribution event takes place Saturday, October 26 at the Arlington County nursery facility (located in South Arlington on South Four Mile Run, behind Barcroft Field #6), 8am-3 pm. Stay tuned for more details including your chance to register and choose your tree of liking.

Fort Barnard Park – Playground Re-Design

The reconstruction of the playground at Fort Barnard Park will focus on play equipment, picnic shelter, accessibility from Pollard Street and around the playground, site furnishings, site drainage improvements and enhanced plantings which will all be implemented according to current playground safety guidelines and ADA standards. The project is expected to be completed Spring 2014.

Towers Park Site Improvements

As part of the County Maintenance Capital Program reconstruction of Towers Park will begin soon. Updates include replacement of all basketball, tennis, practice courts and picnic shelter, as well as minor improvements to the dog areas, paths, lighting and parking lot. These improvements will bring the facility up to current Park design standards and provide accessibility as required by ADA. The project is expected to be completed Spring 2014.

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