We’re currently hiring part-time Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Recreation Assistants and actively interviewing candidates.
Be part of a team that makes recreation accessible, engaging, and meaningful for individuals with disabilities. Recreation Assistants play an important role in supporting participants during programs, encouraging involvement, and helping create a positive, welcoming environment.
This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work with a passionate team, and make a meaningful impact in the community. Every program offers the chance to build connections, celebrate achievements, and help participants enjoy rewarding recreational experiences.
Apply today and join us in creating opportunities for fun, growth, and belonging.
 |
Many of our Therapeutic Recreation classes take a break during the summer, but we're excited to welcome participants back this fall with a full lineup of favorites and some exciting enhancements!
This season, we're expanding our Adapted Art and Adapted Zumba programs, which will now run for 10 sessions, providing participants with even more opportunities to build skills, stay active, express creativity, and connect with friends.
We're also introducing a new structure for Adapted Group Fitness. Instead of one class, participants can now choose between two specialized series or mix and match sessions:
-
Club Cardio Workout – a fun, energetic class focused on movement, cardio fitness, and active participation.
-
Strength Training – designed to help participants build strength, confidence, and healthy fitness habits.
Whether you're interested in Yoga, Zumba, Group Fitness, Art, Aquatics, Gymnastics, or Family Programs, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active, build skills, make friends, and have fun this season. For information on our adapted classes and programs, start by visiting our Therapeutic Recreation website.
To explore all available Parks & Recreation fall offerings, browse the Fall Enjoy Arlington Catalog.
Registration Dates
Registration opens at 12pm on the following days for Arlington County residents:
-
Gymnastics: Tuesday, August 4
-
Aquatics: Wednesday, August 5
-
Nature and General Classes: Thursday, August 6
Registration for out of county residents opens at 8am on Wednesday, August 12.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Registration Experience
A little preparation can make registration day a breeze!
✅ Review the catalog in advance so you're ready to register when enrollment opens.
✅ Have your class numbers ready before registration opens.
✅ Double-check age requirements and program details.
✅ Identify a few backup choices in case your first selection fills quickly.
We look forward to seeing you in class this fall!
Looking for a fun, supportive community? Our Therapeutic Recreation Social Clubs offer teens (ages 12-17) and adults (18+) with disabilities the opportunity to connect, build friendships, and enjoy exciting social experiences throughout the season.
Each club meets twice a month, with a social gathering on the first Friday and a special event on the third Friday. Members help shape the club by brainstorming and planning future activities. Past adventures have included picnics, park meetups, campfires, dining out, dance parties, karaoke, and more.
Membership is $62 for the season and includes a monthly e-newsletter, social gatherings, and exclusive access to register for special events (additional fees may apply for some events). Registration is required for all gatherings and events.
Membership opens August 26.
Returning members can purchase their membership through the Registration Office at 300 N. Park Drive or by calling 703-228-4747.
New members should contact Therapeutic Recreation at TRinfo@arlingtonva.us or 703-228-4740 to schedule a new member intake before purchasing a membership.
Don't miss your chance to be part of this welcoming and vibrant community!
Summer camp has been full of fun, friendship, and adventure, and we're making the most of these final weeks of the season. Across our adapted camps, participants have enjoyed pool trips, creative activities, nature adventures, and opportunities to build lasting friendships.
Our inclusion team has also been hard at work supporting campers in general recreation programs, including travel, sports, and specialty camps, helping ensure campers with disabilities can fully participate alongside their peers.
From exploring new interests and developing skills to creating memorable experiences with friends, this summer has been filled with growth, connection, and plenty of fun. We're looking forward to finishing the season strong and celebrating all the amazing memories made along the way!
Want to see what we've been up to? Follow along on our Therapeutic Recreation Facebook page for camp highlights, photos, and more.
There’s still time to join the fun! Check out all camps with current availability using the searchable CampTranslate database.
The 2026 Arlington County Fair is coming August 12–16, and we’re gearing up for a weekend full of community fun, food, performances, and local pride.
We’re excited to offer Sensory‑Friendly Hours, designed so guests can enjoy the Fair without the bells, whistles, and chimes:
- Sat., Aug. 15 — 10am - 1pm
- Sun., Aug. 16 — 11am - 1pm
Plus, our dedicated Sensory Tent provides a quiet, supportive space to take a break and self‑regulate:
- Fri., Aug. 14 — 5pm - 7:30pm
- Sat., Aug. 15 — 11am - 4pm
- Sun., Aug. 16 — 11am - 4pm
Learn more at Arlington County Fair Sensory Tent webpage.
|
The Teen Pass is your all-access ticket to free fun across Arlington! Designed for middle and high school students, the Teen Pass makes it easy to swipe into after-school programs, drop-in sports, gym access, and more. The Teen Pass will be auto-renewed until the pass holder's 18th birthday.
Get your free Teen Pass today!
|
|
 |
Discover the different programs happening across our Parks & Recreation units! From fitness classes to community gatherings, there is something for everyone. Visit the Programs for All Ages website to view upcoming 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 - Please submit a Program Modification Information form if we do not already have one on file or if updates are needed.
-
Conducting class and program observations upon request.
- Supporting instructors and parents/guardians on implementing inclusion supports, upon request.
-
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.
|
The Adapted Aquatics program needs volunteers on Sundays! Adapted Aquatics is a learn-to-swim program for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Volunteers will be paired with instructors to support participants in the water, helping them strengthen and develop foundational swimming skills. Volunteers must be strong swimmers, comfortable in the water, and enthusiastic about helping people learn. For more information, email aquatics@arlingtonva.us.
|
|
 |
 |
|
"Like" our Therapeutic Recreation Facebook page to stay connected and up to date. We share program updates, event announcements, registration reminders, and occasional behind-the-scenes moments from our team. It’s the easiest way to know what’s coming up and stay engaged with our community. |
|
