Real voices from gymnasts, parents, alumni, coaches, and community members speaking out to save Arlington gymnastics.
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Gabriel, my youngest, has Down Syndrome, and has the most to lose from this budget cut. This is his favorite family event with Therapeutic Rec — all of his brothers come, and our family gets a rare night together where each kid is challenged, engaged, and entertained.
The gymnastics team volunteers know Gabriel, and they provide appropriate supports so our family gets a break from being the ones who provide his accommodations. Many of Gabriel’s friends are in the Adaptive Gymnastics program — one of the few athletic opportunities in our county for kids with disabilities.
The county mentioned there are other gymnastics programs in the area, but there are not other gymnastics programs with adaptive programming. Our kids would just be left out.
I’m really sad about hearing that our gym might close in May. Being a gymnast at Arlington Aerials for the past five years has meant so much to me. Arlington Aerials has been like a second home to me, and I’m so grateful for all the coaches and teammates who have supported me along the way.
Ava Gymnast
I am a gymnast from the level 5d1 Arlington Tigers boys gymnastics team. I wanted to say this gym is great! The coaches are nice, helpful, and encourage learning for everyone at Arlington. The Tigers and the Aerials are very strong in competitive gymnastics. Both teams have dreams.
Jordan Gymnast
I have been at the Arlington Aerials going on my 5th year as a gymnast. All the coaches are so helpful. I can imagine my life without my team, coaches, or the gym at all. This is where I feel safe because I can talk to all the coaches and they will all be super helpful.
Isla Gymnast
I know a lot of peers who go to Barcroft, and really enjoy it there. It is practically their 2nd home. Shutting down this building will negatively impact not just the gymnasts, but the coaches as well. Coaches will lose their jobs, and gymnasts will lose not just the gymnastics skills, but also life skills.
Kaitlyn Gymnast
So many of us have been doing gymnastics here together for almost our whole lives. It’s basically a second home where we spend countless hours. I give Aerials credit for shaping me into who I am today.
Tatum Gymnast
Arlington Aerials is like my second home, and I have learned so much at this gym! I have grown better as a person and as a gymnast at the gym! I can not close!
Madeline Gymnast
My three kids have all loved the gymnastics program. It is always the first program to sell out whenever sign-up is open for recreational programs. I can’t believe this is being considered as an option without further community consultation.
Sierra Parent
My toddler has learned bravery, confidence, social skills, and physical abilities she previously struggled with through the Barcroft gymnastics program and the amazing coaches. There’s a place for public programs and resources that will simply not exist without government and public support.
Kara Parent
My sons have loved the county gymnastics classes since they were babies. We lean on this programming for teaching them how to take part in group activities, how to follow instructions and how to build confidence in the ability to learn new skills.
Adrienne Parent
Gymnastics classes were a highlight for all my children when they were young. Even though they are all teens now and we never competed at any level, I can’t imagine why Arlington would get rid of this excellent program. County Board, please reverse this decision!
Christine Parent
My son is part of Arlington Tigers. This is his second year in Arlington. Before he was in another gym that closed the program without any notice also for economical reasons. He is been 3 times Virginia State Champion and last year he won the Regional Championship too. He loves gymnastics.
Olga Parent
My son is part of the Arlington Tigers team. He started two years ago when his old gym shut down their boys program. We know first-hand how devastating and heart breaking it can be to lose your gym. We have been so happy with the Arlington gymnastics program.
Laurel Parent
This gym and coaches are a treasure. The program has incredible value to our community. My daughter learned life lessons well beyond the gym. And grew lifelong friendships. Please save this resource for future generations.
Bob Parent
My grandson has been in gymnastics for several years. Gymnastics has made a difference in him by helping build his self esteem and confidence and has helped him become more disciplined, independent and has built his strength. He is part of a team and those friendships will not be forgotten.
Belinda Parent
My gymnast has been with Arlington gymnastics for over 10 years, first as a toddler in rec classes and now competing as an Aerials teen. This program has helped shape her confidence, discipline, and sense of community.
Julia Parent
This is the place where I grew up, learned discipline, and built confidence. I’ve spent almost my whole life here, and it truly feels like a second home filled with friends who are like family. I can’t imagine living without Aerials because it has shaped me into who I am today.
Anna Alumni
I was a gymnast at Arlington Aerials gymnastics program since the age of 9. My time on the team and the lessons I learned are foundation to the adult I am today. Closing the Arlington gymnastics programs will deprive hundreds of children of the opportunity to push their limits and discover themselves.
Margaret Alumni
Arlington Aerials and Barcroft are a fundamental part of my upbringing. My teammates are still some of my best friends, 6 years after I graduated and I still consider the gym my second home. It would be a devastating loss for so many people to get rid of the program.
Mia Alumni
I was an Arlington Aerial back in the late 1990s and early 2000s. I remember the day we moved into Barcroft and how excited we all were to have such a beautiful gym. The gym truly was my second home and I learned so much from Steve, Tim and the other coaches.
Lauren Alumni
Joined Barcroft as a gymnast-cat when I was 4 and ended up coaching thru college! This program and team are so central to my life in Arlington and the lives of so many young gymnasts and coaches!
Katie Alumni & Coach
Arlington gymnastics changed my life! As a breast cancer survivor, it helped me regain strength, flexibility, and confidence after chemo, radiation, and numerous surgeries. It lifted my spirits, gave me new goals, and helped make me feel whole again.
Katie Alumni
I grew up going to Barcroft and competed with the Arlington Aerials. I made so many close friends and learned so much about myself, how to be a team player, and how to be a tough competitor. I looked up to all of my coaches and the team was my second home.
Megan Alumni
It’s not just a building with equipment. It’s where we’ve grown up, learned discipline, built confidence, and made friendships that feel like family.
Lucy Alumni
Arlington Aerials was truly a second home to me. I started taking rec classes at Barcroft at age 3 and continued with competitive gymnastics through high school. I now work here in the summers as a gymnastics camp counselor and it brings me so much joy to spread my love for the sport.
Mia Alumni
I used to work for Arlington Gymnastics’s adaptive gymnastics program! This program opens doors for children who may not have been able to enter the gymnastics space otherwise.
Rebecca Coach
My wife has spent over a decade coaching for this program. They deserve a chance to fix whatever budget line issue is causing this.
Sage Coach Family
My kids enjoyed homeschool and preschool gymnastics at Barcroft. I can’t imagine Arlington without this amazing facility and the programs it holds, including the opportunity for those with disabilities to participate.
Juliet Adaptive
There are no gymnasts in my family, but I know these programs at Barcroft are in such high demand that the website often crashes whenever it’s time to register for camps and classes. Gymnastics at Barcroft is likely one of the most successful programs run by Parks and Rec.
Gillian
It would be a shortsighted and a shame for the community, if this place closed down. These types of places are what make Arlington so great. I hope community leaders don’t lose sight of that.
Zeus
This is a program that supports the entire Arlington community, from toddlers to pre-k, to those looking for work on flexible to those who want to compete. They serve everyone no matter ability or income. I don’t think it’s right to have a plan to get rid of such a staple.
Sara
Please pursue public private partnerships, shared use, and fee increases instead of closing these programs and facility. Give the community a voice instead of deciding this for them.
James
Barcroft Center and Arlington have long supported our gymnasts. Blindsiding our gymnasts with such short notice is beyond cruel and the County Board needs to hold off for more study and public comment before selling opportunities for unproven new ones.
Maureen
Both my boys were Tigers — the discipline, teamwork, and life skills they learned are unmatched. This is one of the premier sports and premier programs in the state. It cannot be cut!
Ryan Parent
I was apart of the first Arlington Tigers Boys Gymnastics team in the late 2010’s. Coach Sonja, Chris, and Jesse had a lot of patience with us, but their dedication to us youth has inspired me to continue taking care of my mind, body, and spirit in athletics and in mentoring the youth now too. Arlington gymnastics is more than just gymnastics — it prepares its youth for life.
Shayne Gymnast
As a gymnastics coach for 19 years, parks and rec are a huge part of the gymnastics community in many states. Sending love from Montgomery County as well — MCPS Gymnastics is under our own siege there too. Gymnastics is such an incredible experience for athletes of all ages and ability levels. Any county that would try to eliminate it rather than resolving it isn’t listening to its community.
Paula Coach
Adaptive gymnastics has been so important to our family. When my toddler resisted physical therapy, the adaptive program helped him build strength, coordination, balance and more in a fun environment with peers. Losing this program would be a real setback for those living with disabilities in Arlington.
Erin Adaptive
My daughter had the privilege of participating in the adaptive gymnastics program for many years. Through Coach Sonja Hird Clark’s leadership, the adapted gymnastics program has given kids with disabilities the opportunity to experience the joys of gymnastics and develop their skills as athletes. Gymnasts from the Arlington Aerials helped to support the adaptive gymnastics class and really went above and beyond.
Clarette Adaptive
Arlington Aerials was my entire childhood. It made me grow into the person I am today. Creating an open and safe environment for children to be their full and physical selves is one of the definitions of empowerment. Friendships, memories, and bonds are formed inside of these walls. This program has an introduction for young adults to enter the workforce — teaching gymnastics in summer camps was my first job.
Cailyn Alumni
My children aren’t involved in gymnastics, but how do you shut down a program that’s so popular that you have to give it its own day for signups so the system doesn’t crash? Seems like that might be a good one to keep.
Brian Parent
The concept that this is due to low-enrollment is truly laughable. They had to move gymnastics enrollment onto a separate day due to its overwhelming popularity. We have never once been able to get into our first choice time because of how quickly gymnastics classes fill. If Arlington follows through on permanently canceling their most popular Rec program, then it’s clear that affordable programs for youth and families is not a priority.
Kirsten Parent
From my daughter, Ellie: As a former Aerial and current adapted gymnastics coach, I don’t think people grasp how limited resources are for families of special needs children and adults. Barcroft provides a unique opportunity that has changed families’ lives. Cutting funds for gymnastics doesn’t just shut down the teams — it shuts down a fundamental resource for Arlington families.
Jennie Coach
Right after I discovered Aerials was trying to be shut down during the high school state competition, I immediately thought, “this can’t be real.” Aerials is so much more than a gym, it’s a place to build a community and practice a sport you have devoted hundreds of thousands of hours to. Barcroft has molded me into the human I am today, and the lessons I have learned — hard work, time management, and leadership — will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Teagan Gymnast
When I stepped into the Arlington Aerials gym for the first time at four years old, I felt a feeling I have never felt before. It was more than happiness — it was wanting to go there every day. I remember jumping up and down after putting on my first leotard. It’s been well over eight years and I’m currently a level 6 gymnast. That feeling still lives inside of me and closing the gym would close that memory for me and many others.
Belen Gymnast
My son participated in the adapted gymnastics program for several years. He has a developmental disability and would never have been able to experience gymnastics if it were not for Barcroft. He learned so many fine and gross motor skills, gained confidence, and made friends in a space that was safe for him. I am crushed that there’s even a consideration to remove this valuable program from our community.
Michelle Adaptive
This program has been my second home for the past 14+ years. It has raised me and given me a second family. Taking this away would be a disservice to current and future generations given the lack of close gymnastics gyms, especially for boys gymnastics.
Anya Gymnast
Barcroft introduced me to some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. I met my lifelong friends. The coaches practically raised me. They are some of the most caring, selfless people I know, and they shaped not just my childhood, but the person I’ve become. Barcroft isn’t just a place. It’s family.
Nathalia Alumni
As an Aerials alumna that participated in the Arlington gymnastics program from 1990–1996, I urge the County to reconsider. There is a local demand for this sport, which teaches young athletes important life skills, teamwork, and more. Gymnastics was a formative experience for me and I made lifelong friends. Let’s save the Aerials for future generations!
Sabrina Alumni
Arlington gymnastics changed my life! As a breast cancer survivor, it helped me regain strength, flexibility, and confidence after chemo, radiation, and numerous surgeries. It lifted my spirits, gave me new goals, and helped make me feel whole again. I have met incredible women and men through this class who have become friends and a source of inspiration and joy.
Katie
My 3 children have been doing gymnastics since they were in mommy and me classes. It is more than just a fun activity, it has taught my children strength, perseverance, self-confidence, and it has given them so much joy. Barcroft gymnastics has become part of the fabric of our lives and to lose it would leave a painful hole.
Amanda Parent
My son just became old enough to sign up for the baby gymnastics program and it is something we have been looking forward to him participating in since he was born. Programs like gymnastics that are available through the county expose our children to valuable experiences from a young age. These programs are the reason we value living in Arlington.
Molly Parent
My daughter Kaitlin participated in this program from age 6 through 18, when she was selected as a Captain of the Diamonds during her Senior year. The Arlington Aerials coaching staff was AWESOME, teaching the young women the meaning of discipline, fitness, friendship, and leadership. Some of her best friends are gymnasts that were together throughout her 12 years in the program.
Scott Parent
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