Around Town

Fall Parks and Rec Class Sign-up Opens This Week

Enjoy Arlington Fall 2013 catalog coverRegistration for fall classes with the Department of Parks and Recreation opens Wednesday morning at a new time.

This year, registration for gymnastics classes opens at 7:00 a.m., while all other classes open for registration at 7:30. The change was meant to accomodate working adults, according to Parks and Recreation Business Analyst Deborah Hay.

“We’ve seen the number of logged on users at the start of registration grow by more than 40 percent in the past year alone,” Hay said.

Hay also said that gymnastics capacity has increased 33 percent over the past five years to keep up with the increase in demand. Gymnastics — which makes up more than half of all fall classes — has been separated from other class signup in order to try to alleviate both the strain on the online registration system and the wait time for phone registration.

In previous years, the online registration system has crashed due to the crush of parents trying to register their kids for classes at the same time.

This year, the Enjoy Arlington class program offers more than 650 classes, including robotics, DIY jewelry and dozens of fitness classes. Wednesday morning, those interested in signing up can do it at Parks and Recreation’s website, by calling 703-228-4747 after 8:00 a.m. Aug. 21, or by drop-off at 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive.

Image via Department of Parks and Recreation