DPR official: team pass grows to 6,235 as summer camps and partnerships expand

Kimberly Baldini, who oversees Youth Services in Arlington’s Department of Parks and Recreation, told the commission the unit serves children from ages 3 to 18 and has expanded both teen programming and summer camps. She highlighted the team pass for grades 6–12, which she said "gives them once they're 13 years old, they get free access to the fitness center," and reported 6,235 active team passes, roughly "1 out of 3 teens in Arlington."

Baldini provided turnout figures across programs: skate night had 10,930 participants (not unique), family events reached about 16,000, DPR-run summer camps enrolled 3,934 campers (partner/contracted camps accounted for 11,256 enrollments), and early registration produced 2,371 enrollments for camp sessions. She said the department runs a mix of full-day preschool programs and toddler “stay-and-play” offerings and currently has 21 permanent staff and about 140 temporary summer staff.

Commissioners questioned trends, fee structures and outreach. Baldini said overall participation is steady and that team-pass numbers have risen since last fall, while explaining that many team programs are fully subsidized by County funds. On cost recovery she said, "In general, our programs are set at 85% cost recovery," but noted exceptions for fully funded team programs and certain fee-based special events. Commissioners also discussed marketing and school outreach (Peachjar, in-school visits, social media) and confirmed that Arlington Public Schools has been cooperative in many outreach efforts.

The presentation closed with commissioners thanking staff and inviting a fall follow-up with final season wrap-up numbers.