Arlington County’s Office of Senior Adult Programs, a unit of the Department of Parks and Recreation, coordinates activities and programs at the county’s six senior centers and several community centers. It also administers a 55+ Travel Program. Arlington residents 55 years of age and older can register for a 55+ Pass with OSAP which gives them access to programs at all of the centers plus free access to exercise facilities from 6:25 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Community Center and Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center. They will also receive a bi-monthly, 36 page magazine (“ 55+ Guide”) and be eligible to participate in the travel program. The cost is $20 annually.
OSAP programs focus on fitness, sports, wellness, recreation, arts, education and community engagement. The travel program offers 15 to 20 trips per month to places of interest in the Metropolitan area as well as out of state. Many Center programs are free and those requiring a professional instructor, charge a small fee. OSAP supports special events for the 55+ community such as health fairs, retirement seminars, transition workshops and senior Olympics. It also partners with other age-related groups and services such as Encore Learning, AARP, the Area Agency on Aging and more.
Senior programming in Arlington began in 1954 by the Recreation Department when the first “senior citizens” group was formed with 42 residents interested in activities for seniors. Participation has grown to nearly 5,000 and over 155 different programs take place each week at the Centers.
“We strive to provide Arlington seniors with programs and resources to stimulate their minds and talents, keep their brains and bodies active and healthy, make social connections and expand their horizons through learning and travel,” according to Cheryl Johnson, manager, OSAP.
To register for a 55+ Pass, call 703-228-4744, visit a senior center or online at www.arlingtonva.us, search 55+ Pass. For a complimentary copy of the “55+ Guide,” call 703-228-4721 or email, jmassa@arlingtonva.us.