Arlington Gymnastics Families and Supporters,

We are a coalition of eight programs — Adaptive, Rec, Aerials, Tigers, Barcroft, Wakefield, W&L, and Yorktown — united by one mission: saving Arlington gymnastics. A lot has happened in the past 6 days. Here's what you need to know.

But first... one ask. Think of three people who'd care about this — and send them this petition. The parent at pickup who asks how practice went. The neighbor whose kids grew up on the Barcroft gym floor. The friend who believes every child deserves access to sport. We're at 3,844+ signatures -- 5,000 makes our case undeniable before the March 24 hearing:

• https://www.change.org/save_arlington_gymnastics

1 - USA Gymnastics Sent a Formal Letter to the Arlington County Board

On February 25, USA Gymnastics -- the national governing body for gymnastics in the United States — sent an official letter to all five Arlington County Board members urging them to preserve our programs.

From the letter, signed by Jason Woodnick, Vice President of Men's Program:

• "Arlington County's gymnastics programs have served as a model for accessible, community-based sport and recreation."
• "The elimination of these offerings would significantly impact youth with disabilities and families who rely on public recreation programs."
• "We believe Arlington County's gymnastics programs represent an investment in youth development, equity, and community wellbeing."

When the national governing body for your sport writes a letter on your behalf, it means something. Read the full letter on our website:

• https://savearlingtongymnastics.com/#usag-support

2 - We're in the News

Our fight is getting attention beyond Arlington:

• Fox 5 DC: https://www.fox5dc.com/news/arlington-budget-debate-heats-up-over-youth-programs
• NBC4 Washington: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/northern-virginia/proposed-arlington-budget-youth-gymnastics/4067130/
• ARLnow: https://www.arlnow.com/2026/02/25/gymnastics-boosters-press-county-board-to-save-barcroft-youth-programs/

When your story makes the news, elected officials pay attention. If you see these stories, share them — your share might be the one that reaches the right person.

3 - Because of You: 80 People Showed Up. 11 Testified at the Budget Hearing.

On February 24, Arlington gymnastics families packed the County Board budget meeting. Eleven community members — parents like you — stood up and testified. Every single speaker who addressed gymnastics opposed the cut. All five Board members responded. That doesn't happen without a community that shows up.

Here's what came out of it:

• The County Manager publicly apologized for sending premature severance notices to coaches
• Board members confirmed no final decisions have been made
• A dedicated DPR work session was announced
• Board members expressed interest in partnership and hybrid solutions

The door is open. But it only stays open if we keep showing up.

4 - Six Ways to Protect Your Kid's Program

1. Ask three people to sign the petition — every name is a family the County Board has to answer to. Help us reach 5,000: https://www.change.org/save_arlington_gymnastics
   
   
2. Follow @savearlingtongym on Instagram and repost our daily videos — your share might be the one that reaches the right person: https://www.instagram.com/savearlingtongym/
   
   
3. Show up to the Thursday, March 5 County Board Work Session with DPR (1:00 PM) — we can't speak at this one, but when Board members look out and see a room full of Arlington gymnastics families in team gear, they'll know exactly who they're deciding for.
   
   
4. What would you ask the County Board if you had five minutes? Submit your questions — your perspective shapes how we prepare: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIC-bwoWYpvA-iZzRG8_jkeR507Obyd5XAVEvQT8e6HKihEA/viewform
   
   
5. Attend Open Door Mondays — fifteen minutes, face to face, with a Board member. No appointment needed. Tell them what gymnastics means to your family. Upcoming: March 9 (Lubber Run) and March 23 (Walter Reed): https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/County-Board/Open-Door-Mondays
   
   
6. Sign up to speak at the March 24 Public Budget Hearing (6:30 PM, Bozman Government Center, 3rd Floor) — this is the hearing where your voice goes on the public record. Slots fill up, register early.

A Personal Note

I'm just a dad — the one driving carpool, standing in the Barcroft lobby peering through the glass watching my kids light up on the gym floor. Like so many of you.

Over the past few days, this campaign has connected me with the most incredible group of parents, coaches, and community members I've ever had the privilege of working alongside. Their courage and commitment to these kids is what drives this forward. I've re-read every one of the 100+ testimonials and videos you've posted to this petition. Your stories are what fuel all of us who are committed to saving Arlington gymnastics.

We're entering a new phase. The County Board is listening, and they're open to alternatives. That means the solution could come from this community — from you. Some of you have already been sending ideas about how to make these programs stronger and more sustainable. Keep them coming. We'll be asking everyone for input soon, because nobody understands what these programs need better than the families who use them.

This effort requires all of us — consistent presence, consistent messaging, and consistent action.

25 days until the budget hearing. 3,844+ signatures and growing. Our goal is 5,000 -- help us get there.

Thank you for standing with Arlington gymnastics.

With appreciation,
Save Arlington Gymnastics

savearlingtongymnastics.com
#SaveArlingtonGymnastics