Arlington Gymnastics Families and Supporters,

Everything we've done for the past two months comes down to tonight. 6:30 PM, Bozman Government Center, 3rd Floor — 145+ speakers are signed up. Be there: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wuqmrSBaN6kiXErQA

The Speaker List Is Live — And You Can Still Sign Up

The County just posted the speaker list for tonight's Public Budget Hearing. You can view it here: https://www.arlingtonva.us/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/county-board/documents/meeting-materials/2026/march-24th-budget-public-hearing-speaker-list-3-23-2026-430-pm.pdf

Here's what you need to know: 145+ people have already signed up to speak. The Board expects to hear approximately 100 speakers tonight, with the remaining speakers moved to a continuation hearing on Thursday night. The speaking order list should help you gauge when your turn will come.

And it is still possible to sign up. If you've been on the fence — this is it. Sign up here: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/County-Board/County-Board-Meetings/Speaking-at-Budget-and-Tax-Rate-Public-Hearings

You don't need a polished speech. You need two minutes and the truth about what these programs mean to your family. That's enough.

Why Showing Up Matters — Even If You Don't Speak

When the Board looks out from that dais tonight, they need to see a room full of people who showed up on a Tuesday and Thursday evening because they believe Arlington's gymnastics programs are worth fighting for. Every seat filled is a message. Every team jacket in the crowd is a statement. You don't have to say a word -- your presence speaks.

Bring your gymnast. Wear your team gear. Wear your medals. Sit together. Let them see the community they're making a decision about.

Board Member Spain and Commissioner Klingler Visited Barcroft on Saturday

Last week, Board Member JD Spain Sr. and Commissioner of Revenue Kim Klingler came to Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center to see our programs firsthand. They watched Tigers and Aerials practice, toured the facility, talked with families and coaches — and then JD hit a front flip on the tumble track and they both jumped into the foam pit. JD's words: "Tell me how to get to yes — because failure can't be an option when we're talking about our youth." Watch the visit: https://youtu.be/UEjFCsZJwR0

Last Night at Open Door Monday -- The Conversation Is Real

Last night at Walter Reed, Board Member Karantonis sat down with our community for the final Open Door Monday before tonight's hearing. We introduced a new analytical tool the campaign built for the Board (savearlingtongymnastics.com/tool) — and he immediately understood how it could be used to drive optimization of these programs. That's the kind of conversation we've been working toward.

But we still need the Board's help. Optimization requires accountability, and accountability requires bringing the right parties to the table — DPR leadership, coaches, families, and the community that has done more homework on these programs than anyone. Tonight is how we make that case impossible to ignore.

6,250 Signatures — And Counting

30 days ago this petition didn't exist. Today, 6,250 people have put their names behind saving Arlington gymnastics. If you haven't signed yet, now is the time. If you've already signed, send this to one more person before 6:30 tonight: https://www.change.org/save_arlington_gymnastics

What to Do Right Now

1. Show up tonight. 6:30 PM, Bozman Government Center, 3rd Floor, 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Arrive early — seating matters.
2. Sign up to speak if you haven't. It's not too late: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/County-Board/County-Board-Meetings/Speaking-at-Budget-and-Tax-Rate-Public-Hearings
3. Check the speaker list and cheer on your neighbors who are testifying tonight: https://www.arlingtonva.us/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/county-board/documents/meeting-materials/2026/march-24th-budget-public-hearing-speaker-list-3-23-2026-430-pm.pdf
4. Share this update. Text it. Email it. Post it. Someone in your circle is still deciding whether to come tonight — be the reason they do.
   
   

A Personal Note

In the first update, I told you I was just a dad standing in the Barcroft lobby. In the second, I told you about an Olympian sharing our kids' chalk messages with the world. In the third, I told you about three teenagers who launched their own campaign without anyone asking them to.

Tonight, it's all of us.

This community has shown up to every Open Door Monday. Testified at every hearing. Built websites, filed FOIAs, written proposals, crunched the numbers, earned national endorsements, and made the news. We've done everything a community can do to be heard.

Now we need to be seen. One more time. Together.

6:30 PM. Fill the room. Let's go.

With appreciation,
Save Arlington Gymnastics

savearlingtongymnastics.com
#SaveArlingtonGymnastics