[Archived] July is National Parks and Recreation Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  July 21, 2008     

July is National Parks and Recreation Month

On Tuesday, June 24, the Alexandria City Council issued a proclamation declaring July 2008 as National Park and Recreation Month. The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities celebrates with the National Recreation and Park Association by highlighting a variety of wonderful recreation programs that it offers during the month of July, for people of all ages in Alexandria. 

Swimming is one of several lifetime sports offered by the department. The Masters Swim Program provides training for adult competitive swimmers.  Swimmers are members of and compete in the Potomac Valley or DC Masters swim programs. The Masters Swim Program and Christ Church of Alexandria will be co-hosting the “Boogie Woogie Swim Meet” on Sunday, July 27 from 2-6 p.m. at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center (3210 King St.).  The goal of the meet is to raise $10,000 to support the Children of Chernobyl Program, which sponsors an annual summer camp program that brings children from Chernobyl to the Washington metropolitan area for six weeks each summer.

For younger Alexandria residents, the “Wee R Summer” youth recreation camps and programs are celebrating “Wee R X-treme” theme week beginning today through July 25. During the week, youth will have the opportunity to experience non-traditional recreational activities to promote a lifetime of health, fitness and wellness.

The Summer Power-Up Program at the George Washington Middle School is piloting a program to introduce middle school age youth to the “business” of music.  The “Here’s 2 Life” non-profit organization, under the direction of Julian Owens, is offering the six-week “musicSenery” youth songwriting program to Power-Up Program participants. Potential superstars are learning about music genres, songwriting, and the many areas of “business” involved in creating and marketing music. Participants will visit a professional music studio and meet professional artists to learn about the music industry first hand. 

These are just a small sample of the many programs and activities available to City residents. Residents are encouraged to celebrate in July but make sure healthy living and everyday learning continues each and every month of the year! 

For more information about these and any other Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities recreation programs, classes, sports and activities, visit alexandriava.gov/recreation or call 703.838.4345.