[Archived] RPCA Programs Suspended March 14 Through March 21

For Immediate Release: March 13, 2020

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA) continues to work closely with the Alexandria Health Department to ensure the health and safety of Alexandria residents, visitors, and staff. The Alexandria Health Department is advising that there is currently no evidence of community transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the general public in Alexandria is at low risk for infection. However, due to the closure of schools in the Washington area region, including Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), RPCA has had to evaluate its program delivery capabilities and the impact on staff and instructor availability. 

As a result, all indoor programs, classes and activities produced by RPCA are suspended Saturday, March 14 through Saturday, March 21. This includes afterschool programming and the Out of School Time program. Credits will be issued for any missed activities during this time. Throughout the one week programming break, RPCA will continue to evaluate which services can be offered going forward and will provide an update prior to March 21. 

All City of Alexandria parks and RPCA facilities remain open for daily use during normal operating hours. Visit alexandriava.gov/95493 for operating hours and amenities. In accordance with existing RPCA guidelines, children under the age of 12 who are not participating in a supervised program must be accompanied by an adult when visiting facilities. For programs and activities not produced by RPCA, and private rentals taking place in RPCA facilities, please contact the event organizer or affiliate organization for status updates.   

As recommended by health officials, doorknobs, water fountains, and counter surfaces are being cleaned multiple times daily using cleaning agents with higher levels of disinfectant and hand sanitizing products are available in facility common areas. As a safeguard, it is advised to regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after sneezing, coughing, or using the restroom.  

Registration for spring and summer classes, programs and activities taking place April through August will continue as scheduled. Registration will open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18 for residents and Friday, March 20 for nonresidents.  

Please visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation for RPCA program and facility operating status updates.  

Visit alexandriava.gov/Coronavirus for information from the Alexandria Health Department. 

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact margaret.orlando@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.5429, Virginia Relay 711.