About Arlington Aerials
The Arlington Aerials is a competitive women's gymnastics team operated by the Arlington County Parks and Recreation Department. All program staff and coaches are employees of the County. The Arlington Aerials facility is located within the Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center.
FacilitiesOur facility consists of two full gyms with a mezzanine viewing area.
Location4200 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA 22206
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EquipmentVault
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Available Gymnastics Programs & Tryout Information
Arlington County provides a range of offerings including Development Program, Xcel Program, and recreational gymnastics.
Tryouts are required for both the Development and Xcel Programs. Click HERE for more information on team tryouts.
- The Development Program (DP) is a competitive, time-intensive program that requires a heightened level of commitment with strict requirements, consisting of compulsory and optional levels. For Aerials, DP includes Levels 3 through 10, and pre-team (Dynamites).
- The Xcel Program provides equal competition opportunities with less of a time commitment. More relaxed requirements allow gymnasts to develop routines that best fit the their strengths. For Aerials, Xcel includes Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Sapphire.
- The Recreational Program includes a broad array of gymnastics offerings focused on beginner to intermediate skill levels, with a non-competitive focus. For more details on the recreational classes offered by Arlington County Parks and Rec including registration, please visit Arlington County Gymnastics.
Tryouts are required for both the Development and Xcel Programs. Click HERE for more information on team tryouts.
Staff Profiles
MANAGERS
COACHES
Employment
Information on job opportunities with Arlington County Gymnastics can be found here.
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Program History
In 1971, Arlington County Physical Education teachers, Tim Mengering and Steve Garman, began incorporating gymnastics instruction into after school recreational programs at Randolph and Custis Elementary Schools. In the late 1970's, this nascent after-school recreational gymnastics program moved into an auxiliary gym at the vacant Gunston Middle School. In 1979, Tim and Steve formed Arlington Aerials (competitive) gymnastics team of 20 girls at Gunston Middle School to compete in Women's Junior Olympic (JO) program. Tim and Steve chose the name
“Aerial” for the team to signify that this was a competitive gymnastics team, as an “aerial” is a somewhat advanced gymnastics skill that is required of those competing in the Junior Olympic gymnastics program.
As the gymnastics program continued to grow, the program was allowed to expand into another auxiliary gym at Gunston. The facility was remodeled again in 1989 and the program continued to grow. Soon after, Arlington County reopened the middle school to students and the hunt was on for a new site for the Arlington Aerials. In 1997, after three long years of meetings, the decision was made to begin work on the Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center which would be the new home of the Aerials. The gymnastics program moved to Barcroft in 2000, and has expanded to its current size. What started out as an informal afterschool program for 20 girls nearly 45 years ago has grown into a center of excellence that serves nearly 6000 Arlington youth per year. There are now more than 200 recreational gymnastic classes offered at Barcroft, the Tigers JO team, and the Aerials girls team comprised of both a JO program and a thriving Xcel program.
Steve has retired from teaching and coaching, but continues into his third decade as the Virginia State Chariman for USA Gymnastics. Tim has also retired from teaching, but continues to work as a physical educator on the Aerials' coaching staff. In 2012, Tim Mengering was inducted into Arlington County Sports Hall of Fame.
“Aerial” for the team to signify that this was a competitive gymnastics team, as an “aerial” is a somewhat advanced gymnastics skill that is required of those competing in the Junior Olympic gymnastics program.
As the gymnastics program continued to grow, the program was allowed to expand into another auxiliary gym at Gunston. The facility was remodeled again in 1989 and the program continued to grow. Soon after, Arlington County reopened the middle school to students and the hunt was on for a new site for the Arlington Aerials. In 1997, after three long years of meetings, the decision was made to begin work on the Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center which would be the new home of the Aerials. The gymnastics program moved to Barcroft in 2000, and has expanded to its current size. What started out as an informal afterschool program for 20 girls nearly 45 years ago has grown into a center of excellence that serves nearly 6000 Arlington youth per year. There are now more than 200 recreational gymnastic classes offered at Barcroft, the Tigers JO team, and the Aerials girls team comprised of both a JO program and a thriving Xcel program.
Steve has retired from teaching and coaching, but continues into his third decade as the Virginia State Chariman for USA Gymnastics. Tim has also retired from teaching, but continues to work as a physical educator on the Aerials' coaching staff. In 2012, Tim Mengering was inducted into Arlington County Sports Hall of Fame.
aDDITIONAL considerations
Fee Reductions
The Arlington County Fee Reduction Policy bases discounts on total household income and size relative to the currently-published HUD’s Section 8 income limits. If your household income is below the threshold, most of Parks & Recreation fees could be reduced. Any member in a household that has qualified for a fee reduction can receive a fee reduction.
Access and Inclusion
Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to the Americans with Disabilities Act which guarantees non-discrimination and equal access for individuals with disabilities in all programs, services, and activities. We will assess all requests for program modifications. Advanced notice for modification requests are welcome. More information can be found here.
The Arlington County Fee Reduction Policy bases discounts on total household income and size relative to the currently-published HUD’s Section 8 income limits. If your household income is below the threshold, most of Parks & Recreation fees could be reduced. Any member in a household that has qualified for a fee reduction can receive a fee reduction.
Access and Inclusion
Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to the Americans with Disabilities Act which guarantees non-discrimination and equal access for individuals with disabilities in all programs, services, and activities. We will assess all requests for program modifications. Advanced notice for modification requests are welcome. More information can be found here.