For almost 50 years, Arlington County Parks and Recreation has funded gymnastics as a youth sports option for thousands of kids each year.
Over the weekend, Arlington’s county manager proposed a budget eliminating the program where parents have watched their kids blossom. But parents are pushing back, pleading with the county to work with them to save the program.
Some kids have grown into amazing athletes, and others have come out of their shell.
“He told me that gymnastics is one of the only things that’s really made him feel good and proud about himself,” said Kari Garcia, mother of one gymnast.
Families pay fees for classes or teams, but almost $1 million of county money keeps the cost down and makes Barcroft Center gymnastics accessible.
This week, families learned the county is considering cutting the program to save money.
“Where we come to have fun and not just do gymnastics,” athlete Lucy Lyons said.
“Yeah, and cutting it would take away much more than just competitive teams,” athlete Tatum Wielechowski added.
Opportunities to belong, for example.
Carson Alberg is one of a handful of athletes with special needs who participate in an adaptive gymnastics program. The program is rare, but Carson’s parents say it works.
“It’s wonderful to be able to see your child do and participate in things that you weren’t sure that they would be able to participate in,” Ian Alberg said.
Carson’s parents say what’s more important than him physically learning how to climb the bars is the confidence it gives him to try.
“So, it’s not only adapting, but there’s something to be said about him participating in sports with his peers,” Mary Alberg said.
Arlington County says it’s facing a $37 million funding gap. The county is considering raising the real estate tax rate and proposing a few cuts. Cutting the gymnastics program would save a little more than $900,000 a year.
Save Arlington Gymnastics formed and rallied more than 1,000 letters in support.
“It’s invaluable to our youth, which is one of the county’s focuses this year, youth wellbeing initiative,” coach Megan Powers said. “Cutting this program doesn’t seem to support that.”
Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti stressed the deal isn’t done yet, and there could be a way to restructure fees that would make it more expensive but keep the program alive.
“I do think we want options,” he said. “We’re gonna want as many options.”
If the program is cut, options for their kids will be a luxury some families say they won’t have.
De Ferranti sent News4 a statement saying, in part, “The Board will, over the coming weeks, determine whether to proceed as recommended or to chart a different path. We are listening and we are looking at possibilities.”
Get the D.C. area’s top news and weather delivered to your inbox every morning. Sign up for First & 4Most, our free newsletter.
from Local – NBC4 Washington https://ift.tt/HxE8J3f
0 Comments