ACTIV Center Ushers in a New Era for Aging in Arlington
Category: Building Community
Written By: Parkhill Communications
Date: April 8, 2025
On March 26, 2025, the City of Arlington officially opened the doors to its newest and most innovative facility yet—the ACTIV Center, a 73,000-square-foot recreation center tailored for adults ages 50 and older. But this isn’t your typical senior center. It’s a vibrant, modern hub redefining what it means to age well in today’s world.
A Celebration of Connection and Community
At the grand opening ceremony, community members and city leaders gathered to mark the milestone with heartfelt speeches, ribbon cutting, and a shared sense of pride in what this space represents: a bold reimagining of aging.
“We are so excited to celebrate with you at the grand opening of this facility,” said Scott Nelson, Senior Vice President of Parkhill. “We wanted to give you a place to connect, a place to be active, and hopefully a place to build relationships.”
Scott emphasized that the design process focused on creating a welcoming and dynamic environment that reflects the evolving lifestyles of today’s active adults. With more than 40 years of collaboration between Parkhill and the City of Arlington, the ACTIV Center may be one of their most exciting projects yet.
More Than a Gym—A Lifestyle Destination
The ACTIV Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the needs of a generation that’s living longer, staying active, and looking for meaningful connections.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A full-court gymnasium
- An indoor lap pool and hydrotherapy pool (still under construction)
- A spacious fitness area with weight training, cardio, and aerobics spaces
- Dedicated rooms for arts and crafts, vocational learning, and events
- A billiards lounge and social gathering areas
- Outdoors, visitors can explore:
- Six pickleball courts
- A patio and community garden
- Walking trails
- A transitional workout lawn nestled among mature post oaks
The sustainable design also honors the natural landscape of the site, preserving trees and green spaces to foster a sense of calm and connection with nature.
Built for Today’s Seniors
This project was approved by Arlington voters in a 2017 bond election and reflects a growing awareness that the needs of older adults are shifting. Today’s 50+ community is more engaged, active, and socially connected than ever before—and they’re looking for places that support this lifestyle.
“The seniors of Arlington are a precious resource … and now we have something for you to say thank you,” said Arlington City Council Member Andrew Piel. “When you come in this facility and you look other people in the eye, I challenge you to connect with them through your heart.”
The ACTIV Center promises to be an important community asset that caters to the changing needs of the aging community. This is a space where people can stay healthy, find community, and live vibrantly.
