Washington County Parks & Recreation Unveils Winter 2025-2026 Program Guide

Washington County Parks & Recreation has announced its Winter 2025-2026 program offerings, featuring a diverse range of activities for residents of all ages. The guide, released by the department, outlines programs in youth sports, adult fitness and dance, special events, and more. Registration for these programs is now open, with various methods available to ensure accessibility for all community members.

Residents looking to engage in recreational activities can register online through the department’s website at http://www.washcorecfit.com. The website also provides hyperlinks to specific activities listed within the program guide. For those who prefer traditional methods, mail-in registration is also an option. Interested individuals can download a registration form from the end of the program guide and mail it to the department’s office. The Washington County Parks & Recreation Department is located at the ARCC at Hagerstown Community College, 20175 Scholar Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21742. The administrative office can be reached by mail at 11400 Robinwood Drive, 2nd Floor, Room 227, Hagerstown, MD 21742. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The main office telephone number is (240) 313-2805, and the email address for support is recsupport@washco-md.net. For weather-related cancellations, a dedicated hotline is available at (240) 313-2811.

The Winter 2025-2026 program guide includes a variety of special events designed to add festive cheer and healthy activity to the season. Notably, “Holiday Phone Calls from the North Pole” offers children aged 3-6 the chance to receive a personalized call from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and elves. This free event will take place on Tuesday, December 9th, between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. To participate, parents and guardians must complete a form with detailed information about the child, including their interests and Christmas wishes. The deadline for submitting these forms is Friday, December 5th, at 4:00 PM. Forms can be submitted by mail or email to recsupport@washco-md.net. It is important to note that only three attempts will be made to reach the child, and voicemails will not be left. This activity is strictly a phone call, and no gifts will be distributed.

Several fitness-focused special events are also scheduled to kick off the new year. A “New Year’s Resolution 1 Mile Run” is planned, with registration available online. Additionally, a “Yin Yoga Workshop – FREE EVENT” will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 6:15 PM to 7:00 PM at Pangborn Elementary. This beginner-friendly workshop aims to help participants start the year with intention and self-care by releasing tension, increasing flexibility, and calming the nervous system through long, passive poses. A personal fitness mat is recommended but not required for this free event.

For younger residents, the program guide highlights several youth sports and activity options. Youth Shotokan Karate, designed for ages 7-13, focuses on developing character, strength, and conditioning under the guidance of certified instructor Robert O’Brien. The program runs from January 6th to April 9th, with classes held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “Happy Feet Track Club” is available for children aged 5-8, emphasizing running exercises for a healthy lifestyle in a fun and engaging environment. This program is scheduled from March 3rd to April 7th. A “Recreational Track Club” is also offered for ages 9-13, focusing on fitness building through sprinting, distance running, and field events. This popular program also runs from March 3rd to April 7th. Additionally, a “Co-ed Youth Basketball Skills Clinic” will take place on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, aimed at ages 7-13, to hone fundamental basketball skills. Introduction to roller skating is being offered at two locations: Turner’s Skate Palace for ages 3-10, and Starland Skating Center for ages 3-13, with multiple session dates available.

Adults can choose from a wide array of fitness and sports programs designed to promote health and well-being. The “Mind Body Connection” class combines Tai Chi, body stretching, and meditation, while “Hybrid Cardio” offers a mix of aerobics, step, and body conditioning. For seniors, “Sassy Seniors” incorporates Latin dance with muscle toning and balance exercises, and “Total Fitness Workout in Williamsport” provides a low-impact cardio class suitable for seniors. Other fitness options include “Fit & Fab,” a low-impact workout with energizing music; “Zumba,” featuring Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves; “Rhythm Is Gonna Getcha,” which blends cardio and toning with Salsa influences; “Full Body Workout,” a 45-minute class using bodyweight and plyometric movements; “Spin Cycling Class” for calorie burning; and “F.I.T. Functional Interval Training,” a high-intensity interval training format.

For those interested in dance, several adult programs are available. “Adult Ballroom & Social Dancing” requires participants to sign up as a couple and is suitable for beginners and those with moderate experience. “Adult Tap Dance” is offered at both beginner and advanced beginner levels. Additionally, introductory sampler programs in “Adult Ballet Dance” and “Introduction to Jazz Dance” are being offered, with a discounted “Adult Dance Sampler Package” available for participation in both.

Sports enthusiasts have numerous options, including various pickleball leagues and drop-in programs. The “Adult Pickleball Ladder League” is semi-competitive and designed for intermediate to competitive players. “Pickleball Mixed Doubles League” is available in two skill-based divisions for beginner/intermediate and intermediate players. Adult indoor pick-up Futsal soccer and a co-ed recreational volleyball league are also on offer. Drop-in programs for volleyball and pickleball are available at various locations without the need for pre-registration, providing flexible options for casual play. An “Adult Instructional Pickleball Clinic” is specifically designed for beginners to learn the rules and fundamental skills of the game.

CPR/First Aid/AED training courses are also scheduled throughout the winter season, with classes offered in January, February, and March. Information on facility and pavilion rentals is also included in the guide for those looking to host events.

Residents are encouraged to register early for programs, as space is often limited and registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The department emphasizes that minimum enrollment numbers are required for classes to run, and early registration helps ensure that desired programs are not canceled due to insufficient participation.

The full guide is available at the county website.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from Washington County Parks & Recreation

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