Arlington will be observing Juneteenth with the closure of many city facilities on Wednesday, June 19. The annual celebration, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, impacts various services throughout the city. According to the City of Arlington, Texas, while some facilities will be closed, essential services such as garbage and residential recycling will not be interrupted and will run on their regular schedule.
Several recreational and aquatic centers will keep their doors open to the public on the holiday. These include golf courses like the Texas Rangers Golf Club and Tierra Verde Golf Club, as well as various splash pads like California Lane Park. For those looking to beat the heat or engage in some physical activity, locations such as the Elzie Odom Athletic Center and Arlington Tennis Center will operate but only for limited hours.
Meanwhile, many municipal offices and facilities plan to go dark in observance of Juneteenth. This includes the Arlington Municipal Court, city libraries (except the East Library and Recreation Center), and the Arlington Animal Services Center. Also taking a holiday break are the Handitran office and Handitran special transportation services, so those in need of transportation assistance should plan accordingly.
Residents looking to cool off or enjoy some recreational time will have ample opportunity despite the closures. The East Indoor Pool and Bad Konigshofen Family Aquatic Center will be open for varying hours. Community members who want outdoor activities have the option of visiting splash pads including Brantley Hinshaw Park and Don Misenhimer Park, set to remain operational from morning to evening. Additionally, the Arlington On-Demand Rideshare service will be available to help people navigate around the city without interruption.
Juneteenth's observance affects not only leisure activities but prompts a halt at governmental offices, with the Arlington Housing Authority and Parks and Recreation Department Administrative Office among those closed. The city reminds its residents to plan as normal services and office hours are set to resume at 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 20. With the closures set in place, the community is encouraged to commemorate the historical significance of Juneteenth while also enjoying the amenities available throughout the city during the holiday.
