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School age children playing on the jungle gym at a playground

About Us:

The Associated Recreation Council (ARC), in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation, serves Seattle by offering a variety of recreational and lifelong learning programs, classes and activities.

ARC, incorporated in 1977 as an independent nonprofit organization, supports this work through the ARC Board of Directors and a system of 34 advisory councils. Citizen volunteers on the board and advisory councils help to enhance the mission and vision of Parks by providing a connection to the community and advocating for the success of citywide recreation services.

ARC is committed to remaining sensitive and responsive to the communities we serve. This is reflected in the way we design our programs and hire and train our staff. We have established an Equity Team to foster organization-wide awareness for race and social justice values through effective communication, idea sharing, consensus building and collective action.

Fund the Fun 2022 - produced and edited by Ikeda / Vanderburg, LLC for Associated Recreation Council.

Our Vision

Bringing together all people to build a healthy community.

Our Mission

Inspire engagement and participation in equitable, dynamic, culturally relevant, and responsive recreation, childcare, and lifelong learning programs. 

Our Values

Equitable Access:

Access to equitable, dynamic, culturally relevant, and responsive recreation and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Community Engagement and Participation:

An engaged community makes our neighborhoods healthier places to live, work, and play.

Mutual Respect:

Interaction between community and dedicated, diverse caring staff and volunteers based on mutual respect.

Community:

A fair, safe, and welcoming environment where people have a sense of belonging and opportunities to come together to recreate, socialize, and learn.

Accountability:

Integrity and transparency of decisions affecting programs, finance, and people.

Commitment to Race and Social Justice:

By recognizing the dignity of each individual and by reducing the barriers of systemic oppression, we are committed to equity, fairness, impartiality, and social justice.

 Make a Difference, Make a donation today!

ARC and its 36 advisory councils raise support through fundraising events, grants and generous contributions from dedicated individuals and businesses throughout our community. These funds allow us to offer program scholarships and improve service delivery, ensuring equitable access to high quality programming for all Seattle residents.