Arlington Boathouse Foundation

EIN: 54-1618550

Mission Statement

The Arlington Boathouse Foundation’s mission is to provide access for Arlington residents to the Potomac River. Community members and students will greatly benefit from the ability to not only see but interact with the river that is a vital part of our county and the surrounding region.

Program Summary

From the beginning the vision has been to provide opportunities for both the rowing and paddling community in Arlington. The county boasts a long history of offering rowing to high school programs as far back as 75 years. For generations this rich history has intermixed with the area’s paddling community to give county residents additional outlets, both recreational and competitive, to the river. To connect with the world around us, the boathouse would offer an outlet for school and community-based educational opportunities. Additionally, by connecting residents and visitors to the Potomac River and its shorelines, the Arlington Community Boathouse will inspire an interest in protecting the river from pollution for all who enjoy access. Finally, early plans for the operation of the facility propose using it to provide access for watershed and river protection organizations. 

Impact Statement

The Arlington Boathouse Foundation is advocating for the new community facility to be an innovative model of environmental sensitivity and sustainability to serve a broad spectrum of resident and visitor users with access to the Potomac River. Not only will non-motorized water sports, such as rowing and paddling, be supported but the boathouse facility will serve as a unique classroom for nature study and stewardship. Envisioned as well are passive exhibits related to the site’s historic and cultural connections, such as the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. From the upper site near Rosslyn Circle, visitors can enjoy unsurpassed vistas of Georgetown, Foggy Bottom and the upper Potomac River.

What ways can the public get involved?

Here are three ways you can help build the Arlington Community Boathouse: 

• When the National Park Service requests public input, write comments and speak in favor of the project. The Arlington Boathouse Foundation website will provide links to documents and details on the timing of comments and scheduled public meetings.
• Contact your Arlington County Board members and Congressional representatives to let them know that you support an Arlington Community Boathouse to improve access to the Potomac River for residents and visitors.
• Contribute to the Arlington Boathouse Foundation. Since 1991 the Foundation has been the voluntary lead organization pursuing the dream of an Arlington boathouse. It is a non-profit charity recognized under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code to which donations are deductible for Federal income tax purposes. Contributions should be made payable to “The Arlington Boathouse Foundation, Inc.” and send to the foundation at P.O. Box 101054, Arlington, VA 22210.

How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?

Charitable dollars are spent to do all things necessary for financing, designing, permitting, constructing, organizing, and operating a boathouse. 

Information provided March 2025