Photo Contest: Capture the beauty of Downtown Arlington’s newest public space and the DREAM Sculpture

We’re thrilled to announce the Rotary Dream Park Photo Contest—a celebration of creativity, community and the breathtaking beauty of the newest green space in Downtown Arlington!  

The Rotary Dream Park, located at 151 N. Center St., officially opened to the public on Dec. 30, marking the grand finale of Arlington Parks & Recreation Department’s year-long centennial celebration. This vibrant space is quickly becoming the centerpiece for our city while reflecting its identity as “The American Dream City,” blending art, nature and inspiration. 

Home to the iconic DREAM Sculpture by Laura Kimpton and Jeff Schomberg and "Boundless" by artist Jen Lewin, the park sparks imagination and invites connection. With its picturesque design and interactive installations, the park offers endless photo opportunities. What better way to honor this incredible space than by showcasing its amazing photogenic charm? 

How to Enter the Contest 

Show us your best shots of the Rotary Dream Park for a chance to win cash prizes and bragging rights as Downtown Arlington’s most talented park photographer! Whether you’re a seasoned shutterbug or just love snapping pictures on your phone, this contest is for everyone. Here’s how to participate: 

1. Capture Your Vision: Visit the Rotary Dream Park at 151 N. Center St. and take photos that highlight its unique beauty, artistry, and community spirit. 
2. Create descriptions identifying the category (listed below) each photo represents. 
3. Email Your Submission: Email a maximum of 5 photos to damc@downtownarlington.org with the subject line "Dream Photo Contest 2025.” 
4. Post Your Photos: This part is not required but we’d love to share your work. Share your best shots on Instagram or Facebook, tagging @dtarlington and use the hashtag #DreamParkPhotos2025 so we can share them. 
5. Submit by the Deadline: Ensure all entries are emailed to damc@downtownarlington.org no later than 11:59 p.m. Friday, January 24. 

Judging Criteria 

All photos MUST be submitted in ONE of the following five categories: 

• Playful 

• Romantic 

• Sunrise 

• Sunset 

• Family 

There will be a winner for each category. Each category winner will receive $100. There will also be an overall winner, who will receive a grand prize of $500. 

Contest Rules 

• All photos must be your own and taken at the new Rotary Dream Park. 

• Entries are limited to five photos per participant, one per category.

• Winners must agree to showing their work and attending First Thursdays on Feb. 6. 

• Winners will be announced on January 30 in our blog, newsletter and on social media. Winners will receive a reply to their original submission email. 

• Winning photographers will receive either a $100 prize or $500 prize (receiving the prize will be discussed via the email used for submission) and will have their photo prominently featured on Downtown Arlington’s social media and website. 

The Rotary Dream Park is more than just a green space—it’s a celebration of our community’s vision and progress and a piece of the connective tissue tying our community’s urban form together. This contest is your chance to share your unique perspective of this incredible space, whether it’s a candid moment with family, a stunning sunset over the DREAM Sculpture, or the interactive fun of dancing with the Rotary’s sculpture. 

Together, let’s highlight the magic of the new Rotary Dream Park. So grab your camera or phone and start snapping—we can’t wait to see what you create!