On July 18, 2000, the Arlington County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Resources in Arlington, VA kicked off the second year of Hearts N' Parks in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. A special launch event was held, featuring U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, NHLBI Director Dr. Claude Lenfant, NRPA President-Elect Alice Conkey, and Olympic Figure Skating Champion Michael Weiss. The day long program was timed to coincide with Recreation and Parks Month.

Dr. Lenfant moderated a press conference and noted that "Hearts N' Parks is a fine example of how we can apply what research has shown to improve the health of all Americans." Dr. Satcher noted, "Hearts N' Parks shows what the Federal Government can accomplish with community and private sector support to improve the health of Americans from all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds."

Throughout the day, the Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington was the scene of a number of activities promoting heart-healthy eating and physical activity, including:

• Healthy cooking demonstration and classes conducted by the Fresh Fields grocery chain
• Tennis demonstration conducted by the U.S. Tennis Association
• Volleyball demonstration led by the George Washington University and Georgetown University women's volleyball coaches
• Jumping-rope demonstration
• Blood pressure screening by Arlington Hospital
• Boxing demonstration by the Arlington Boxing Club
• Gymnasium activities and demonstrations, including cycling, seated exercises, pickle ball, volleyball, and strength training
• Clinic on race-walking
• Sidewalk heart-art activity

Highlights of the Arlington County, VA launch were aired on Channel 31, County Line which generated much interest from the local community.