Park and recreation services are vital to communities — from protecting open space and natural resources, to helping fight obesity, to providing activities and resources for all walks of life. Park and Recreation Month encourages everyone to reflect on the enormous value parks and recreation bring to your community. Check below for the list of activities we're offering this month, and come out and play! For the complete list, see our Parks
& Recreation Activity Brochure.
Aquatics
Learnto Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
There are individual registration periods before each swim lesson session. Registration for July classes is open until July 6. Registration for August/September classes is July 24-Aug.3. Registration is accepted at the James City County Recreation Center and online at Aquatics. Having trouble deciding
which swim level is appropriate for your child? Our certified Water Safety
Instructor will be available 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24 and Wednesday,
July 25 to provide free swim
evaluations. Classes/evaluations held at the James City County Recreation
Center. Info: 757-259-4185.
Art & Special Interest Classes
Red Cross Babysitting Course (ages 12+)
Saturday, July 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
$75; $70 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Learn all the basics of babysitting – childcare, fire and home
safety and first aid – plus learn how to set up your business. Receive a
babysitter’s textbook, babysitting certificate and first aid kit. Bring a
bagged lunch. 607010-A
Oil Painting (ages 16+)
Two sessions:
- Tuesdays, July 10-Aug. 28, 1-3 p.m., 206020-A
- Wednesdays, July 11-Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-noon, 206020-B
$105/session; $100 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Create your own masterpiece while making new friends. This class is for the student who has some experience painting in oils. Students provide own supplies. For the list, call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com.
Pastels (ages 16+)
Wednesdays, July 11-Aug. 29, 1-3 p.m.
$105; $100 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
Learn how to use this versatile and fun medium to create portraits and landscapes. Students provide own supplies. For the list, call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com.
206030-A
Beginning Oil Painting (ages 16+)
Thursdays, July 12-Aug. 30, 1-3 p.m.
$105; $100 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
If you’ve never picked up a brush or you want to brush up on the basics, this is the class for you. Students will receive individual instruction to begin a lifetime hobby. Students must provide all supplies. For the list, please call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com.
206010-A
Intro: Discover Your Ancestors (ages 18+) Free!
Thursdays, July 12 & July 19, 5-7 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Explore your family history in this intro genealogy class. Come
and discover where your roots began! Learn about a variety of resources that
can be used as well as how to input your information into a genealogical
website, navigate your personal family tree and much more. Leave the gift of a
family tree for your descendants! Limited space. 207140-A
Before- and After-School Camps
REC
Connect
Need camp
or want to sign up for the fall before- and after-school programs? The REC
Connect program is open to youth ages 5-14, enrolled in grades K-8. One
registration packet may be used for both Summer Camp 2018 and the Before &
After School 2018-19 programs. Registrations accepted on a first-come,
first-served basis according to postmark date and space availability.
Registration forms and program information is available online and at the
Recreation Centers, Freedom Park Interpretive Center and Satellite Services
Office in Toano. Weekly registration fees apply. For the complete list of fees
and registration information, visit REC Connect or call the Hotline at 757-259-3170. Please allow up to seven business
days for processing. Discounts are available to any qualified resident based on
total household gross income; please call 757-259-5414 for financial details.
Health/Wellness
Community CPR (ages 12+)
Saturday, July 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
$80; $75 for JC/W residents
James City County Recreation Center
This hands-on skills training class prepares you to respond to
breathing and cardiac emergencies. Learn the skills and knowledge needed to
provide care for victims of sudden cardiac arrest through the safe use of an
automated external defibrillator (AED). Participants will also learn Adult
CPR/AED, Child CPR/AED and Infant CPR/AED. Certified through American Red
Cross. 307800-A. Info/register: 757-259-4176.
Joint Freeing Yoga Series (ages 14+) Free!
Wednesday, July 25, 6-7:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
This series of 22 poses completed in 90 minutes is accessible to
all. Based on the practices developed by Makunda Stiles, this workshop will
work all the major joints gently and systematically through full and natural
range of motions to enhance joint mobility and reduce pain and stiffness.
You’ll go home with practices you can add to your everyday life! 307664-A.
Info: 757-259-4176.
Group Fitness Classes (ages 14+)
From Ageless Yoga to Zumba, you’ll find a class just for you at the
James City County Recreation Center. Check out our full group fitness schedule for a complete list of the
more than 60 classes offered weekly. Info: 757-259-4176
Diabetes Risk Assessment Screening & Blood Pressure Check (ages 16+), Free!
Saturday, July 17, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center Lobby
Are you at risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Stop by to take the American
Diabetes Association Diabetes Risk paper test and discuss your results with an
RN. This assessment is based on individual risk factors. There is no blood
test. Health and wellness information available. No registration required.
Inclusion & Therapeutic Recreation
Yoga (ages 13+ with disabilities)
Tuesday, July 31, 7-9 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Move through a series of postures to allow the body to become
flexible and healthy in a state of deep relaxation. Offered in partnership with
The Arc of Greater Williamsburg. For more information on Arc events or to
become a member call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org.
Day Support Program (ages 18+ with disabilities)
Tuesdays-Fridays weekly, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
The “Arc of Abilities” began in 2016 to support adults with
intellectual and developmental disabilities who do not have a Medicaid waiver.
The Day Support Program provides continuing education, life skills and
vocational training. In addition, clients are engaged in fitness, recreational
and community service opportunities with peers, instructors and the community.
Monthly tuition based on need. For information, call The Arc at 757-229-3535.
Outdoor Programs
Forest Explorers Walk & Talk (all ages) Free!
Saturday, July 7
Nature Program: Butterflies - 9-10 a.m.
Guided Walk: 10 a.m.-noon
Freedom Park
Join us on the first Saturday of every month this summer for a nature program and guided walk on the new Living Forest Interpretive Trail! One of our expert nature guides will present a nature program on a different topic each month, then lead children and their parents on a trip through the forest to learn about plants, wildlife, insects and anything else we may encounter! The nature program will take place at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center. The walks will begin at the Freedom Park playground, with a new walk starting every 30 minutes. Weather permitting.
The Magic Metamorphosis of Butterflies (all ages)
Saturday, July 14, 10-11 a.m.
Freedom Park Interpretive Center
When humans are
born, they look like a miniature version of their parents, but not so with
butterflies! Come learn about the metamorphosis of a butterfly, starting as an
egg and changing into a beautiful butterfly. Butterfly enthusiast Judith
Alberts will show pictures of different butterflies and will bring living
examples from her own butterfly nursery. She’ll explain how to attract
butterflies to even the smallest garden, and how to make an inviting place for
another generation of butterfly magic. Offered by the Williamsburg Botanical
Garden. A $5 donation to help the garden grow is appreciated.
Campfire Social (all ages) Free!
Saturdays, July 14 & 28, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Come celebrate
summer with a good old-fashioned campfire gathering at Chickahominy Riverfront
Park! Enjoy s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire
overlooking the beautiful Gordon Creek.
Take Your Kid Fishing (ages 5-12) Free!
Saturday, July 21, 9 a.m.-noon
Little Creek Reservoir Park
Want to spend a fun day with your child fishing from the shores at
Little Creek Reservoir Park? Let the park staff teach you and your child the
fundamentals of fishing. All equipment provided.
Smart Cycling (ages 14+) New!
Saturday, July 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $20
Veterans Park (formerly Mid County Park)
Smart Cycling is a fast-paced bicycling class developed by the
League of American Bicyclists. Get the confidence to ride safely and legally in
traffic or on the trail. Learn how to fit your bike to your body, conduct
bicycle safety checks, change gears smoothly, and ride safely on area bike
lanes and in traffic. Principles of traffic law, group riding etiquette and
clothing and accessories will also be covered. On-bike instruction will include
crash prevention and hazard avoidance techniques. Instruction will be both in
the classroom and outdoors on a practice course and in actual traffic on local
roads. Designed for beginners, intermediate and advanced cyclists who want to
“bike smarter.” Instructor: Allen Turnbull in conjunction with BikeWalk
Williamsburg. Please make checks payable to BikeWalk Williamsburg and mail to
BikeWalk Williamsburg, P.O. Box 222, Williamsburg, VA 23187.
Interpretive Paddle (ages 16+) Free!
Monday, July 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
James City County Marina
Kayak historic Powhatan Creek beside Jamestown Island. View and
learn about birds and wildlife native to our area. Kayaks provided free, and
trips are guided by James River Association. 16-person limit; must be 16 or
older. To register, visit jrava.org. and click on “Interpretive Paddle Series”
under “What’s Happening.”
Understanding Snakes: Fear Not! (ages 18+)
Saturday, July 21, 10-11:30 a.m.
Freedom Park Interpretive Center
Tim Christensen is a biological scientist who works at the Conservation Branch at Joint Base Langley-Eustis at Fort Eustis. Christensen will explain snake biology and significance, and will explore ways to alleviate fear of snakes. Following the program, Master Gardeners will be available in the Williamsburg Botanical Garden to discuss what’s in bloom. For more information, email Christensen at mtnc066@msn.com.
Offered by the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. A $5 donation to help the garden
grow is appreciated.
Special Events
July 4th Celebration at the Outdoor Pools!
Wednesday,
July 4, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Pool fees apply.
Chickahominy Riverfront & Upper County Park pools
Beat the heat by
visiting one of our outdoor pools. FREE icepops to everyone entering the pool
(while supplies last).
Movie Nights (all ages), Free!
Friday, July 13, 6-8 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Bring a blanket/pillow and join us for family friendly movie
nights held inside the multipurpose room. Popcorn and drinks provided.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Stop by the front desk
for a schedule of movies offered the first Friday of every month. Scheduled featured: "Sing" (PG); subject to change.
Park-to-Park Bicycle Tour
Saturday, July 14
James City County Marina
- Half Century 50-mile Ride: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 407800-A
$20/person after June 30/onsite - 30-mile Ride: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 407800-B
$15/person after June 30/onsite - Family Ride or 15-mile Ride: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 407800-C
$10/person after June 30/onsite
Register for this 20th annual bicycle tour! This self-guided
bicycle tour begins at a new site, the James City County Marina at 2054
Jamestown Road, and with new routes for 15-, 30- and 50-mile rides. Ride as
little or as much as you like! Youth age 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian present on the ride. Children age 9 and younger are free and must be on a tandem bike or trailer. Fee includes refreshments, a pool pass for swimming at Chickahominy Riverfront Park, T-shirt, maps, support vehicles to help out tired riders, lunch and entertainment provided by The People Collection! Save $5/person if you register by June 30! Offered in partnership with Williamsburg Area Bicyclists. For details, check out the James City County calendar.
Family Splash Party, Free!
Saturday, July 21, 6-9 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park Pool
Join us for games, prizes and fun. Children ages 12 and younger
must be accompanied by an adult.
Sports/Gaming
Teen Tournaments (boys and girls ages 12-19) Free!
Thursdays, 4-6 p.m.
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center
Come out for weekly Xbox game tournaments and competitive active
game tournaments. These safe, free and fun nights challenge you to play in
competitive tournaments against other gamers in your age group. For
information, call 757-887-5810.
We've Got Camps too! Visit our homepage for the complete list. For the complete list of Parks & Recreation programs and events and registration information for all activities, please visit our website or call 757-259-4200
(unless otherwise noted). For outdoor events, please call the Activities
Hotline at 757-259-3232 if inclement weather is in the forecast.
JC/W = James City County/Williamsburg resident.
Program locations:
Abram Frink Jr. Community Center Park, 8901 Pocahontas Trail
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler
Highway
Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road
James City County Marina, 2054 Jamestown Road
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Little Creek Reservoir Park, 180 Lakeview Road
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road, Toano
Created by the National Recreation & Park Association in 1985, Park and Recreation Month highlights the vital and powerful role local parks and recreation departments, such as James City County, play in communities across the country. For more information on the NRPA, visit www.nrpa.org.