Parks & Recreation March Events
As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to be felt, we ask for your patience, flexibility and support. We depend on you, our patrons, to follow safety and social distancing guidelines as regularly released by the Governor of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Events are subject to change based on social distancing guidelines, please call the activities hotline at 757-259-3232 before heading out.
Aquatics
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course • Ages 15+
Friday, March 12, 4-6 p.m.; Saturday, March 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Monday-Thursday, March 15-March 18, 4-9 p.m.
$205
James City County Recreation Center and Kingswood Pool (111 Spring Road)
• Includes First Aid and CPR certification.
• Must attend and pass a swim test (300-yard continuous swim: 100 yards of front crawl, 100 yards of breaststroke and 100 yards of choice of front crawl or breaststroke). Retrieve a 10-pound brick from a depth of 7-8 feet and return 20 yards, keeping both hands on the brick at all times; face must remain out of the water. Tread water for two minutes keeping arms out of the water.
• Must attend every class to earn certification.
• Failure to complete competency test does not guarantee a full refund.
• Cell phone use is not permitted in class and can be grounds for dismissal.
• Must be age 15 or older by the last day of class.
• Class meets at the JCCRC on the first day.
• $205 per session includes swim test, book and materials. Swim test held on first day of class.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification • Ages 15+
Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
$60
James City County Recreation Center
Renew your Lifeguarding and CPR/AED for professional rescuers certifications
• Must successfully complete the prerequisite skills, practical skills, first aid skills and written tests.
• Failure to complete all requirements does not guarantee a full refund.
• Cell phone use is not permitted in class and can be grounds for dismissal.
• Please bring current Lifeguard and CPR card for proof of certification.
• $60 per session; course does not include materials.
Arts
PeeWee Painting At-Home Kit • Ages 3-5 • NEW!
Ongoing
$10/kit
You’ll be contacted via email for scheduling your kit pick-up.
Let your kids get creative with this at-home kit they’re sure to enjoy. We’ll provide all the supplies – you provide the space! Kit includes 9”x12” canvas (with pre-taped elements), paints, brushes, disposable apron and instruction sheet. Please select desired painting at the time of registration including “geometric shapes,” “first initial art” or “house and yard.”
Oil Painting • Ages 16+
Tuesdays, March 30-June 15, 1-3 p.m.
Wednesdays, March 31-June 16, 10 a.m.-noon
$125
James City County Recreation Center
Beginner and experienced painters welcome. Students receive individual instruction based on skill level. Join us to create your own masterpiece while making new friends. Students provide own supplies. For the list, call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com. Instructor: Anne Kushnick.
Pastels • Ages 16+
Wednesdays, March 31-June 16, 1-3 p.m.
$125
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. Instructor: Anne Kushnick.
Special Interest
Spring Bouquet Chocolate Workshop • Ages 6-13 NEW!
Saturday, March 13, 10 a.m.-noon
$20
James City County Recreation Center
Have fun in this spring-themed chocolate making workshop. We’ll use flower molds to create the perfect bouquet. Please note any food allergies at the time of registration. All attendees should bring an apron or dress accordingly and tie back long hair. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc.
St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake Decorating • Ages 7-13 NEW!
Friday, March 12, 5-7 p.m.
$25
James City County Recreation Center
You’re in luck – we’ll learn basic decorating skills using buttercream icing in St. Patrick’s Day colors plus add some edible glitter for extra fun! Please note any food allergies at time of registration. All attendees should bring an apron or dress accordingly and tie back long hair. Fee includes all supplies. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc.
Teen Virtual Trivia Night • Ages 12-16 NEW! FREE!
Thursday, March 11, 7-8 p.m.
Zoom Meeting
Are you looking for something fun and educational to do? Join Parks & Recreation for a FREE teen trivia night! Up to 20 teens will compete in a five-round trivia competition featuring the following categories - pop culture, movies, songs & music, general knowledge and science. Questions geared toward ages 12-16. Register by 3/8 to receive full event details and a Zoom meeting invite.
Teen Entrepreneurs: Becoming Your Own Boss • Ages 12-18 NEW!
Wednesdays, March 3-March 31, 5-6 p.m.
$15
Zoom Meeting
Do you have an idea to explore for a business? Does entrepreneurship excite you? Want to be your own boss? Are you interested in the #startuplife? If you answered yes to these questions - then this class series is for you! Let’s get down to business creating YOUR business! This five-week class series will be conducted via the Zoom application. Register by 3/1 to receive the Zoom meeting link – all registrants will be contacted before class start to pick-up materials. Class fee includes informational packet, special gift and completion certificate. Instructor: Mary Griffith. JCCRC
At-Home Paint Night Kit (Individual) • Ages 18+ NEW!
St. Patrick’s Day Kit – must purchase by March 6 for pick-up March 10
$15/kit
Participants will be emailed kit pick-up times and locations.
Do you love painting but would prefer to do it in the comfort of your own home? We have the solution! Purchase this at-home paint kit and be proud of your masterpiece. All supplies included – 9”x12” canvas, paints, brushes, disposable apron, tips on painting and pre-selected painting printout (note: if necessary, some pieces may be pre-sketched on your canvas for you).
At-Home Paint Night Kit (Couples) • Ages 18+ NEW!
St. Patrick’s Day Kit – must purchase by March 6 for pick-up March 10
$25/kit
Participants will be emailed kit pick-up times and locations.
Calling all couples! Whether it’s your significant other or best friend – purchase this kit to have a paint night “date night” in the comfort of your own home! All supplies included – 9”x12” canvas, paints, brushes, disposable apron, tips on painting and pre-selected painting printout (note: if necessary, some pieces may be pre-sketched on your canvas for you).
Before & After School Programs/REC Connect
Registration for Summer Camp 2021 and Before & After School 2021-2022 is underway. The Spring Break registration deadline is March 12, noon. Spring Break programs will be held April 5-9, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. $25/day. Enjoy exciting trips and hands-on activities. Bring lunch daily. All applicants must submit a completed registration form each year along with an annual non-refundable registration fee for each child registering. Registrations are taken on a first come, first-served basis according to space availability. Please allow up to seven business days from received date for processing. Once your registration has been processed, you'll be notified of enrollment status. For program descriptions, please visit REC Connect and Teens On Point webpage.
Spring Break/REC Connect : for ages 5-10 enrolled in kindergarten). Program locations at three elementary schools – Laurel Lane, Matoaka and Norge (register early, space is limited).
Spring Break/Teens On Point (T.O.P) is for teens 11-14. Program location to be announced.
Health & Wellness
Gait Analysis • Ages 10+ FREE!
Saturday, March 20, 10 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
What could be more basic than walking and running? Local sports chiropractor Dr. Daniel Shaye of Performance Chiropractic will be performing FREE gait analysis. You may learn why your knee hurts, or your back, or your hip – you may even catch injuries before they happen! Please wear shorts and a tank type shirt for the best analysis. Call 757-259-4176 to schedule your time slot.
Drumming for Wellness • Ages 12+ NEW!
Mondays, March 15-April 5, 6-7 p.m.
$35
Freedom Park
In this workshop we’ll use the drum and the voice as a modality to practice mindfulness. Students will learn basic drumming and meditation techniques, and participate in drum circles and sound immersions to experience the use of drums and sound in ritual, ceremony and recreation. No musical experience necessary! All instruments provided.
Bounce Fitness • Ages 14+ NEW!
Wednesday, March 10, 2-2:45 p.m.
$5
James City County Recreation Center
Discover the magic of individual mini trampolines. Introduce your body to a unique and fun fitness experience! Bounce classes are a low impact, high intensity workout designed to tone your body, increase circulation, balance and endurance. Our Jump Sport trampolines have a ballet barre attached to activate the lower body and core for stability. The rebounder is three times more effective than a floor-based exercise. Come see what it is all about! Spaces are limited. No jump experience needed.
Yoga and the Trees • Ages 14+
Wednesdays, March 17-March 31, 5-6 p.m.
$28
Freedom Park
Join us for this full yoga practice at Freedom Park! Enjoy and deepen your practice among the beautiful trees. All levels of experience are welcome, and modifications will always be explained. Free the joints, free the tension in the body and mind, and enjoy the unification of your mind and body through a safe, energetic practice.
Group Fitness Classes • Ages 14+
Our instructors are certified by nationally recognized organizations such as AFAA, ACE, Spinning, Zumba, Barre, SilverSneakers®, Yoga Alliance and SCOTT Pilates. Purchase a Premier Pass, Group Fitness Monthly Pass or a 10-Tab Pass for access to classes. These allow you to take any land or aqua fitness class as long as space is available (first-come, first-served). Classes are 50 minutes unless otherwise noted. Our varied schedule includes core and flexibility classes like Pilates, Yoga and PiYo. For a full body workout, we offer Low Impact, Body Sculpt, Cardio Intervals and Indoor Rowing. For more of a physical challenge, try Cardio Kickboxing, Tabata, Kettlebell, Barre, TRX, Bootcamp, Circuit Training or Indoor Cycling. You’ll find something you love! Let us do the programming for you! For a current schedule of classes, please visit jamescitycountyva.gov recreation under “Recreation & Programs” or call 757-259-4200. Classes held at the James City County Recreation Center.
Techniques of Meditation • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, March 3, 7-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or brand new, all are welcome to this open community meditation practice. We’ll explore different styles of meditation techniques as well as tools that aid the meditative process. You’ll be guided in and out of each session. Meditation can improve your physical, emotional and mental health and well-being.
Lounge Walk-About Program • Ages 55+
Indoor walking opportunity for active adults 55 and better. Come inside and walk off the cold using the indoor walking track at the James City County Recreation Center. Pedometers available for you to keep track of how many loops you make. Eleven times around the track equals one mile. Monday, Wednesday and Fridays, 9-11:30 a.m. Lounge membership required, cost is $65/year for James City County and Williamsburg residents and $75/year for nonresidents. For more information, call 757-259-4178.
Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation
Sensory Friendly Movie Night • All Ages & Abilities
Friday, March 19, 6-8 p.m.
$5/family
James City County Recreation Center
Enjoy a feature film with family and friends in a safe and accommodating environment. The lights will be turned down low and special sensory seating areas provided. Popcorn and snacks included. Registration required. Registration deadline is one week before each program. For more information, please call 757-259-5354.
Got Goo? Fun & Sticky Sensory Play! • All Ages & Abilities
Wednesday, March 31, 6:30-8 p.m.
In-person: $5/family; Take-Home Kit: $5/person
James City County Recreation Center
Do you like to play with slime? Have you ever painted with spaghetti? Join us for fun evenings full of yucky, messy activities. Snacks and materials provided. Bring a messy shirt. Social distancing guidelines will be followed and individual sensory bins will be provided for each family who registers. Registration is required. Registration deadline is one week before each program. For more information, please call 757-259-5354.
Outdoor Programs & Activities
Garden Preparation • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, March 13, 2-3 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Get a head start on your garden! Come out to Chickahominy Riverfront Park and learn what you can do now to prepare your garden for the spring. Composting, organic soil preparation, and a discussion on various plants included.
Forest Explorer Fridays: Decomposers • All Ages FREE!
Friday, March 19, 5:30-7 p.m.
Freedom Park
Come explore the forest ecosystems within James City County, identifying the plants and animals that call these special places home. How do trees that fall in the woods contribute to the life of the forest? Come find out about the fungus and insects that keep our forests healthy, and enjoy a hike to see some decomposers for yourself. Parent/guardian must attend with children.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Virtual Fido Fest • All Ages FREE!
March 15-20
Online Event
Co-hosted by James City County Parks & Recreation and Heritage Humane Society. Featured activities include a Dog Photo Contest, Best Trick Contest (one entry per household), a Virtual Fashion Show and a Fido Coloring Raffle—sheets available at https://www.jamescitycountyva.gov/3122/Special-Events--email raffle entries to joy.johnson@jamescitycountyva.gov by March 10. Submit other entries by March 10, to https://bit.ly/3arPiwH. Voting for contests will take place on Facebook at facebook.com/jccparks from March 15-20, 2021. Winners for contests and raffle will be announced March 22.To receive a FREE, dog-friendly “swag bag” for your pup, sign up by noon on March 19 at https://tinyurl.com/FidoBag for a drive-through pick-up at Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road, on March 19 and 20. One bag per family. Guests should remain in their vehicles during drive-through bag pick-up. If you have questions or need more information, call 757-259-5353.
SPORTS
Multi-Sport Minis • Ages 3-5
Tuesdays, March 23-April 20*, 5-5:45 p.m. (*no class April 6)
$30
Lafayette High School
Bring your child and let them try our sports sampler! Children will be introduced to major sports including baseball, soccer, basketball and more. Each week introduces a new sport!
Tot Shots • Ages 3-5
Tuesdays, March 23-April 20*, 6-6:45 p.m. (*no class April 6)
$30
Lafayette High School
Time to lace up the basketball shoes for this introduction to basketball. Children will focus on individual skills and learn fundamental tactics and ball-handling skills.
Jump Shots • Ages 6-8
Tuesdays, March 23-April 20*, 7-7:45 p.m. (*no class April 6)
$30
Lafayette High School
Time to up the game! This basketball course is designed to introduce players to team play and dynamics in addition to honing other fundamental and technical skills.
Pint-Sized Soccer Series • Ages 3-8
This soccer series engages kids and helps them develop balance, movement and soccer skills as well as provides a positive sports environment. Parents are encouraged to participate in Quart’r Pint where the focus is on honing motor skills and introducing basic elements of soccer. Half Pint focuses on individual technical development and Full Pint is designed to hone those skills and introduce dynamic team play.
Quart’r Pint Soccer • Ages 3-4
Thursdays, March 25-April 22*, 5-5:30 p.m. (*no class April 8), $30, Lafayette High School
Half Pint Soccer • Ages 4-5
Thursdays, March 25-April 22*, 5:45-6:30 p.m. (*no class April 8), $30, Lafayette High School
Full Pint Soccer • Ages 6-8
Thursdays, March 25-April 22*, 6:45-7:30 p.m. (*no class April 8), $30, Lafayette High School
Program Sites
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Lafayette High School, 4460 Longhill Road
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov; 757-259-5415