May Events
As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to be felt, we ask for your patience, flexibility and support in following 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.
Unless otherwise noted, please visit us online or call 757-259-4200 for more details and registration information. For the complete list of Parks & Recreation activities, programs and events, check out our seasonal brochure!
Aquatics
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course • Ages 15+
Friday, May 7, 4-6 p.m.; Saturday, May 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Monday-Thursday, May 10-13, 4-9 p.m.
$205
James City County Recreation Center
Includes First Aid and CPR certification. Must attend and pass a swim test (held first day of class): 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. Must turn age 15 by last class.
American Red Cross Lifeguard Re-Certification • Ages 15+
Saturday, May 15, 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.
Before/After School • REC Connect • Ages 5-10
Annual (non-refundable) application fee: $50/child (separate weekly fees)
Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. until school starts and school dismissal to 6 p.m.
Sites: Clara Byrd Baker, J. B. Blayton, Matoaka, Matthew Whaley, Norge and Stonehouse
(Laurel Lane combines with Clara Byrd Baker at Clara Byrd Baker and D.J Montague combines with Matoaka at Matoaka. Transportation provided)
Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Full Day Consolidated Programs at James River, Matoaka and Norge
Elementary Before & After School Weekly Fees*
• Before School – $40
• After School – $50
• Before & After School – $65
Discount Program: Discounts are available to any qualified resident based on total income. For information, call 757-259-5414.
*FEES: Please note: Parks & Recreation fees are subject to change.
Health/Wellness
Youth Peace Makers Workshop • Ages 5-8
Wednesday, May 19, 5-6:15 p.m.
$15
Freedom Park
Especially now, guiding youth in learning how to quiet their minds and bring mindfulness during moments of difficulty is invaluable. Mindfulness can help minimize anxiety and increase happiness – we all want that! With that in mind, we’re offering this meditation and craft activity for any child looking for a moment of calm. This class combines a little yoga and mindfulness, while creating fun sensory jars to help kids calm their minds. The great magic of these “magic” jars is that your kids will be teaching themselves the practice before you even begin the explanation. Calming jars are helpful and fun for kids of all ages - join in the magic (and calm).
Beach Yoga • Ages 14+
Wednesdays, May 5-26, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
$30
Jamestown Beach Event Park
Take me to the river! A fun and informal way to experience the benefits of yoga. In this inclusive flow style class, we’ll breathe, stretch and explore how exciting our postures can be when done in the sand. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel and your water. Registration required.
Learn to Row • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, May 8, 3-4 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Have you ever wanted to try what many call “one of the most efficient forms of exercise?” Have you ever wanted to learn the proper technique of rowing? Now is your chance! Join us for a free Introduction to Indoor Rowing using our indoor rowing machines (ergs). Unlike most activities, rowing incorporates the use of your legs, core and upper body. We’ll focus step-by-step on proper form so that you can learn and appreciate this complete full-body, low-impact, lifelong exercise.
Bounce Fitness • Ages 14+
Monday, May 17, 10-10:45 a.m.
$5
James City County Recreation Center
Discover the magic of individual mini trampolines. This workshop will introduce your body to a unique and fun fitness experience! Bounce classes are a low impact, high intensity work out 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.
Youth Weight Training • Ages 15-17
Thursday, May 27, 6-7 p.m.
$8
James City County Recreation Center
Is your child ready to pick up those weights with you or is your child looking to learn the basics of lifting weights? Either way, let us teach them proper movement, form, safe techniques, etiquette of lifting and age appropriate weight training. Your child will learn to safely strength train, improve their balance and body control as well as proper form. They’ll perform functional lifts safely, focus on core strength and muscle toning for a total body workout. Class instructed by a certified personal trainer.
Resistance on the River • Ages 16+
Tuesdays, May 11-June 18, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
$25
Jamestown Beach Event Park
A total body workout for muscular strength and endurance – on the sand! This class includes functional movements using bodyweight exercises and compound movements to improve agility, endurance, strength and core. Your heart will be pumping while viewing our very own piece of the James River. Four-week sessions. Spaces are limited. Registration required.
Techniques of Meditation • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, May 5, 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.
Functional Fitness! Chair Exercise and Balance • Ages 18+ FREE! NEW!
Monday, May 17, 1-1:45 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Everyone should feel good at any stage of their life. This class will teach you specific exercises to help improve strength, range of motion, balance, cardio fitness and mood! Get your blood flowing and your heart pumping all while engaged in a safe and effective seated exercise. All fitness levels.
Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation
Got Goo? Fun & Sticky Sensory Play! • All Ages & Abilities
Wednesday, May 26, 6:30-8 p.m.
$5/family
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 by May 19. For more information, please call 757-259-5354.
Outdoors
White Water Rafting • Ages 10+
Sunday, May 23, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
$80
James City County Recreation Center
Ready for an adventure in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, along the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers? This is your two-way ticket to fun with River Riders! Tackle Class I-III white water rapids while taking in breathtaking natural scenery where Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia state lines intersect. No prior experience is required but participants must weigh at least 50 lbs. Transportation and excursion fees are included in trip fee. Please pack lunch, snacks and other items you may need for the day. Youth aged 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Bird Watching • Ages 13+ FREE! NEW!
Saturday, May 8, 8 a.m.
Freedom Park
New to birdwatching or a seasoned veteran? Join us as we walk and talk with the local area’s best birders! Learn about common sight and sound identification while also taking in the natural beauty of Williamsburg’s green spaces. Bring binoculars and your eagle eyes! Pre-registration is required. Exact meeting location and information will be sent out prior to trip date. For more information, contact sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyva.gov or 757-259-5355.
State Park Passport Tour • Ages 13+
Friday, May 14, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
$40
James City County Recreation Center
Join the James River Association for a paddle along a 6-mile stretch of the James River! This paddle starts at Bent Creek public boat launch and concludes within James River State Park. Paddle a beautiful flatwater section with very few small rapids located within agricultural and forested land. Preregistration is required by May 7. Fee includes transportation to and from trip destination and all excursion fees. Patrons are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch and any extra snacks and drinks that may be required throughout the day. Full trip details are available by contacting sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyva.gov or 757-259-5355.
Paddle Programs with JRA • Ages 16+ FREE!
Saturday, May 22, 8-10 a.m.
Powhatan Creek Park
Migratory Birds of Powhatan Creek:. We'll learn about the natural and historic resources of Powhatan Creek and the James River with any emphasis on the diverse migratory bird species found in the area. Programs facilitated by our partner, the James River Association. Registration is required by visiting https://thejamesriver.org/whats-happening/connect-with-the-james/. Registration opens at least two weeks before the date of program. Paddle craft, paddles and personal flotation devices provided.
Forest Explorer Fridays • All Ages/Families FREE!
Reptiles: Friday, May 21, 5:30-7 p.m.
Greensprings Interpretive Trail
We’ll discuss the different reptiles that define our area and the habitats they call home. Join us on the third Friday of each month to explore the plants and animals that live in James City County parks.
Outdoor Trivia Nights • Families/All Ages
Friday, May 28, 6:30 p.m.
$10/team
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Are you looking for something fun, educational and socially distanced for the entire family? Join us at Chickahominy Riverfront Park for Outdoor Trivia Nights! Sign up as an individual or as teams (please select the number of participants at registration). Questions are geared for ages 12 and older and the categories include general knowledge, animal identification, science and more! Bring your own chairs, blankets and thinking caps for this evening of fun! Winners receive a Parks & Recreation prize pack. Popcorn and light refreshments available.
Special Events
Tour D’Trails • Ages 12+ FREE!
Race starts Monday, May 10
The Tour D'Trails is a multi-stage mountain bike race where riders compete against the clock and the field! This socially distanced asynchronous time trial eliminates the technical features on different trails and allows a more inclusive opportunity to gain confidence in your riding skills! Men’s and Women’s Divisions: Masters (50+), Adults (20-49) and Teens (12-19). To register, email your name, age/division competing and gender to Christopher.mcknight@jamescitycountyva.gov. The race will take place in stages, featuring a different trail to ride each week between Monday and Sunday. Standings will be updated via email on Wednesday, Friday and Monday after the stage closes.
Summer Camp Fair (featuring See-A-Truck) • Families/All Ages FREE!
Saturday, May 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
This fair is a one-stop shop for families planning summer activities! Find out about summer camps, programs and more for all ages! You can register onsite or just gather information. FREE for families to attend, but everyone must sign-up for a timeslot to attend! Sign up at WilliamsburgFamilies.com. After you've gathered info for summer, swing by the “See-A-Truck” area to explore and learn about various “big” or unique vehicles such as buses, farm equipment, fire trucks and more! Weather permitting. Offered in partnership with WilliamsburgFamilies.com. For more information on the Fair, please contact Kristy Maynor at kristy@williamsburgfamilies.com or Olivia Bada at olivia@williamsburgfamilies.com.
Opening Day at the Pools • All Ages
Saturday, May 29, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park & Upper County Park
It’s time to kick off summer! Come out to one of our outdoor pools to celebrate the start of the season. Door prizes given each hour between 1-4 p.m. Pool fees apply, visit us online for details.
Sports
Introduction to Pickleball • Ages 18+ FREE! NEW!
Thursday, May 20 6-7:30 p.m.
Veterans Park
Get introduced to one of the nation’s fasting growing sports— pickleball! If you didn’t already know, pickleball is a paddlesport that combines badminton, tennis and table tennis and is played on smaller tennis courts. Join local USA Pickleball Ambassador, Jeff Anthony, as he introduces the basic rules and playing fundamentals. All equipment is provided and all participants will be required to follow the current safety and health guidelines. Preregistration is required by May 13.
We’ve Got Camps!
Summer camps begin June 21! For the complete list, check out the Summer 2021 edition of the Destination Recreation brochure! https://en.calameo.com/read/0045296427de9a5f0aefe?page=10
Program Sites
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road
Greensprings Interpretive Trail, 3751 John Tyler Highway
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road
Powhatan Creek Park, 1831 Jamestown Road
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road in Toano
Veterans Park (Kidsburg), 3793 Ironbound Road
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Coordinator
757-259-5415l veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov