Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Free Swim Evaluations
Registration for November and December classes is Nov. 15-24. Class sizes are limited due to instructor availability. To ensure proper placement in a class, a previous class completion card or swim evaluation card is required to register for any next level class. Registration is accepted at the James City County Recreation Center only; online registration is not accepted at this time. 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 Thursday, Nov. 18 and Tuesday, Nov. 23 to provide free swim evaluations. Classes/evaluations held at the James City County Recreation Center. Class schedules are available at the Recreation Center Front Desk and online at https://jamescitycountyva.gov/2673/Aquatics. Info: 757-259-4185.
We're Hiring, Lifeguards! • Ages 16+ FREE!
Lifeguards are needed to staff the James City County Recreation Center indoor pool. Applicants must be at least 16 years or older, have a current American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification with First Aid, CRP and AED training and complete a swim test. Appointments are not needed; drop-in on any of the following days, 5-7 p.m. at the James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road:
Wednesday, Nov. 10
Wednesday, Dec. 22
For details including salary, benefits and swim test requirements, visit Lifeguards Wanted! For more information, please call 757-259-4185.
Arts & Special Interest Classes
PeeWee Painting At-Home Kit • Ages 3-8
Ongoing. $10/kit
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” x 12” canvas (with pre-taped elements), paints, brushes, disposable apron and instruction sheet. Please select desired painting at the time of registration - “geometric shapes,” “first initial art” or “house and yard.” You’ll be contacted via email for scheduling your kit pick-up.
At-Home Paint Night Kit • Ages 16+ NEW!
Ongoing. $15/kit
Do you love painting but would prefer to do it in the comfort of your own home? We have a solution for you! Purchase this at-home paint kit and be proud of your masterpiece. All supplies included – 9’ x 12” canvas, paints, brushes, disposable apron, tips on painting and pre-selected painting printout (Note: if needed, some pieces may be pre-sketched on your canvas for you). Please select desired painting at the time of registration - “fall leaves,” “boo spider” or “snowman. ” You’ll be contacted via email for scheduling your kit pick-up.
Family Virtual Trivia Night • Ages 5-13 FREE! VIRTUAL!
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 6-7 p.m.
Are you looking for something fun and educational to do with the kids? Join Parks & Recreation for a FREE family virtual trivia night! Up to 20 teams can compete in a five-round trivia competition featuring the following categories - animals, movie characters, songs & music, general knowledge and science. Questions geared toward children ages 5-13; a parent or guardian is required to participate. Register by Nov. 8 to receive full event details and a Zoom meeting invite.
Kid’s Gingerbread House Workshop · Ages 6-13
Friday, Nov. 19, 5-7 p.m.
$25
James City County Recreation Center
Construct and decorate your own gingerbread houses! These wonderful treats are perfect as centerpieces for the holidays. Please note any food allergies at time of registration, tie back long hair, and bring an apron. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc.
Virtual Genealogy – Intermediate • Ages 16+ FREE! VIRTUAL!
Mondays, Nov. 15-Dec. 6, 5-6 p.m.
If you’re not a beginner in your research, but are not really at the point of wanting more, please join us! Research your family tree with more insight into research ideas, Census records, dating old photos, organizing your findings and much more! Class conducted via the Zoom application. Register by Nov.10 to receive the Zoom meeting link. Instructor: Paula Guerra.
Before/After School Program
REC Connect Update
Clara Byrd Baker, J. Blaine Blayton, Matoaka, Matthew Whaley, Norge and Stonehouse REC Connect locations are currently full for the school year. Please submit a completed registration packet to be added to the waitlist. Registration packets are available for download at REC Connect website or for pickup at the James City County Recreation Center or any payment site location. A Winter Break program will be offered Dec. 20-23 and Dec. 28-30 for ages 5-10 and 10-14 , please check out our activity brochure for details!
Health & Wellness
Bonding Beats • Ages 6+ NEW!
Friday, Nov. 12, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
$10; additional child $5
James City County Recreation Center
This parent and child workshop includes guided practices in rhythm and mindfulness. Communicate and connect with each other – through drumming! Learn rhythms, games and exercises that you can use to strengthen the bonds between you and your child(ren) for a lifetime. No musical experience needed! All instruments provided. Parent must register with child.
Gait Analysis • Ages 10+ FREE!
Saturday, Nov. 6, 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.
Intentional Living Workshop - for Teens • Ages 13-18 NEW!
Monday, Nov. 8, 6-7:45 p.m.
$15
James City County Recreation Center
This workshop is a dream for those who wish to live their lives on purpose! Journal, play games, learn meditations, practice yoga and create a vision board, all while examining your “why!” During this class, you’ll be immersed in discussions and reflections about your values, goals and dreams. You’ll have your very own personal mission statement to help guide your choices!
Intro to Yoga for Teens • Ages 13-18
Wednesday, Nov. 17, 5-6:30 p.m.
$15
James City County Recreation Center
This practice is specifically designed for teens to help support them in managing a meaningful and enjoyable life. This class will build confidence in their yoga practice along with techniques of mindfulness and value. Poses curated to aide in deep stretching, dynamic flow, and proper breathing techniques. The expectations on our youth are abundant, let’s give them a brain break!
Indoor Cycle 101 • Ages 14+ FREE!
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 5:30-6:15 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Indoor cycling classes can be overwhelming to jump into – music, seat settings, resistance level and to clip or not to clip. We’re here to help! Proper bike set-up can make or break your class experience and keep you injury-free. This intro class teaches all you need to know to enter the “spin” world. Put things in full gear with our awesome tunes, control over resistance and speed, and overall intensity. No bike experience necessary.
Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club • Ages 14+ FREE! NEW!
Saturday, Nov. 13, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Powhatan Creek Trail
Being active is the secret to staying healthy, and walking is a great way to get moving! Let our walking coaches guide you through the trails of James City County. Whether you bring a friend, family or meet a new neighbor, you’ll have a blast while having a positive impact on your health. New trail location each month.
Turkey Burn 2021 • Ages 14+ NEW!
Monday-Sunday, Nov. 22-28
Group Fitness Class fees apply
James City County Recreation Center
Join us at the James City County Recreation Center, Monday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 28 for a week of a little calorie burn, special group fitness classes, raffle prizes and gratitude! Group Fitness schedule announced Nov. 5! Info: 757-259-4176.
Group Fitness Classes • Ages 14+
Get in shape for fall! 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.
Intermediate Meditation Techniques • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, Nov. 3, 7-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or brand new, all are welcomed 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.
Drumming for Wellness • Ages 16+
Wednesday, Nov. 10, 5:30-7 p.m.
$10
Freedom Park
This workshop uses the drum and the voice as a modality to practice mindfulness. Students 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 needed! All instruments provided. Parent must register with child.
Functional Fitness! Chair Exercise and Balance • Ages 18+ FREE!
Monday, Nov. 15, 9-9:45 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Everyone should feel good at any stage of their life. Learn 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 welcome.
Inclusion/Therapeutic Recreation
Sensory Friendly Movie Night • All Ages & Abilities
Friday, Nov. 12, 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 are turned down low and special sensory seating areas are provided. Popcorn and snacks included. Registration required. For more information, please call 757-259-5354.
Teensational Socials: Bowling Party • Ages 13-21 w/disabilities FREE!
Saturday, Nov. 6, 3-6 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Enjoy an evening with friends making scary or silly pumpkin creations. Explore, Engage, Excel... your ability to socialize with peers and excel social skills through fun recreational activities and field trips in the community. No need to register…just come. In collaboration with Capernaum. For more information and a complete event schedule, contact Caitie Maloney at 757-784-6226 or Caitie.Maloney@yahoo.com.
Yoga • Ages 13+ w/disabilities FREE!
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 7-9 p.m.
Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road
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 yoga, any upcoming events or to become a member call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org. or call 757-229-3535 for location.
Outdoor Programs
High Bridge Trail State Park Bike Tour • Ages 12+
(youth age 15 & younger must be accompanied by an adult)
Friday, Nov. 19, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
$45
James City County Recreation Center
Join us for a bike tour of the High Bridge Trail beginning in Farmville during the height of Virginia’s beautiful fall foliage! Trip fee includes a three-hour trail cruiser rental from a local bike shop. Patrons are encouraged to explore as much or as little of the trail as you’d like in that timeframe. Round trip distance to High Bridge from the bike rental shop and back is just under 10 miles. Moderate intensity.
Tour Fort Monroe • Ages 16+
Thursday, Nov. 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
$20
James City County Recreation Center
Preregistration is required by Nov. 8. Take a tour of over 400 years of local history! Explore Old Point Comfort and Fort Monroe while taking in the historical significance of the area along with the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Fee includes transportation to and from trip destination and all admission fees. Patrons are encouraged to bring a bagged lunch or be prepared to purchase lunch from one of four local dining options. Meet in the James City County Recreation Center lobby at 10 a.m. Full trip details are available by contacting sarah.oreilly@jamescitycountyva.gov or 757-259-5355.
Special Events & Programs
Live Well Expo – canceled for 2021
Bike the Bridge • All Ages
Saturday, Nov. 6 • 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.
$25
Jamestown Beach Event Park (check in, parking & lunch)
Registration is required by Nov. 3, noon. Join James City County in the second annual Bike the Bridge event. Starting location is mile marker 0 of the Virginia Capital Trail and includes various lengths of 15, 25 and 50 routes; route begins at Jamestown Highs School and follows the Virginia Capital Trail through mile-marker 25 and ends at Jamestown High School. Light refreshments at rest stops, a T-shirt and lunch are provided with rider registration. To register, visit runsignup.com/bikethebridge.
Splash on Friday: Giving Thanks Night • All Ages FREE!
Friday, Nov. 19, 6-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Once a month, come in and enjoy family time with us in the pool! Free swim area and an area for our Wibit inflatable obstacle course are available! Games and prizes included. Pick up your event flyer at the James City County Recreation Center. Non-swimmers are required to use a lifejacket, which are provided. Registration required.
To Register
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!
Inclement Weather
All Outdoor Events are weather permitting. Before heading out, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 any changes in schedules.
Program Sites
Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road
Powhatan Creek Trail, 3131 Ironbound Road
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov