Aquatics
Learn to Swim, Swim Evaluations FREE!
Registration for April & May classes is open March 21-30. 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, March 24 and Tuesday, March 29 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.
Splash on Friday • All Ages FREE!
Friday, March 18, 6-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Pool of Gold Night! Come enjoy family time in the pool! Free swim area and an area for our Wibit inflatable obstacle course 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 is provided. Registration required. Info: 757-259-4185.
We're Hiring, Lifeguards! • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, March 16, 5-7 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Lifeguards are needed to staff the Parks & Recreation’s pools. 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 between 5-7 p.m. For details including salary, benefits and swim test requirements, visit https://en.calameo.com/read/0045296427de9a5f0aefe?page=7 For more information, please call 757-259-4185. For the complete list of Parks & Recreation job openings, please see below.
Arts & Special Interest
PeeWee Painting At-Home Kit • Ages 3-8
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.” You’ll be contacted via email for scheduling your kit pick-up. Ongoing. $10/kit
Oil Painting • Ages 16+
Two sessions offered; $125/session
Tuesdays, March 29-June 14, 1-3 p.m.
Wednesdays, March 30-June 15, 10 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
Join us to create your own masterpiece while making new friends. This class is for students who have some experience painting in oils. Students provide their own supplies. For the list, call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com. Instructor: Anne Kushnick.
Pastels • Ages 16+
Wednesdays, March 30-June 15, 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 their own supplies. For the list, call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com. Instructor: Anne Kushnick.
Before/After School
REC Connect
° A Spring Break program, for ages 5-14, will be held Monday-Friday, April 4-8, 7 a.m.- 6 p.m., $25/day. The elementary school sites are Matoaka, Norge and Laurel Lane; the teen program site is the James City County Recreation Center. Program details are available in the Winter/Spring Destination Recreation Activity Brochure – ages 5-10 and ages 10-14.
°Clara Byrd Baker, J. Blaine Blayton, Matoaka, Matthew Whaley, Norge and Stonehouse Before & After School REC Connect locations are currently full for the school year. The REC Connect Before & After School program at D.J. Montague is currently TEMPORARILY closed due to staffing shortages.
°To be added to the waitlist for any of these programs, please submit a completed registration packet. Registration packets are available for download from the REC Connect website or for pickup at the James City County Recreation Center or any payment site location. Due to low enrollments and lack of transportation resources, the Middle School Teens On Point (T.O.P) after school program is not being offered at this time.
Health/Wellness
Gait Analysis • Ages 10+ FREE!
Saturday, March 26, 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.
Indoor Cycle 101 • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, March 19, 10-10:45 a.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 needed.
Intro to Yoga • Ages 14+
Wednesday, March 23, 6-7:30 p.m., $15
James City County Recreation Center
If you’ve always wanted to step into a group yoga class, but haven’t, this four-week workshop is for you! We'll break down the poses, and you can ask as many questions as you need!
Bounce Circuit • Ages 14+
Thursday, March 24, 10-10:45 a.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 work out designed to tone your body and 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.
Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, March 26, 10-11 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 coach 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. Different trail location each month.
Group Fitness Classes • Ages 14+
Get in shape for spring! 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.
Functional Fitness! Chair Exercise and Balance • Ages 18+ FREE!
Wednesday, March 23, 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.
Therapeutic Recreation
Days of Discovery Spring Break Program • Ages 5-22 with disabilities
Monday-Thursday, April 4-7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $100/participant
James City County Recreation Center
For details, visit https://en.calameo.com/read/0045296427de9a5f0aefe?page=21
Yoga • Ages 18+ with disabilities FREE!
Tuesday, March 29, 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 yoga, upcoming events or to become a member call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org.
Got Goo? Fun & Sticky Sensory Play! • All Ages & Abilities
Wednesday, March 23, 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 by March 16.
Outdoors
Campfire Social • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, March 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Come celebrate fall with a good old-fashioned campfire gathering at Chickahominy Riverfront Park! Enjoy s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire overlooking Gordon Creek.
Garden Preparation • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, March 19, 2-3 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Get a head start on your garden! 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 Explorers Friday: Walk & Talk • All Ages FREE!
Friday, March 25, 5:30-7 p.m.
Freedom Park
Join us for a nature program and guided walk. The featured topic is Decomposers - 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. One of our guides presents the nature program and then leads children and their parents on a trip through the forest to learn about plants, wildlife, insects and anything else we may encounter!
Special Events
Fido Fest • All Ages
Saturday, March 19 • 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Jamestown Beach Event Park $5/car (cash or check only)
Don’t miss the PAW-TY! Grab your leash and get to the park with your furry friend for a great time! Socially distanced family and dog-friendly activities, games, contests, fabulous food ($) and more awaits you! Merchandise ($) and community vendors will also be present. Co-sponsor: Heritage Humane Society.
Sports
Introduction to Pickleball • Ages 18+ FREE!
Thursday, March 24, 9-10:30 a.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 breakdowns the foundations and fundamentals of pickleball! All equipment provided and all participants will be required to follow the current safety and health guidelines. Preregistration is required by March 17.
Join the Parks & Recreation Team!
We’re Hiring!
Part-time and Full-time positions available.
Parks: Lifeguards (outdoor pools) ● Park Attendants
Recreation Center: Customer Service Representatives ● Fitness Attendants ● Lifeguards (indoor pools) ● Water Safety Instructors
Programming/Before & After School: Assistant Recreation Supervisors ● Recreation Leaders ● Recreation Supervisors ● Therapeutic Recreation Leaders ● Instructors
To learn more about current job openings or to apply online, visit jobs.jamescitycountyva.gov or follow us on social media.
Inclement Weather/Cancellations
All Outdoor Events are weather permitting. Before heading out, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 any changes in schedules.
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 Winter/Spring Brochure.
Program Sites
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Freedom Park/Interpretive Center 5537 Centerville Road
Jamestown Beach Event Park 2205 Jamestown Road
James City County Recreation Center 5301 Longhill Road
Laurel Lane Elementary School 112 Laurel Lane
Matoaka Elementary School 4001 Brick Bat Road
Norge Elementary School 7311 Richmond Road
Powhatan Creek Trail, 3131 Ironbound Road
Veterans Park (Kidsburg) 3793 Ironbound Road
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov