Aquatics
Splash on Friday • All Ages FREE!
Friday, Nov. 11, 6-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
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 Front Desk. Non-swimmers are required to use a lifejacket, which are provided. Registration required. Info: 757-259-4185.
We're Hiring, Lifeguards! • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 5-7 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
We’re hosting open interviews for Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors! Potential candidates can stop by the Recreation Center for an interview and swim test (if not already certified). Swim tests for American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Water Safety Instructor are conducted as part of the interview process. Appointments are not needed; drop-in between 5-7 p.m. For details including salary, benefits and swim test requirements, visit us online. Successfully completing the swim test does not guarantee employment; employment is determined by successfully completing the entire course of the position interviewing for and passing post-hiring practices conducted through the County’s Human Resources Department. For more information, call 757-259-4185.
Arts & Special Interest
Simply Silly Art with Kidcreate Studio • Ages 4-9 NEW!
Saturday, Nov. 12, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
$15
James City County Recreation Center
Get ready to go bananas with all the silly stuff to create! Participants will make some of the craziest art imaginable including a messy monster made of mush, a cute 3D goldfish, and a crazy pop-up art piece, all to take home at the end of class. This combination of wacky projects will teach all sorts of simply silly stuff never before thought artistically possible! Instructor: KidCreate Studio.
Me and My Grown-Up: Christmas Around the Corner - A Holiday Pottery Workshop • Ages 9-12 (with responsible adult) NEW!
Saturday, Nov. 12, 1-4:30 p.m.
$30/pair
James City County Recreation Center
Create homemade clay ornaments and decorations to adorn your home or give as gifts! Each pair may make six average-size flat ornaments and one 3-D hand-built object, such as a small gingerbread house, a candleholder, figurine or tiny trees. To finish, students will decorate with colorful glaze or underglaze. All work will be fired and ready for pick up beginning Dec. 3. Materials fee: $20, payable by cash or check at beginning of workshop. Instructor: Beth Turbeville.
Genealogy Workshop • Ages 16+ NEW!
Sunday, Nov. 6, 1-5 p.m.
$10
James City County Recreation Center
Curious about a family mystery or need help locating ancestors? Research can be overwhelming so join us to receive technical help in researching and documenting family history. Come prepared with questions and a laptop. Instructor: Paula Harris Guerra.
Conversational Spanish for Adults • Ages 16+ FREE! VIRTUAL!
Mondays, Nov. 14-Dec. 12, 5:15-6 p.m.
Learn new vocabulary words to begin the journey into the Spanish language. Learn terms for weather, months, days, animals, clothes, y mucho más! Class conducted via the Zoom Application. Register by Nov. 7 to receive the Zoom meeting link. Instructor: Paula Harris Guerra.
Before/After School
REC Connect
°The REC Connect Before & After School programs have filled for the 2022-2023 school year. Any additional completed registration packets received will be added to a waitlist. All registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to space availability. The program runs Monday-Friday though the end of the school year. The Before School program is offered 7 a.m. until school starts; the After School runs school dismissal until 6 p.m. Programs are closed in observance of holidays. Program operating hours are subject to change based on WJCC school operating hours. For more information, call 757-259-5351.
°The Before & After School Program at James River Elementary School is now being operated by the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula for the 2022-23 school year. For information on their program, visit bagclub.com. To register, call Ms. Lauren at 757-505-8825.
°The Teens on Point (T.O.P) Middle School After School Program will not be offered during the 2022-23 School Year.
Health/Wellness
Family Zumba – Fall Fun: Dance Fitness (80’s/90’s) • Ages 5+ FREE! NEW!
Friday, Nov. 11, 5-6 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
If you’re looking for something fun and healthy to do with your family, this is it! Family Zumba gives you and your family a chance to be active together. One Friday each month will be a different fall theme. Exciting music with easy-to-follow movements, makes a perfect fitness class while having fun! Space is limited; registration required.
Find Your Style Yoga • Ages 14+ FREE! NEW!
Three sessions offered!
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 7:15-8:15 p.m. - Gentle-mat
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7:15-8:15 p.m. - Flexibility
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 7:15-8:15 p.m. - Strength
James City County Recreation Center
Whether you’re looking for a practice to provide a sweaty workout, attracted to the restorative benefits, searching for an experience, or needing relief from back pain—your discovery is here. Try one or a sampler to find what works best for you! All levels welcome.
Learn to Row • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, Nov. 5, 10-10:45 a.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.
For the Love of Nature – Holiday Mindfulness • Ages 14+
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 6-7:15 p.m.
$8
Freedom Park
Celebrate the love of the outdoors next to a warm fire. Join us for this hybrid class in shifting your brain from activity to meditation. The first portion of this class is a vinyasa practice - to warm you up. The last 30 minutes will be Yoga Nidra, guiding you through a detailed gentle approach to the practice, emphasizing stabilization and active stretching.
Turkey Burn 2022 • Ages 14+
Monday-Saturday, Nov. 21-Nov. 26
Various locations
It’s time to create a new, fun and healthy holiday tradition! We’ve created our very own “turkey burn!” While we’re all incredibly grateful - let's honor this with calorie burn, gratitude and fun. Please call 757-259-4176 for more information.
Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, Nov. 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. New trail location each month.
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.
Drumming for Wellness • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 5:30-7 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
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 needed. All instruments provided. Parent must register with child.
Techniques of Meditation • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 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.
Therapeutic Recreation
Teensational Socials: Kickball Games • Ages 13-21 with Disabilities FREE!
Friday, Nov. 4, 4:30-6 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Meet at the outdoor baseball fields at Recreation Center for some friendly kickball games. Provided in collaboration with Capernaum. For more information or to register for an activity, contact Anna Steiner at wrighta2stu18@gmail.com.
Yoga • Ages 13+ with Disabilities FREE!
Tuesdays, Nov. 29, 7-8:30 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. Provided 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.
Outdoors
Hike the Falls Series: Great Falls Park • Ages 12+ NEW!
Friday, Nov. 4, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
$35
James City County Recreation Center
Great Falls Park is a small National Park in McLean, VA. The Patowmack Canal Trail is an out-and-back trail along one of the first canals built in the United States. This trail is rated as easy/ intermediate. Participants aged 15 & younger must be accompanied by an adult. Please pack lunch.
Freedom Park Full Moon Hikes: Frost Moon • All Ages FREE!
Tuesday, Nov. 8; park closes at 6 p.m.
Freedom Park
Come explore the PARK AFTER DARK during the full moon each month through December! During this self-guided hike, Freedom Park will stay open late, past sunset, on select nights. After sunset, visitors may only use Multiuse Trail 3; the full moon hikes are a walking loop that start and end along this trail which is a one-mile, paved ADA-compliant trail winding through wooded forest and the Colby Swamp. Users must depart the park by 6 p.m. and must stay on Trail 3 after sunset. No registration required. Weather permitting.
Trackless Train Rides • All Ages FREE! NEW!
Saturday, Nov. 12, 2-4 p.m.
Freedom Park
James City County’s newest adventure, a Trackless Train, is coming to a stop near you! Named the Kiwanis Kids Train, the train will be making special appearances in County parks this fall. The locomotive features four cars – an engine, coal car and two passenger cars as well as door locks, seat belts, lighting, PA system and a smoke system. The train is a partnership between Parks & Recreation and three local branches of the Kiwanis Club to provide year-round, family friendly entertainment at designated County and Kiwanis special events. The train is on track for a fall of fun, catch a ride and then stay to enjoy the amenities that these parks have to offer! For more information, call 757-259-5360 or visit us online. Weather permitting.
Special Events
Live Well Expo • Ages 55+ FREE!
Thursday, Nov. 3, 9-11:30 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Free preventive health screenings including vision, hearing, cholesterol and blood pressure checks available! Participants will learn about senior services available in the community such as nutrition, home health care, social and recreational services. This free annual event is designed for ages 55+ and their caregivers. Call 757-259-4178 for more information.
Bike the Bridge • All Ages
Saturday, Nov. 19, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Jamestown Beach Event Park
$25
Compete in the third annual Bike the Bridge event! Ride the Virginia Capital Trail with various length options of 15, 25 and 50 mile routes. Light refreshments at rest stops, a T-shirt and lunch are provided with rider registration. Registration closes Wednesday, Nov. 2, noon. For details and to register, visit runsignup.com/bikethebridge.
Santa Calling • Ages 9 & Younger
Tuesday, Dec. 6 • 5:45-8 p.m.
Register by Nov. 29!
Santa Calling returns for children ages 9 and younger living in James City County and Williamsburg! Arrangements have been made with the North Pole for Santa and/or Mrs. Claus to personally call each child on the phone who returns their completed form by Tuesday, Nov. 29. Santa & Mrs. Claus will attempt to call children between 5:45-8 p.m.; however, specific call times cannot be guaranteed due to their holiday schedule. Registration forms are available at the Recreation Centers, Satellite Services in Toano, Freedom Park Interpretive Center, Chickahominy Riverfront Park and online at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation.
Sports
Introduction to Pickleball • Ages 18+ FREE!
Saturday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m.-12:30 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 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 at least one week in advance of start date.
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!
Closures
Maintenance
The James City County Recreation Center will be closed for annual maintenance Monday, Nov 14-Sunday, Nov. 20. The Center will reopen on Monday, Nov. 21. Maintenance projects include annual floor resurfacing in the gym, racquetball courts and fitness studio, and cleaning and repainting the main entrance. Major projects include replacement of two rooftop HVAC units above the gym, which will affect two boilers and many controllers. This project begins Nov. 7 and access to hot water will be affected while work is in progress. If you have questions or need more information, call 757-259-4200.
Thanksgiving Holiday
°The James City County Recreation Center and the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24. The facilities reopen Friday, Nov. 25 on normal schedule.
°All County parks remain open throughout the holidays. However, some parks have stores/offices which will be closed. The stores/offices at Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Little Creek Reservoir Park, Freedom Park and the James City County Marina will be closed Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. For more information, call 757-259-4200 or visit https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3257/Holiday-Closures. #jccparksrec
Inclement Weather/Cancellations
All Outdoor Events are weather permitting. Before heading out, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedules.
Program Sites
Freedom Park/Interpretive Center, 5537 Centerville Road
Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Powhatan Creek Trail, 3131 Ironbound Road
Veterans Park, 3793 Ironbound Road
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov; 757-259-5415