Aquatics
Rec Racers
Tuesdays/Thursdays, Jan. 10-Feb. 16
Level 1 • Ages 7-10: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Level 2 • Ages 11-14: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
$120/session
James City County Recreation Center
Rec Racers is a program for children who have participated on a swim team during the summer and want to continue swimming without committing to travel clubs.
Registration Requirements:
*Participant has been on a swim team
*Ability to swim 25 yards continuously in all competitive strokes except butterfly (Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke)
Arts & Special Interest
Our Littlest Fan’s Favorites Art Class • Ages 18 months-6 years NEW!
Thursdays, Jan. 26-Feb. 16, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
$70
James City County Recreation Center
Packed with fan favorites, we’ll cover papier mache bowls, glow-in-the-dark projects and clay masterpieces. Dress for mess and come create with your child. A caregiver must accompany children. Instructor: KidCreate Studio.
Success 101: Reaching Your Goals for Middle School-ers • Ages 11-13 NEW!
Tuesdays, Jan. 24-March 7 (no class Feb. 14), 6-7 p.m.
$105
James City County Recreation Center
Middle school students can learn goal setting and develop building blocks for self-confidence through personality awareness and use of self-empowerment tools for success in high school and beyond. Instructor: Kimberly Matthews (Certified Master Life Coach).
Oil Painting • Ages 16+
Two sessions offered:
Tuesdays, Jan. 3-March 21, 1-3 p.m.
Wednesdays, Jan. 4-March 22, 10 a.m.-noon
$125/session
James City County Recreation Center
Join a community of local painters to explore and practice oil painting techniques. Students should have some experience painting in oils. Students provide own supplies. For a list of supplies, please contact the instructor at 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com. Instructor: Anne Kushnick.
Pastels • Ages 16+
Wednesdays, Jan. 4-March 22, 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 a list of supplies, please contact the instructor at 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com. Instructor: Anne Kushnick.
What’s New in DNA and Genealogy for Family Research • Ages 16+ FREE! VIRTUAL!
Tuesdays, Jan. 10-24, 5:15-6 p.m.
Want to improve your genealogy skills? Explore new discoveries in DNA and Genealogy to make family research more accurate. Acquire more history skills and understand the world in which ancestors lived. Class conducted via the Zoom application. Register by Jan. 3 to receive the Zoom meeting link. Instructor: Paula Harris Guerra.
Before/After School
- All 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 – Winter Wonderland • Ages 5+ FREE! NEW!
Friday, Jan. 27, 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 getting fit and having fun! Space is limited; registration required.
Kids Bounce • Ages 8-13 NEW!
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 5-5:45 p.m.
$5
James City County Recreation Center
This mini trampoline class is a unique experience for kids to burn energy and enjoy their own fitness class. There is something magical about bouncing on a trampoline that kids find incredibly engaging. They’ll enjoy 45 minutes of exciting bounce fitness to fun music.
Gait Analysis • Ages 10+ FREE!
Saturday, Jan. 14, 9-11 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
What could be more essential 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.
Eating for your Best Life • Ages 12+ FREE!
Thursday, Jan. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Join Registered Dietitian Stephanie Militano, MS, RD, CSSD and learn about the specific foods that support a joyful, healthy long life. The power of a healthy lifestyle cannot be ignored. Develop your own personalized plan to begin yours.
Yoga for Arthritis and Joint Health • Ages 14+
Wednesday, Jan. 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
$8
James City County Recreation Center
This 1.5-hour workshop will work all the major joints gently and systematically through a full and natural range of motions to enhance joint mobility and reduce pain and stiffness. You’ll go home with practices to add to your everyday life!
Bounce & Barre • Ages 14+
Wednesday, Jan. 11, 6-6:45 p.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 and 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.
Intro to Yoga • Ages 14+
Saturdays, Jan. 21, 28 & Feb. 4, 1-3 p.m.
$30 (all three days)
James City County Recreation Center
If you’ve always wanted to step into a group yoga class but haven’t, this three-week workshop is for you! We'll break down the poses, and you can ask as many questions as you need!
Learn to Row • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturday, Jan. 21, 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.
Tai Chi for Beginners • Ages 14+ FREE! NEW!
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 5-6 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Get introduced to the basic elements of Tai Chi. We’ll cover joint loosening exercises, breathing techniques, and other fundamental exercises. The practice of Tai Chi involves various postures, weight shifting and energy patterns, with an emphasis on balance, centering and brain health.
Drumming for Wellness • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, Jan. 25, 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 can 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.
Inclusion & Therapeutic Recreation
Teensational Socials: Cookie Decorating • Ages 13-21 with Disabilities FREE!
Saturday, Jan. 28, 2-4 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Enjoy an afternoon of making sweet treats and having fun with friends! Explore, Engage, Excel... socialize with peers and practice social skills through fun recreational activities and field trips in the community. Offered in partnership with Capernaum. For more information and a complete schedule of events, email Anna Steiner at annawsteiner@gmail.com.
Sensory Friendly Movie Night • All Ages & Abilities
Friday, Jan. 20, 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 Jan. 13. For more information, please call 757-259-5354.
Family Health Fair • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, Jan. 28, 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
Join The Arc of Greater Williamsburg and learn about the health benefits that our community has to offer to you and your family! Enjoy activities for all ages, healthy recipes and cooking demonstrations, giveaways, nutrition workshops and Zumba and Yoga demonstrations. For more information or to become a vendor, please call Pam McGregor at 757-229-3535.
Yoga • Ages 18+ FREE!
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 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. 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.
Sports
Esports Winter Season Registration • Ages 8-18
Youth Division: Ages 8-12
Teen Division: Ages 13-18
$50/person
Register by Jan. 10 for our GGLeagues winter season; season starts Jan. 24 for six weeks. GGLeagues is an esports tournament organizer who organizes gaming tournaments at the local and statewide levels. Become the GGLeagues champion and win prizes! For more information about GG Leagues, please visit ggleagues.com.
Special Events
New Year’s Day in the Park • All Ages FREE!
Sunday, Jan. 1, 1-2:30 p.m.
Freedom Park
What better way to warm up on a winter day than spending time by the fire and enjoying a cup of hot chocolate? The park will host you and your friends and family for a hot chocolate bar with plenty of fun toppings and add-ins, an outdoor fire and a self-guided walk along a kid-friendly storybook trail. While you’re in the park, visit one of the multiuse trails to get in your First Day Hike! Registration not required; hot chocolate available while supplies last.
Fitness Open House • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, Jan. 14, 9-11 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
It will soon be a new year and time for a new healthy routine! Meet our instructors, reserve a spot for demo classes and receive information on all that James City County Health & Wellness has to offer. Please call 757-259-4176 for more information.
2023 Hit the Reset Virtual 5K Run/Walk • All Ages
Jan. 14 – March 25
$25; register by Jan. 31 and save – only $20
It’s time to put 2022 in the past and HIT THE RESET! We are racing into 2023 with positive resolutions—let’s move in a forward direction together! Join James City County Parks & Recreation for their second annual virtual 5K! You can complete this virtual 3.1 mile run/walk anywhere, with anyone, at any time. Complete within these dates and submit online. Race registration includes a commemorative medal and shirt. JCC has some of the most beautiful trails in the state of Virginia. If you choose to run your 5K on one of our trails, submit your location photo and every participant will receive an extra entry into our raffle. Registration closes on March 10 at 10 p.m. To register, visit runsignup.com/hitthereset. Please call 757-259-4176 for more information.
To register for all programs (unless otherwise noted), visit us online or call 757-259-4200. For the complete list of Parks & Recreation activities, programs and event, check out our seasonal brochure! Look for the release of the Winter/Spring 2023 Destination Recreation Activity Brochure in mid-January!
Holiday Closures
- The James City County Recreation Center will close at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. The James City County Recreation Center and the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center will be closed New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.
- 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 New Year’s Day. For more information, call 757-259-4200 or visit holiday closures.
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.
Inclement Weather Policy
During periods of inclement weather, the James City County Recreation Center and the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center follow the same opening and closing procedures as James City County government offices. If County offices are closed, both Centers are closed. If the County has a delayed opening or an early closing, both Centers will open or close accordingly. During closures, classes and activities held in the facilities are canceled. During weather-related incidents, please look for the latest information through County-wide communication outlets.
You can:
• Sign up for JCC Alert to have the latest closure and reopening information delivered directly to you via phone, text or email. Visit https://jamescitycountyva.gov/3276/JCC-Alert to take advantage of the feature.
• Call the James City County Recreation Center at 757-259-4200.
• Call James City County Emergency Management at 757-220-0626.
Program Sites
Freedom Park/Interpretive Center, 5537 Centerville Road
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov; 757-259-5415