Parks & Recreation invites you to a season of fun – we’ve got a variety of programs, events and activities for all ages, interests and abilities. Overten special events are planned to connect community – and we encourage you to take advantage of the many unique amenities in our two recreation centers and in our parks. New offerings include historical programs, a healthy eating nutrition course for teens, a sensory Easter egg hunt, Tai Chi for beginners and learning the basics to becoming a swim training instructor in time for summer! Learn more about our great spring break camps and look for a special feature on the benefits of Group Fitness. Our special events – new and your returning favorites – are listed below! Check out the Winter/Spring Activity Brochure for the full schedule of programs available through March!
Upcoming Special Events & Programs
Family Health Fair • All Ages & Abilities FREE!
Saturday, Jan. 28 • 9 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
Join The Arc of Greater Williamsburg at the James City County Recreation Center and learn about the health resources our community has to offer you and your family! Enjoy activities for all ages, healthy recipes and cooking demonstrations, giveaways, nutrition workshops and Zumba and Yoga demonstrations. If interested in presenting as a vendor or you would like more information, please email Pam McGregor at pam.mcgregor@thearcgw.org.
Freedom: The Hands that Built History Tour • All Ages
Saturday, Feb. 11 • 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
$5/person; ages 3 and younger Free
Freedom Park
Commemorate Black History Month by taking a step back in time. This impactful event will pay tribute to the generations of African Americans whose hard work, talents and skills built this nation. The tour will also highlight how black slaves struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society – essentially winning their freedom. The guided tour of the Free Black Settlement will start at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center. Along the way, experience stories of hardship and triumph detailed by Dylan Pritchett, a Virginia Black Storyteller. Meet African American artisans who will demonstrate woodworking and white oak basket weaving (available for purchase) just as it was done centuries ago. Registration required; you’ll choose one of the four tour timeslots. Hot beverages included in registration.
Campfire Social • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, March 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Come celebrate spring weather with a good old-fashioned campfire gathering at Chickahominy Riverfront Park! Enjoy s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire overlooking beautiful Gordon Creek.
Fido Fest • All Ages
Saturday, March 25 • 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Jamestown Beach Event Park
$5/car (cash or check only)
Grab the leash and get to the park with your furry friend for a fun time! Family and dog-friendly activities, entertaining demos, games, contests, fabulous food ($) and community vendors will also be present. Co-sponsor:Heritage Humane Society.
Camping Under the Stars • All Ages
Saturday, April 8, 2-5 p.m. $25
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Pitch your tent or borrow one of ours and spend the night camping! The instructional program will be held on Saturday, 2-5 p.m. We’ll show you the basics of camping including how to set up your tent, how to hammock camp, build a campfire and learn to cook on a campfire. Afterwards, stay the night at our campground (included in the fee).
Freedom Park Full Moon Hikes • All Ages FREE!
Snow Moon: Sunday, Feb. 5, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Worm Moon: Tuesday, March 7, 6-7 p.m.
Pink Moon: Thursday, April 6, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Freedom Park
Come explore the PARK AFTER DARK during the full moon! During these self-guided hikes, Freedom Park will stay open late, past sunset, on select nights. After sunset, visitors may use Multiuse Trail 3 only; 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 the closing time listed and must stay on Trail 3 after sunset. No registration required. Weather permitting.
History Programs • All Ages FREE!
Join us at Freedom Park for historical programs based upon much of the unique history that the park has to offer. No registration required.
° Food Preservation & Preparation
Saturday, Feb. 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
How did you feed your family in a time before supermarkets and online shopping? See how residents of the Free Black Settlement of 1807 would have preserved and prepared foods during the harsh winter months.
° Schooling
Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
When William Ludwell Lee freed his slaves in 1806, his will provided the opportunity for those age 18 and younger to receive an education. What would they have learned? Join us at Freedom Park for an interactive, hands-on school day for adults and children.
Summer Camp Fair • All Ages FREE!
Sunday, April 16 • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
The one-stop shop for families planning summer activities! Find out about local and regional summer camps, programs and more for all ages! Register onsite for camps or gather information to take home. Giveaways, games, goodie bags and more! Offered in partnership with WilliamsburgFamilies.com. For more information, please contact Kristy Maynor at kristy.wf@gmail.com or Olivia Bada at olivia@Williamsburgfamilies.com.
New Town Tunes • All Ages FREE!
Wednesdays, May 3-24 • 5:30-8 p.m.
Sullivan Square (behind Legacy Hall) in New Town
Come enjoy the spring concert series in the heart of New Town! Enjoy local food ($) and drinks ($) while enjoying a variety of musical artists. Lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and pets allowed. Look for weekly band information beginning April 1 in the local media. Gates open at 5 p.m. Co-hosted by New Town and CultureFix.
Registration
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. Copies of the brochure can be downloaded or picked up at the James City County Recreation Center, the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, the Satellite Services Office in Toano, the Freedom Park Interpretive Center, County park offices, all public County government offices and the James City County and Williamsburg libraries.
*All outdoor events are weather permitting. Please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 for any changes in schedule.
Program Sites
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road
Sullivan Square (behind Legacy Hall), 4301 New Town Avenue
Parks & Recreation Annual Report Online!
Check out the 2022 Annual Report which highlights Parks & Recreation and community achievements in serving and meeting the needs of our citizens and visitors.
