 Check Out Our Winter Programs Catalog!
Don't get stuck on the couch this winter! Take a look at our Winter Programs & Activities Catalog to find exciting classes and programs for all ages. From swimming and dancing to pottery and martial arts, everyone can learn something new or brush up on old skills.
Registration for all programs begins at 9 am on Saturday, January 7. Remember, you can register online with your barcode and PIN, or register in person at any recreation center. |
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Moving On Up! Swim League Success Stories
 When Parks and Recreation's Winter Swim League coaches say they focus on improvement, they mean it! The Winter Swim League philosophy emphasizes improvement of stroke technique and exposure to competitive swimming in a low-pressure environment. The league has been instrumental in the development of countless swimmers who have gone on to swim for their high school teams. Here are just a few of those success stories. Kevin Costner started swimming at the recreation center at age four, and joined the Princess Anne Piranhas swim team at age six. He loves swimming the breaststroke, but became proficient in all the competitive strokes as he stuck with the league from one year to the next. This year, a freshman at Ocean Lakes High School, Kevin was determined to make the swim team and attended preseason conditioning each week in order to make it. His hard work paid off and he earned a spot on the team. A year ago, November Graham decided she wanted to make her high school swim team, so she joined the Bayside Marlins swim team in an effort to start training. She attributes Bayside with teaching her some of the fundamental skills she needed, such as flip turns and the importance of streamlining. Now a freshman at Kempsville High School, November felt ready for tryouts, and was ecstatic to learn she made the team. Thomas Mattiello first developed a taste for swimming at age five when his family lived in Hawaii. Since that time, he continued swimming and joined the winter swim league, as a Seatack Shark one year and a Princess Anne Piranha the next. Thomas loves swimming the freestyle, indicating the 50-M Freestyle is his best event. This year Thomas is a freshman at Ocean Lakes High School. Though tryouts were a challenge, he is happy to have made the team. These swimmers all competed in their first high school swim meet on Friday, December 2. Congratulations and keep up the good work! |
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Youth Swim Clinics Available During Winter Break
Taking one or more of the winter swim clinics offered at our recreation centers is a great way for your child to get some stroke practice over the holiday break. The clinics are ideal for participants interested in improving their stroke technique. Swimmers must be able to swim one length of the pool (25 meters/yards) using a good basic crawl stroke with rhythmic breathing. All clinics cost $10 and are open to youth ages 6-17.
Backstroke
Great Neck | 12/27 | Tues | 6:00-7:00 pm | #101761
Breaststroke
Bayside | 12/29 | Thur | 6:00-7:00pm | #101766
Great Neck | 12/27 | Tues | 7:00-8:00 pm | #101769
Kempsville | 12/28 | Wed | 6:00-7:00 pm | #101771
Princess Anne | 12/30 | Fri | 6:00-7:00 pm | #101773
Seatack | 12/27 | Tues | 5:30-6:30 pm | #102524
Butterfly
Bayside | 12/28 | Wed | 6:00-7:00 pm | #101783
Great Neck | 12/29 | Thur | 6:00-7:00 pm | #101786
Kempsville | 12/28 | Wed | 7:00-8:00 pm | #101788
Princess Anne | 12/28 | Wed | 5:30-6:30 pm | #101790
Seatack | 12/29 | Thur | 5:30-6:30 pm | #102526
Starts and Turns
Bayside | 12/27 | Tues | 6:00-7:00 pm | #101808
Great Neck | 12/29 | Thur | 7:00-8:00 pm | #101798
Princess Anne | 12/28 | Wed | 6:30-7:30 pm | #101801
Register online using the course numbers provided or in person at any recreation center.
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Need a Gift? We've Got Gift Certificates!
 It's that time of year when we rack our brains coming up with the perfect gifts for those on our list. Simplify your shopping this year with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation gift certificates!
Our gift certificates can be purchased in any amount to be used towards a membership, personal training or classes. Your loved one can choose how to use their gift in a way that best suits them. Forget long lines at the mall, wondering which toys he already has or what size she wears, and give a gift they're sure to enjoy! Purchase gift certificates at any recreation center.
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Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures
The pool at Seatack Recreation Center will be closed for renovations until mid-December.
All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers, Owl Creek Tennis Center and staffed City Parks & Facilities will be closed on December 23, 25 & 26 and January 1, 2 & 16. They will close at noon on December 24 and at 5 pm on December 31. Neighborhood parks and canoe/kayak launches remain available for use.
Don't forget that your membership is good at all six Virginia Beach Recreation Centers! If your usual center is closed for maintenance, take the opportunity to visit another center. Use this locator to help you find one!
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Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation believes all of our diverse citizens have a right to participate in community recreation and we are committed to creating equal access for everyone who may have a challenge or barrier. If you or your child require additional support, we can help. Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.
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We welcome your comments and questions. Feel free to email us at fun@vbgov.com. |
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association. |
Which goggles are right for you? Whether you're just picking up swimming for the first time or you're thinking about trying a new type of goggle, it's important to find the right fit. Here are some of the most commonly used goggle types:
