After 50 years of use, it's time to replace Bow Creek Recreation Center. At a public meeting on January 11, we revealed the proposed site plans, floor plans and conceptual renderings for the recreation center. The new center will be about 66,000 square feet (it currently stands at about 37,000 square feet) and will include an expanded pool with play components and lap lanes, a 2-court indoor gymnasium, more fitness spaces, a larger weight room, childcare classrooms and a playground.  

Originally constructed in the 1960s as a club house for a private country club and golf course, the city acquired the property in 1975. At that time, the golf course was opened to the public, and the club house was converted into a recreation center. In 1991, the outdoor pool was enclosed for year-round use, and the facility was expanded to 36,782 square feet to incorporate an indoor gymnasium and locker rooms. The decision to modernize was based on increased recreation center utilization and a 2009 condition assessment study that rated the overall condition as "poor."  

In September 2012, after the new Williams Farm Recreation Center opens, Bow Creek Recreation Center will be closed. Demolition and construction of the new center will begin soon after and will continue over a period of two years. The golf course will remain open during this time, and the new Bow Creek Recreation Center is scheduled to open to the public in the fall of 2014.

Learn more about this project and tell us what you think about the plans for Bow Creek.  

Sand Football: February 1-10 | Softball: February 20-March 9 | City-Wide Athletics Office     

Adult Spring Softball

Registration: Feb 20 - March 9 | $500/team
 
Play ball! Men's, Women's, Co-Ed and Men's Legends (50 & Over) softball leagues are offered. Practices begin April 2 and the season will run from the end of April through late July. Each team consists of a maximum of 20 players. Games are held at various ball fields throughout the city.   

Adult Spring Coed Sand Football

Registration: Feb 1-10 | $675/team
 
Love to play football? Like the beach? Give sand football a try this spring! Gather up your friends and put together a team of up to 15 players for this coed 6 on 6 flag football league. Games consist of two 40-minute halves and are played on the beach at 25th Street on Sunday mornings. The season runs from March to May.  

A few notes about registration:

• Registration is taken on a team basis at the City-Wide Athletics Office (4001 Dam Neck Road)
• Each team pays a franchise fee at registration
• Participants must be 18 years old or a graduating senior 
• Register early! Leagues are subject to close-out prior to the last day of signups

Saturday, February 11 | 11 am - 3 pm | Kempsville Recreation Center 

Ever wondered if you could shoot a bow and arrow and hit your target? This is your chance to find out! Visit us at Kempsville Recreation Center on Saturday, February 11 between 11 am and 3 pm for our free Archery Demo Day.

This open house style event provides you with the opportunity to learn how to properly shoot a bow and arrow. We'll teach you the techniques and give you plenty of practice time to hone your skills. All equipment will be provided. Archery Demo Day is open to everyone age 6 and up, but children under 16 must have a parent present.

If you have already had your hands on a bow and are looking for more, consider our Intro 2 Archery or Intermediate Archery classes in March. These 4 week classes are only $59 per person (ages 10 and up).