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Outdoors & Environmental Newsletter | October 2012 | VBgov.com/Parks 
Why Do Leaves Change Color? 

Autumn LeavesAs we head further into fall, we can look forward to the spectacular color show that comes with the changing seasons. Many people choose fall as their favorite season, not only for the cooler weather, but also for the beautiful colors that arise as the leaves change. Did you ever wonder why you only see these colors in the fall?
 
During the summer months, the trees are working their hardest, absorbing sunlight and using that energy to produce food. Chlorophylls are the greenish pigments responsible for photosynthesis and their color is what makes the leaves appear green.
 
Chlorophylls are not the only pigments found in leaves. There are also carotenoids and anthocyanins, which are accessory pigments, and their colors range from red to orange and yellow. As the nights lengthen in autumn, chlorophyll production slows down and then stops and eventually all the chlorophyll is destroyed. The carotenoids and anthocyanins that are present in the leaf are then able to show their colors. 
 
So, the colors you see in fall are there all along, just waiting to be unmasked!  
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Pleasure House Point 
On Friday, October 12, the ribbon was officially cut at Pleasure House Point Natural Area, celebrating the preservation of 118-acres of water, tidal marsh, sandy shores and maritime forest along the Lynnhaven River. 

Check out some photos from the event!
Join Us for the Grand Opening Celebration! 
Williams Farm Recreation Center, Park and Skate Park

Williams Farm Skate ParkJoin us to celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Williams Farm Community Recreation Center, Park and Skate Park!

The 71,000 square foot, silver LEED-certified recreation center is like none other in Virginia Beach! The indoor pool includes a water playground, 156-foot curving slide, rock climbing wall, current channel and outdoor sprayground. Other features include a large gymnasium, fitness space, cardio and weight room, indoor track, outdoor play court, multimedia area for teens, classrooms for preschool programs, and meeting rooms. The 25,000 square foot, concrete skate park (pictured) features a tiered bowl, flow park and urban skate plaza. 
 

 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Friday, October 26 | 4:00 pm

Celebrate with City officials as the ribbon is cut and the recreation center, park and skate park are opened to the public! Be one of the first to see Virginia Beach's newest facilities!

 

Grand Opening Celebration

Saturday, October 27 | 9:00 am - 4:45 pm

Join us for free admission to the recreation center and fun activities for the whole family all day long! We'll have free fitness classes, boxing & TRX� demos, youth activities & games, skate park demos, Touch a Truck in the park, and more! View the schedule of activities.

 

Free Entry to Williams Farm Recreation Center!

Want to come check out the new center? Entry is free (no membership card needed) through Friday, November 2. A membership card or day pass will be required beginning Saturday, November 3. Remember, one membership card gets you in to any Virginia Beach Recreation Center!

Free Access for Military + Family for Veteran's Day 

SoldierAs a thank you to those who have served our country, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation invites members of the military and their families to enjoy the following:


- Free admission to any Virginia Beach Recreation Center on Monday, November 12 

 

- Free outdoor tennis court usage at Owl Creek Tennis Center on Monday, November 12


- Free boat launches and parking at Lynnhaven Boat Ramp on Sunday & Monday, November 11-12


- Free boat launches and kayak/canoe rentals at Munden Point Park on Sunday & Monday, November 11-12


To take advantage of these benefits, simply show one of the following at the front desk or office: Military ID (active duty, dependent, or retired), Veterans ID, or DD214.

 

Note: All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers and Owl Creek Tennis Center will be closed on Sunday, November 11.

Recycling: Did You Know?

RecyclingEveryone talks about recycling and how important it is, but most of us just throw our items in the blue bin without giving it much more thought.

Did you know..?
  • Recycling one ton of mixed paper saves the energy equivalent of 185 gallons of gasoline
  • Recycling one ton of aluminum cans conserves more that 207 million BTUs, which is equal to 1,665 gallons of gasoline
  • Aluminum can be recycled forever with no loss of quality
  • Recycling aluminum creates 97% less water pollution than making new metal from ore
  • Every ton of glass containers recycled saves over a ton of natural resources
Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures 

 

Bow Creek Recreation Center is closed for a long-term modernization project. Expected re-opening is Fall 2014.  


All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers & Owl Creek Tennis Center
will be closed on November 11 for Veteran's Day. Administrative offices will also be closed on November 12. Parks remain open both days.

  

All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers, Owl Creek Tennis Center, administrative offices, parks & park facilities will be closed on November 22 & 23 for Thanksgiving.  

 

Don't forget that your membership is good at all 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!

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 your child requires additional support, we can help.  Learn more about our accommodation and inclusion services.
We welcome your comments and questions.  Feel free to email us at [email protected].
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Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA,
the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association.