Rendering of new Bow Creek Recreation Center

Despite a humble beginning as a club house built in the 1960s for a private country club and golf course, Bow Creek Recreation Center was embraced by the community when it opened to the public as the City's second recreation center in 1979. The outdoor pool was enclosed for year-round use in 1991, and the facility was expanded to 37,000 square feet to incorporate an indoor gymnasium and locker rooms. After serving the community for more than three decades, the existing Bow Creek Recreation Center was demolished last year to make way for a larger, more modern recreation center.

Construction is now underway on the new Bow Creek Recreation Center, which will be nearly 68,000 square feet comprised of an indoor swimming pool with play components and four 25-yard lap lanes; a 2-court indoor gymnasium; expanded fitness areas; locker rooms with family changing areas; a youth game room; early childhood care rooms with a playground; and meeting rooms. Stormwater management systems on the property will be improved to help control flooding and improve water quality.

Bow Creek Golf Course will remain open and available for play during the recreation center construction. A new pro shop is also in the works. The new recreation center and Bow Creek Neighborhood Park are anticipated to open in December 2014.

Princess Anne Commons Gateway Park is a renovation of the former Princess Anne Park site located at the corner of Princess Anne and Dam Neck roads. This park now serves as gateway to the Princess Anne Commons corridor. The renovation was completed in two phases. The first phase of the was completed in February and included a new trail system (.63 miles), restrooms, extensive tree planting and expanded parking.

Additionally, a new gateway feature was added in the first phase. The park is now home to the Light Garden sculpture by internationally-known artist Dale Eldred, which was originally located at the former Virginia Beach Pavilion. The sculpture consists of sun-refraction glass panels arranged in a clustered fashion to resemble a grove of trees. Blue lighting elements produce a cloud-like feel for night illumination. The work was acquired in 1983 and was one of the first pieces of art funded by the Percent for Art program.

The second phase of the project was completed this month and included new picnic shelters, playground equipment, and other park amenities such as benches and tables. Currently, the picnic shelters are available on a first come, first served basis.

Meadow management practices have been implemented at this park, which appear as grassy, native vegetation instead of meticulously manicured lawns. By employing these natural buffers in the park setting, the park fosters important environmental and cost-saving benefits.

Looking for a part-time job? Join our team! Have fun while you work and know that you are making a difference in your community. We're regularly hiring for these positions:

 - Lifeguards
 - Swim Instructors
 - Out-of-School Time Programs Staff
 - Park Staff
 - Recreation Center Staff
 - Fitness Class Instructors

 - Personal Trainers
 - Special Needs Support Staff
 
Position information and applications are available online at www.VBcareers4gov.com. Click on 'Search Postings' to see current openings.

September 7 & 8 | 10 am - 5 pm on Saturday & 10 am - 4 pm on Sunday | Great Neck Park 

Explore the works of over 75 artists and craftsmen during the 38th annual Artisans in the Park, Art and Craft Festival - all in the serenely secluded backdrop of Great Neck Park.

This two-day event is now in September, offering you the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy Virginia Beach's late summer weather while enjoying the local and regional artists displaying, demonstrating and selling original works of art.

A variety of art and fine craft styles are represented, including pottery, metal and glass work, photography, jewelry, drawing and paintings, and sculpture. All work is of original design.

Late applications are being accepted through August 5 for talented artists who wish to showcase their work at this event.

Stop by the Main Stage for live music throughout the weekend. Children will have an opportunity to have a free picture ID Card made on site, compliments of the Virginia Beach Mason Lodge, District 56 at Shelter #1. 

A variety of food concessionaires will be selling delicious items including, BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage, pitas and more!  Smoothies, lemonade, kettle corn and ice cream will be available too. 

Artisans in the Park has free admission and parking at Cox High School with a free shuttle to the park.