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Parks & Recreation Newsletter | November 2014 | VBgov.com/parks
Winter Catalog Available Dec 6 

Don't spend the winter couch surfing! We've got plenty of activities going on even as the temperatures drop. From fitness and dancing to swimming and special events, everyone can stay active and have fun!

 

Want to learn to swim? Our indoor pools offer lessons for all ages and abilities. Prefer the outdoors? Our Family Nite Hikes continue all winter long, allowing you the chance to explore various parks and natural areas in Virginia Beach after dark.

 

Look for the Winter Programs & Activities Catalog to be posted online by 9 am, Saturday, December 6, with registration beginning at the same time.

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Cooking for Thanksgiving? Exercise in the Kitchen!

Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a dish or two as a contribution to the meal, you may find yourself tucked away in the kitchen tomorrow while things cook. Being the chef doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your workout; grab a couple of old dish rags and try the exercises detailed below and in this video tutorial.

  1. 20 Sliding Reverse Lunges - With each foot on a separate towel, alternate sliding one leg back and dropping into your lunge position. Pull the rear leg back to your starting position and repeat with the other leg.
  2. 10 Sliding Push-Ups - Assume push-up position, either on your knees or toes, with your hands on towels. Lower yourself into the bottom position while sliding one arm forward. Push back up to starting position and pull arm back to starting position. Repeat on the other side.
  3. 15 Knee Tucks or Pikes - Resume push-up position, this time with towels under your toes. Keeping your upper body stable, slide your towels along the ground to bring both knees in toward your chest. Push them back out again to the starting position and repeat. For a harder variation, keep your legs as straight as possible when you slide them in.
  4. 1-Minute Mountain Climbers - Start with the same set up as the knee tucks, except here you'll alternate bringing one knee at a time into your chest, as quickly as you can. Keep your shoulders over your hands, and keep your upper body as stationary as you can.
Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
Help a Child and Spread Some Holiday Cheer

If you'll be out shopping this weekend, consider picking up an extra gift to donate to Toys for Tots. This year, all Virginia Beach Community Recreation Centers are accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys for children age 1-11. All donations are welcome with the exception of weapon-type toys like Nerf guns, swords and play guns. Your donation will stay right here in our community to help a local child have a happier holiday season!
Save the Date for Our Open House!
Saturday, January 3 | All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers

TRX If you've been thinking about joining our recreation centers, but aren't sure what we have to offer, this is your chance to try it all for FREE! For our current members, this is a great opportunity to bring friends and family to experience the fun! PLUS, you can enter to win a $150 Parks & Recreation gift card!

 

In addition to a weekend of free access to all Virginia Beach Recreation Centers, we're offering a ton of exciting activities for all ages, including:

  • Facility Tours
  • Fitness Demos
  • Youth Games & Tournaments
  • Bounce Houses & Pool Floats
  • Sports Clinics & Contests
A schedule of activities will be made available at VBgov.com/SpecialEvents

Registration is Open for Winter Wildlife Festival

2015 Winter Wildlife Festival | February 5-8, 2015

Registration has begun for our 2015 Winter Wildlife Festival! This annual event provides unique opportunities to witness winter wildlife throughout Virginia Beach. The festival will be held February 5-8 and will feature educational workshops, outdoor excursions, children's activities and an exhibit hall at Great Neck Recreation Center. 

 

Accomplished birder and renowned wildlife photographer, Kevin Karlson (pictured) will be the keynote speaker and guest trip leader. Karlson has come up with a new technique for identifying birds in the field. As detailed in his book Birding By Impression, the approach focuses on basic impressions of size, shape and body motion as well as comparisons to other birds. Karlson will lead two sessions on the topic in addition to an Advanced Flight & Action Photography workshop. He will also deliver an inspirational keynote address on Friday, February 6 at Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library entitled Visions: Earth's Elements in Birds and Nature Photography based off his forthcoming book by the same title. 

 

For more information and to register, visit VBgov.com/WinterWildlife.

Give the Gift of Recreation!

Gift Card

Simplify your shopping this year with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation gift cards! Gift cards can be purchased in any amount that the recipient can use towards an annual membership, swimming lessons, dance classes, tennis programs, personal training sessions, pottery classes, fitness programs and much more! Forget long lines at the mall, wondering which toys he already has or which size she wears, and give a gift with endless possibilities! Stop by any recreation center to purchase, and give the gift of recreation!
Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures

Bow Creek Recreation Center is closed for a long-term modernization project.

 

All Virginia Beach Recreation Centers, Owl Creek Tennis Center, and administrative offices will be closed on November 27-28 for Thanksgiving. Parks will be closed on November 27 only.

 

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 you or 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.