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Parks & Recreation Newsletter | January 2015 | VBgov.com/parks

Spring Catalog Online February 14


If the snow and cold weather has given you a touch of the winter blues, it's a great time to think ahead to spring with our Spring Programs & Activities Catalog! The new catalog will be available online Saturday, February 14. Registration will also begin at 9 am on February 14.

Mark your calendar for summer camp registration which begins Saturday, March 14 for Rec Center and Specialty Summer Camps. Registration for School-Based Summer Camps will begin Saturday, March 28. Camp listings will appear in the Spring Catalog.
Kempsville Rec Center Closing for Replacement

Virginia Beach's oldest recreation center will close its doors at 9 pm on Friday, February 20 to make way for a newer, more modern center. Having served the community for the past 37 years, Kempsville Recreation Center is much loved, but due for some major updates. Demolition is scheduled for spring, with construction expected to begin July 2015. When the new 79,457-square-foot recreation center opens in early 2017, it will feature: 

  • Indoor pool with 
    • Zero-depth entry for younger children and water play activities
    • Six 25-meter lap lanes
    • Two 1-meter diving boards
    • Aqua track 
  • Indoor walking/jogging track
  • Fitness areas with
    • Free weights
    • Circuit weight equipment
    • Cardiovascular equipment
    • Group fitness class / dance space
  • Double gymnasium 
  • Therapeutic recreation program space
  • Two youth activity rooms
  • Three early childhood program classrooms
  • Five multipurpose rooms
  • Improved parking and pedestrian access

Concept plans and floor plans for the new Kempsville Recreation Center are available at VBgov.com/Kempsville. 

 

Want to leave your mark before Kempsville closes? Share your memories from the last 37 years on the center's designated graffiti walls. Before demolition, the writings and drawings will be captured by a photographer, and shared in a virtual photo montage on VBgov.com/Parks.

Check Out the Winter Wildlife Festival Exhibit Hall

Saturday, February 7 | 10 am - 4 pm | Great Neck Recreation Center

Stop by Great Neck Recreation Center on Saturday, February 7 between 10 am and 4 pm to check out the Winter Wildlife Festival Exhibit Hall and Walk-Up Workshops! These activities are free and open to the public, with no membership needed. Over 25 exhibitors will be present including wildlife photographers, wildlife rescue groups, local and state environmental agencies, decoy carvers and more. While you're there, you can enter to win raffle prizes and grab lunch from the onsite food truck. And for the kids, we'll have mascots, live animals and a craft corner. 

 

Plan to attend one of the free walk-up workshops which feature local biologists speaking on a variety of wildlife-related topics:

 

Black Bears 101 | 12 - 1 pm | Presenter: Pete Aker, DGIF biologist 

Fisheries in Back Bay - An Overview | 1:30 - 2:30 pm | Presenter: Chad Boyce, DGIF biologist 

Harbor Seals in Virginia Beach | 3 - 4 pm | Presenters: Virginia Aquarium Mammal Team 

 

Also, Project Green Teens will give tours of their Oyster Reef in neighboring Great Neck Park at 11 am, 1 pm and 2:30 pm. Once famous for it's oysters, the Lynnhaven River's population has declined to less than 1%. See what the teens are doing to help restore the oyster population!
Get On Target with Free Archery Demo Day!
Sunday, February 15 | 2 - 4 pm | Princess Anne Recreation Center


Fans of movies like
Brave and The Hunger Games may be inspired by Merida and Katniss to try their hand at archery. With our Archery Demo Day at Princess Anne Recreation Center, kids and adults can give it their best shot for FREE! Learn the basics about range rules, whistle commands, equipment and shooting form and see if you can hit the target with a bow and arrow. A recreation center membership or day pass is not needed for this event, so bring the family for a fun group activity. Participants must be age 6 or older.  


We are also currently registering for our winter archery classes. Clinics are available for the beginner and intermediate levels. Those who have had a basic introductory class are also eligible to sign up for our Archery Games Competition. Check out our Winter Programs & Activities Catalog for class listings. 

Gather Your Teammates for Spring Sports Leagues

Registration for our Spring Softball and Sand Football Leagues takes place next month. Gather up your friends and put a team together! Softball games are held at various ball fields throughout the city, while football games are held on the beach at 25th Street.

Adult Softball
Divisions: Men's, Women's, Coed & Men's Legends (50 & Over)
Registration: February 16 - March 6 | Team Fee: $550
Season (approximate): April 20 to late July

Adult Coed Sand Football
Registration: February 2-6 | Team Fee: $700
Season (approximate): Early March to late May

For both sports, registration is taken on a team basis at the City-Wide Athletics Office located at 4001 Dam Neck Road. Each team pays a franchise fee at registration. Participants must be 18 years old or a graduating senior. Leagues are subject to close-out prior to the last day of signups, so register early! For more information, visit VBgov.com/Sports

Please Note Our Upcoming Facility Closures

Kempsville Recreation Center will be closed beginning on Saturday, February 21 for a long-term replacement project

 

The cardio room at Bayside Recreation Center will be closed February 23 - March 6 for electrical upgrades.

 

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].