Come discover the power of play! Park and recreation services are vital to communities - from protecting open space and natural resources, to helping fight obesity, to providing activities and resources for all ages and interests. Park and Recreation Month encourages everyone to reflect on the exponential value parks and recreation bring to your community. Check below for our list of activities scheduled this month, and come out and play! For the complete list of programs, activities, events and for more information on our parks and facilities, see our Summer 2021 Activity Brochure. For more fun, follow us on Facebook as we celebrate both July and the 40th Anniversary of James City County Parks & Recreation! #jccparksrec
Arts & Special Interest Classes
Oil Painting • Ages 16+
Two Sessions:
Tuesdays, July 6-Aug.31, 1-3 p.m.
Wednesdays, July 7-Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-noon
$100/session
James City County Recreation Center
Beginner and experienced painters welcome. Students receive individual instruction based on skill level. Join us to create your own masterpiece while making new friends. Students provide own supplies. For the list, call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com. Instructor: Anne Kushnick.
Pastels • Ages 16+
Wednesdays, July 7-Sept 1, 1-3 p.m.
$100
James City County Recreation Center
Learn how to use this versatile and fun medium to create portraits and landscapes. Students provide own supplies. For the list, call 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com. Instructor: Anne Kushnick.
Acrylic Painting • Ages 16+
Thursdays, July 8-Sept. 2, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
$100
James City County Recreation Center
Join us to create your own masterpiece while making new friends. If you've never picked up a brush or have some skills in acrylics, this class is for you. Students provide own supplies. For the list, contact 757-220-3755 or email annekushnick@gmail.com. Instructor: Anne Kushnick.
Before/After School & Summer Camp
REC Connect/T.O.P
REC Connect and Teens On Point (T.O.P) are still accepting registrations for both Summer Camp 2021 and the Before & After School 2021-22 programs. Registration packets are available for download at REC Connect/Teens on Point (T.O.P) website or for pickup at the James City County Recreation Center and Abram Frink Jr. Community Center.
Camps
Need camps?! We’ve got outdoor adventures, arts and pottery, sports, cooking, science and language, camps for youth with disabilities, just to name a few! Full day to half day options all summer long. For the complete list, check us out at We've Got Summer Camps!
Health & Wellness
Gait Analysis • Ages 10+ Free!
Saturday, July 24, 10 a.m.-noon
James City County Recreation Center
What could be more basic than walking and running? Local sports chiropractor Dr. Daniel Shaye of Performance Chiropractic will be performing FREE gait analysis. You may learn why your knee hurts, or your back, or your hip – you may even catch injuries before they happen! Please wear shorts and a tank type shirt for the best analysis. Call 757-259-4176 to schedule your time slot.
Learn to Row • Ages 14+ Free!
Saturday, July 10, 3-4 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Have you ever wanted to try what many call “one of the most efficient forms of exercise?” Have you ever wanted to learn the proper technique of rowing? Now is your chance! Join us for a free Introduction to Indoor Rowing using our indoor rowing machines (ergs). Unlike most activities, rowing incorporates the use of your legs, core and upper body. We’ll focus step-by-step on proper form so that you can learn and appreciate this complete full-body, low-impact, lifelong exercise.
Indoor Cycle 101 • Ages 14+ Free!
Saturday, July 17, 10-10:45 a.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Indoor cycling classes can be overwhelming to jump into – music, seat settings, resistance level and to clip or not to clip. We’re here to help! Proper bike set-up can make or break your class experience and keep you injury-free. This intro class will teach you all you need to know to enter the “spin” world. Put things in full gear with our awesome tunes, control over resistance and speed and overall intensity. No bike experience needed.
Kettlebells for Mobility, Flexibility and Strength • Ages 14+
Monday, July 19, 10-10:45 a.m.
$5
James City County Recreation Center
Keeping an eye on your joint mobility and increasing the range in your joints will have a large impact on your health. This class will guide you through the basics of kettlebell movement, range of motion and strength.
Drumming for Wellness • Ages 16+
Wednesdays, July 7-28, 6-7 p.m.
$35
Freedom Park
This workshop uses the drum and the voice as a modality to practice mindfulness. Students will learn basic drumming and meditation techniques, and participate in drum circles and sound immersions to experience the use of drums and sound in ritual, ceremony and recreation. No musical experience necessary! All instruments provided. Parent must register with child.
Techniques of Meditation • Ages 16+ Free!
Wednesday, July 7, 7-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or brand new, all are welcome to this open community meditation practice. We’ll explore different styles of meditation techniques as well as tools that aid the meditative process. You’ll be guided in and out of each session. Meditation can improve your physical, emotional and mental health and well-being.
Outdoors
Outdoor Pools & Splash Pad
The County’s two outdoor pools and splash pad are open for the summer! For locations, operating hours, fees and services offered, visit our outdoor pools page.
Explore Powhatan Creek by Kayak • Ages 16+ Free!
Tuesday, July 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Powhatan Creek Park
Learn about the natural and historic resources of Powhatan Creek and the James River. Offered in partnership with the James River Association. Registration required by visiting https://thejamesriver.org/whats-happening/connect-with-the-james/. Paddle craft, paddles and personal flotation devices provided.
Campfire Social • All Ages/Families Free!
Two nights offered!
Saturday, July 10, 7-8 p.m.
Saturday, July 24, 7-8 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Come celebrate summer with a good old-fashioned campfire gathering at Chickahominy Riverfront Park! Enjoy s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire overlooking beautiful Gordon Creek. An adult must accompany children.
Plants of Upper Powhatan by Canoe • Ages 16+ Free!
Monday, July 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Powhatan Creek Park
With a specific focus on the native flora of Powhatan Creek, participants will learn about the natural and historic resources of Powhatan Creek and the James River. Offered in partnership with the James River Association. Registration required by visiting The James River Association online. Paddle craft, paddles and personal flotation devices provided.
Forest Explorer Fridays • All Ages/Families Free!
Friday, July 23, 5:30-7 p.m.
Freedom Park
Topic: Butterflies! Join us as we explore the Williamsburg Botanical Garden for the different species of butterfly that call the park home. Join us on the third Friday of each month to explore the plants and animals that live in James City County parks.
Special Events
July 4 Celebration at the Pools • All Ages
Sunday, July 4, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Pool fees apply.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park & Upper County Park
Beat the heat by visiting one of our two outdoor pools – Chickahominy Riverfront Park and Upper County Park. FREE ice pops to everyone entering the pool (while supplies last). The County’s outdoor pools and splash pad are open through Labor Day! For details including operating hours, fees and services offered, visit our outdoor pools page online.
Movies Under the Stars • All Ages/Families Free!
Friday, July 16, 8:30 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Enjoy some of the great box office titles out under the sky! Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks. We’ll bring the stars! An adult must accompany children 12 and younger. Scheduled feature: Goonies PG. Movies subject to change.
Family Splash Party at the Pools • All Ages Free!
Saturday, July 17, 6-9 p.m.- Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Saturday, July 31, 6-9 p.m. - Upper County Park
We’re hosting two free family nights at the pools. Join us for games, prizes and fun! Children age 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. For more information on the outdoor pools, visit our outdoor pools page online.
Sports
Introduction to Pickleball • Ages 18+ Free! New!
Thursday, July 22, 6-7:30 p.m.
Veterans Park
Get introduced to one of the nation’s fasting growing sports—pickleball! If you didn’t already know, pickleball is a paddlesport that combines badminton, tennis and table tennis and is played on smaller tennis courts. Join local USA Pickleball Ambassador, Jeff Anthony, as he introduces the basic rules and playing fundamentals. All equipment is provided and all participants will be required to follow the current safety and health guidelines. Preregistration is required by July 15.
Contact Us
Unless otherwise noted, please visit us online or call 757-259-4200 for more details and registration information. For the complete list of Parks & Recreation activities, programs and events, check out our Summer 2021 Activity Brochure.
Inclement Weather
All outdoor events are weather permitting. Before heading out, please call the activities hotline at 757-259-3232 any changes in schedules.
Program Sites
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov; 757-259-5415