Arts & Special Interest
Nesting Bowls • Ages 16+
Saturday & Sunday: May 20, noon-5 p.m. & Sunday, May 21, 2-5 p.m.
$60 (both sessions)
James City County Recreation Center
A good bowl is an accomplishment, but a set of graduated nesting bowls is a challenge. Accept the challenge! Learn critical techniques while creating your set. Ability to center and throw at least 4-pounds of clay on the potter’s wheel required. $20 materials fee (cash or check) due to instructor at first class. Instructor: Elizabeth Krome.
Easy Money Series: Planning for Future Needs & Investment Fundamentals • Ages 16+ FREE! NEW!
Friday, May 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
At some point, we all look at our financial situation and wonder “when can I retire” or “how can I build generational wealth?” We’ll explore investment fundamentals like compounding interest, tax-advantaged accounts, mutual funds, evaluating personal risk, and understanding fees to get you started on making your money work for you. Instructor: Luis Palacios.
Before & After School
REC Connect
Registration for REC Connect and Teens on Point Summer Camps 2023 is underway! Registration forms and program information are available for download at REC Connect or for pickup at the James City County Recreation Center or any payment site location.
Camps
For the complete list of summer camps, visit We’ve Got Camp!
Note: The Days of Discovery Summer Camp for children with disabilities is currently FULL. Applications are still being accepted as part of a wait list should cancellations occur. For more information, call 757-259-4200.
Health/Wellness
Beach Yoga • Ages 14+
Mondays, May 8-Aug. 28, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, May 10-Aug. 30, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Group fitness pass required.
Jamestown Beach Event Park
Take me to the river! A fun and informal way to experience the benefits of yoga. In this inclusive flow style class, we’ll breathe, stretch and explore how exciting our postures can be when done in the sand. Bring a yoga mat or beach towel and drinking water. Offered every Tuesday and Thursday at Jamestown Beach throughout the summer. Registration required; group fitness pass required.
Chakra Balancing Yoga Exploration • Ages 14+
Saturday, May 20, noon-2 p.m.; $8
James City County Recreation Center
Could you use a little more balance in your life? Find out how to do just that in this fun and energizing workshop. Chakras are energy centers in your body that affect you physically, emotionally and spiritually. Learn about their properties and explore postures, breathing practices and meditation techniques for each of the seven primary Chakras. All levels welcome.
Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club • Ages 14+ FREE!
Saturdays, May 13 & May 27, 9-10 a.m.
Freedom Park Multiuse Trail 3
Being active is the secret to staying healthy, and walking is a great way to get moving! Let our walking coaches guide you through the trails of James City County. Whether you bring a friend, family or meet a new neighbor you’ll have a blast while having a positive impact on your health. Offered monthly; new trail start location each month.
Indoor Cycle 101 • Ages 14+ FREE!
Tuesday, May 30, 5:30-6:15 p.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. You’ll learn in this intro class all you need 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.
Techniques of Meditation • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, May 3, 7-8 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or brand new, all are welcomed 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.
Drumming for Wellness • Ages 16+ FREE!
Wednesday, May 24, 5:30-7 p.m.
Freedom Park
We’ll use the drum and the voice as a modality to practice mindfulness. 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 needed. All instruments provided.
Group Fitness Classes • Ages 14+
Get in shape for summer! From Ageless Yoga to Zumba, you’ll find a class just for you at the James City County Recreation Center. Check out our full group fitness schedule for a complete list of the more than 60 classes offered weekly. Info: 757-259-4176.
Inclusion
Got Goo? Fun & Sticky Sensory Play! • All Ages & Abilities
Wednesday, May 24, 6:30-8 p.m.
$10/family
James City County Recreation Center
Do you like to play with slime? Have you ever painted with spaghetti? Join us for fun evenings full of yucky, messy activities. Snacks and materials provided. Bring a messy shirt. Individual sensory activities provided for each family who registers. Registration is required by May 17. Info: 757-259-5354.
Fitness Field Day • Ages 18+ with Disabilities FREE!
Tuesday, May 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Freedom Park
Join us for a fun evening of hunting “Halos,” playing games and testing your skills at a kickball tournament.
Yoga • Ages 18+ w/Disabilities FREE!
Tuesday, May 30, 7-9 p.m.
James City County Recreation Center
Move through a series of postures to allow the body to become flexible and healthy in a state of deep relaxation. Offered in partnership with The Arc of Greater Williamsburg. For more information
on yoga, upcoming events or to become a member call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org.
Outdoors
Connect with the James ● Ages 16+ FREE!
Tuesday, May 16, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 25, 5:30 p.m.
James City County Marina
Join the James River Association for a two-hour guided tour of Powhatan Creek by kayak. Participants will launch from the Marina and learn about the natural and historic resources of Powhatan Creek and the James River. Kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices provided. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle and sunscreen. Registration opens two weeks before trip date; register at https://thejamesriver.org/whats-happening/connect-with-the-james/. Register early; trips fill quickly!
Freedom Park Full Moon Hikes: Flower Moon • All Ages FREE!
Friday, May 5, 8-9 p.m.
Freedom Park
Come explore us AFTER DARK during the full moon! Freedom Park closes at sunset; however, Multiuse Trail 3 only reopens for this self-guided hike on select nights. After sunset, visitors may use Multiuse Trail 3 only, all other areas of the park are closed. The full moon hikes are a walking loop that start and end along this trail which is a one-mile, paved ADA-compliant trail winding through wooded forest and the Colby Swamp. Users must depart Multiuse Trail 3 by the closing time. No registration required. Weather permitting.
Williamsburg Botanical Garden Events • All Ages
Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m.-noon: Master Gardeners Plant Sale
Daily through May 31: Honor Box Plant Sale
Freedom Park
The Garden is FREE to visit and open daily during park hours, 7 a.m. until dusk. Look for more events at www.williamsburgbotanicalgarden.org/upcoming-events/. Cash is accepted for the Honor Box Plant Sale. Cash, credit and checks accepted for the plant sales.
Campfire Social • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, May 13, 7-8 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Come celebrate spring weather with a good old-fashioned campfire gathering at Chickahominy Riverfront Park! Enjoy s’mores, activities, storytelling and more around the campfire overlooking Gordon Creek.
Forest Explorers Friday: Critters of Greensprings • All Ages & Families FREE!
Friday, May 19, 5:30-7 p.m.
Greensprings Interpretive Trail
We’ll discuss the different reptiles that define our area and the habitats they call home. Join us on the third Friday of each month to explore the plants and animals that live in James City County parks. All programs are weather permitting.
Stargazing with NASA Skywatcher Club • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, May 20, 8-10:30 p.m.
Upper County Park
Come Stargaze with NASA Skywatcher Astronomy Club! The NASA Skywatcher Astronomy Club is offering an observing session to share their knowledge, experience and love of astronomy.
Outdoor Pools Open • All Ages
James City County’s two outdoor pools and splash pad open Memorial Day weekend. For locations, costs and operating hours, visit https://jamescitycountyva.gov/897/Outdoor-Pools
Special Events
New Town Tunes • All Ages FREE!
Wednesdays, May 3-24 from 5:30-8 p.m.
Sullivan Square, behind Legacy Hall in New Town
Join us for the spring concert series in the heart of New Town! Enjoy local food ($) and drinks ($) while listening to four tribute bands over four nights. Lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and pets welcomed! Gates open at 5 p.m. Co-hosted by New Town and CultureFix. Scheduled bands:
·May 3 – Beatlesque
A Tribute to the Beatles
·May 10 – The Michael Clark Band
R&B, Blues, Soul, Rock, Jazz, Funk
·May 17 – Bullet the Blue Sky
U2 Tribute Band
·May 24 – Lionsbridge
Roots Reggae Band
For more information, visit https://newtownwilliamsburg.com/events-news/
Bikes out of Hibernation • All Ages FREE!
Saturday, May 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Jamestown Settlement parking lot
Bring in that neglected bicycle for a free once-over to get it ready for the cycling season! Representatives from local bike shops, the Williamsburg Area Bicyclists and BikeWalk Williamsburg will be on hand to offer safety inspections, adjustments, tire pumping and free helmets and helmet fittings, while supplies last.
Family Fun Fest • All Ages
Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Chickahominy Riverfront Park
Parking: $5/car (cash or check only)
Enjoy hands-on activities, family entertainment, costumed characters, amusements, music and much more! Grab some lunch provided by our food vendors and visit all our local craft and business vendors! For the complete list of featured activities, visit Family Fun Fest!
To Register
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 Spring/Summer 2023 Brochure.
Inclement Weather/Cancellations
All Outdoor Events are weather permitting. Before heading out, please call the Activities Hotline at 757-259-3232 any changes in schedules.
Holiday Note:
The James City County Recreation Center and the Abram Frink Jr. Community Center will be closed Memorial Day, May 29. All County parks, including the Stores/Offices within the parks, are open.
Program Sites
Chickahominy Riverfront Park, 1350 John Tyler Highway
Freedom Park/Interpretive Center, 5537 Centerville Road
Greensprings Interpretive Trail, 3751 John Tyler Highway
James City County Recreation Center, 5301 Longhill Road
Jamestown Beach Event Park, 2205 Jamestown Road
Jamestown Settlement, 2110 Jamestown Road
Sullivan Square, 4301 New Town Avenue (behind Legacy Hall) in New Town
Upper County Park, 180 Leisure Road, Toano
Media Contact:
Veda McMullen, Senior Communications Specialist
757-259-5415; veda.mcmullen@jamescitycountyva.gov