Mark Your Calendars for October Events from Parks & Recreation

By Press release submission

Sep 29, 2022

Aquatics

Splash on Friday • All Ages FREE!

Friday, Oct. 21, 6-8 p.m.

James City County Recreation Center

Come in and enjoy family time with us in the pool! Free swim area and an area for our Wibit inflatable obstacle course are available! Games and prizes included. Pick up your event flyer at the James City County Recreation Center Front Desk. Non-swimmers are required to use a lifejacket, which are provided. Registration required. Info: 757-259-4185.

We're Hiring, Lifeguards! • Ages 16+ FREE!

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 5-7 p.m.

James City County Recreation Center

We’re hosting open interviews for Lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors! Potential candidates can stop by the Recreation Center for an interview and swim test (if not already certified). Swim tests for American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Water Safety Instructor are conducted as part of the interview process. Appointments are not needed; drop-in between 5-7 p.m. For details including salary, benefits and swim test requirements, visit (link to brochure page). Successfully completing the swim test does not guarantee employment; employment is determined by successfully completing the entire course of the position interviewing for and passing post-hiring practices conducted through the County’s Human Resources Department. For more information, please visit us online or call 757-259-4185.

Arts & Special Interest

Dino Dress Up • Ages 18 months-6 years NEW!

Saturday, Oct. 8, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

$15

James City County Recreation Center

T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Velociraptor and more! Artists will paint, cut, stamp, glue and roar until they have transformed themselves into their favorite dinosaur. Stomp, stomp, stomp…ROAAAAAAAR! Children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Instructor: KidCreate Studio

Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Scene with Kidcreate Studio • Ages 4-9 NEW!

Friday, Oct. 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

$15

James City County Recreation Center

During this guided painting lesson on canvas board, children will create a Halloween scene featuring a spooky, swirly, starry night sky that glows in the dark! Children are welcome to wear their Halloween costumes to class! Instructor: KidCreate Studio.

Kidz Clay • Ages 10-15

Thursdays, Oct. 20-Dec. 1 (no class Nov.17 & 24), 4:15-5:15 p.m.

$40

James City County Recreation Center

Make a mess, make some art, and make your mark… in clay! We’ll hand build and explore the potter’s wheel. A variety of topics presented, so students may repeat the class. No experience needed. $15 materials fee due to instructor at first class. Work available for pick up after firing. Dress for mess! Instructor: Dorothy Round.

Halloween Makeup Workshop for Kids • Ages 7-11 NEW!

Saturday, Oct. 8, 9-10:30 a.m.

$25

James City County Recreation Center

Monsters, Goblins and Ghouls OH MY! Learn how to create a DIY scary makeup look for Halloween festivities. Industry professionals will teach you how to create the perfect Vampire, Zombie or Skeleton/ Scary Clown look. Supply fee is $20 due at start of workshop (cash/check only). Indicate preferred look at time of registration: Zombie, Skeleton/ Scary Clown or Vampire. Class supplies are yours to keep and use at Halloween. Instructors: Jillian Kiechlin/Maggie Hatfield.

Halloween Cupcake Decorating • Ages 7-13

Friday, Oct. 28, 5-7 p.m.

$25

James City County Recreation Center

Come have a spooky-fun time! Learn to use buttercream icing in Halloween colors and decorate themed cupcakes including pumpkins, tombstones, bats, ghosts and more! Participants will even use edible glitter for extra fun! Please note any food allergies at time of registration, tie back long hair, and bring an apron and airtight container. Instructor: The Williamsburg Chocolatier, Inc.

Conversational Spanish for Kids Virtual • Ages 7-13 FREE! VIRTUAL!

Mondays, Oct. 3-Nov. 7 (no class Oct. 31), 5:15-6 p.m.

Learn new vocabulary words to begin your journey into the Spanish language. Practice terms for weather, months, days, animals, clothes, y mucho más! Each week will be something new with exciting activities! Class conducted via the Zoom application. Register by Sept. 28 to receive the Zoom meeting link. Instructor: Paula Harris Guerra.

Halloween Makeup Workshop for Youth/Teens • Ages 12-16

Saturday, Oct. 8, 1-3:30 p.m.

$25

James City County Recreation Center

Ever wonder how they make wounds, scars or peeling skin in your favorite Hollywood Zombie and War movies? Be the envy of all your friends when you go to your Halloween event with realistic looking battle wounds! Industry professionals will show you how to create guts and gore to complete your Halloween costume look. Supply fee is $25 due at start of workshop (cash/check only). Supplies include a wound kit and bruise kit that is yours to keep. Instructors: Jillian Kiechlin/ Maggie Hatfield.

Before/After School

All REC Connect Before & After School programs have filled for the 2022-2023 school year. Any additional completed registration packets received will be added to a waitlist. All registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis according to space availability. The program runs Monday-Friday though the end of the school year. The Before School program is offered 7 a.m. until school starts; the After School runs school dismissal until 6 p.m. Programs are closed in observance of holidays. Program operating hours are subject to change based on WJCC school operating hours. For more information, call 757-259-5351 or visit us online. The Before & After School Program at James River Elementary School is now being operated by the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula for this school year. For information on their program, visit bagclub.com. To register, call Ms. Lauren at 757-505-8825. The Teens on Point (T.O.P) Middle School After School Program will not be offered during the 2022-23 School Year.

Health/Wellness

Forest Friends Yoga - Fall! • Ages 5-8

Thursday, Oct. 20, 5-6 p.m.

Freedom Park

Now more than ever, guiding youth in learning how to quiet their minds and bring mindfulness during moments of difficulty is invaluable. Mindfulness can help minimize anxiety and increase happiness – we all want that! Join us for an autumn-inspired evening youth yoga class under the trees at Freedom Park!

Family Zumba – Fall Fun: Superheros • Ages 5+ FREE! NEW!

Friday, Oct. 21, 5-6 p.m.

James City County Recreation Center

If you’re looking for something fun and healthy to do with your family, this is it! Family Zumba gives you and your family a chance to be active together. Exciting music with easy-to-follow movements, makes a perfect class while getting fit and having fun! Offered one Friday each month with a different fall theme. Space is limited; registration required.

Intro to Yoga for Teens • Ages 13-18

Monday, Oct. 17, 5:30-7 p.m.

James City County Recreation Center

This practice is specifically designed for teens to help support them in managing a meaningful and enjoyable life. This four-week class will build confidence in their yoga practice along with techniques of mindfulness and value. Poses curated to aid in deep stretching, dynamic flow and proper breathing techniques. The expectations on our youth are abundant, let’s give them a brain break!

Indoor Cycle 101 • Ages 14+ FREE!

Tuesday, Oct. 4, 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. This intro class will teach you 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.

Walk This Way: Williamsburg Walking Club • Ages 14+ FREE!

Saturday, Oct. 29, 10-11 a.m.

Greensprings Interpretive Trail

Being active is the secret to staying healthy, and walking is a great way to get moving! Let our walking coach 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. New trail location each month.

Find Your Style Yoga • Ages 14+ FREE! NEW!

Three sessions offered!

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7:15-8:15 p.m. - Vinyasa

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 7:15-8:15 p.m. - Candlelight Restorative

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 7:15-8:15 p.m. - Yin

James City County Recreation Center

Whether you are looking for a practice to provide a sweaty workout, attracted to the restorative benefits, searching for an experience or needing relief from back pain—your discovery is here. Try one or a sampler to find what works best for you! All levels welcome.

Group Fitness Classes • Ages 14+

Get in shape for fall! 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.

Drumming for Wellness • Ages 16+ FREE!

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 5:30-7 p.m.

James City County Recreation Center

We’ll use 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 needed. All instruments provided. Parent must register with child.

Techniques of Meditation • Ages 16+ FREE!

Wednesday, Oct. 5, 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. Meditation can improve your physical, emotional and mental health and well-being.

Therapeutic Recreation

13th Annual Williamsburg Landing 5K for The Arc! • All Ages

Saturday, Oct. 1; race day registration and packet pickup begins at 7:30 a.m.

Minimum donation for pre-entries is $45

Williamsburg Landing, 5700 Williamsburg Landing Drive

Join us on the Williamsburg Landing campus to help support The Arc. All proceeds benefit The Arc of Greater Williamsburg’s mission to improve the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the community. Registered entrants 10 and younger are FREE! Register online at thearcgw.org.

Got Goo? Fun & Sticky Sensory Play! • All Ages & Abilities

Wednesday, Oct. 12, 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 bins provided for each family who registers. Register for in-person or take home kit. **Registration required; deadline is Oct. 5.

Disability Awareness Trick or Treat • All Ages & Abilities FREE!

Saturday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m.-noon

Abram Frink Jr. Community Center

Come Trick or Treating in a fun, sensory friendly environment while learning about community resources for children and adults with disabilities. Enjoy activities for all ages, allergy free treats and a sensory break room. Trackless Trains rides also featured, weather permitting. If you’re interested in presenting as a vendor or would like more information, please call 757-259-5354 or email Tracy.Newsom@jamescitycountyva.gov.

Buddy Art • Ages 6+ with Disabilities FREE!

Saturdays, Oct. 1 & Oct. 8, 3-4 p.m.

James City County Recreation Center

A variety of art activities are offered based on age, ability level and interests. Children are assigned a volunteer buddy to work with them one-on-one. For more information, visit visitwcac.org/what-we-do/community-activities/buddy-art/ or contact buddy.art.kids@gmail.com or 757-879-4328. Sponsored by Williamsburg Contemporary Art Center in partnership with volunteers from William & Mary and James City County Parks & Recreation.

Teensational Socials: Kickball Games • Ages 13-21 with Disabilities FREE!

Fridays, Oct. 7-Oct. 28, 4:30-6 p.m.

James City County Recreation Center

Meet at the outdoor baseball fields at Recreation Center for some friendly kickball games. Provided in collaboration with Capernaum. For more information or to register for an activity, contact Anna Steiner at wrighta2stu18@gmail.com.

Teensational Socials: Pumpkin Decorating • Ages 13-21 with Disabilities FREE!

Saturday, Oct. 29, noon-2 p.m.

James City County Recreation Center

Enjoy an evening with friends making scary or silly pumpkin creations. For more information or to register for an activity, contact Anna Steiner at wrighta2stu18@gmail.com.

Yoga • Ages 13+ with Disabilities FREE!

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 7-8:30 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. Provided in partnership with The Arc of Greater Williamsburg. For more information on yoga, any upcoming events or to become a member call 757-229-3535 or visit thearcgw.org.

Outdoors

Take Your Kid Fishing • Ages 5-12 FREE!

Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-noon

Little Creek Reservoir Park

Want to spend a fun day with your child fishing from the piers of Little Creek Reservoir Park? Let the park staff teach you and your child the fundamentals of this favorite pastime. All equipment provided and no registration needed.

Hike the Falls Series: Crabtree Falls • Ages 12+ NEW!

Friday, Oct. 14, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

$35

James City County Recreation Center

Located in Montebello, VA, Crabtree Falls is a 2 mile out-and-back trail rated moderate to strenuous. All participants must be physically able to hike up a steep incline through rocky terrain. At the base of the trail, there’s a spectacular view of the falls over a rock cliff. Participants aged 15 & younger must be accompanied by an adult. Please pack lunch.

Trackless Train Rides • All Ages FREE! NEW!

Three rides offered!

Saturday, Oct. 8, 2-4 p.m. • Upper County Park

Saturday, Oct. 29, 9 a.m. – noon (NOTE TIME CHANGE) • Abram Frink Jr. Community Center (Disability Awareness Trick or Treat)

Saturday, Nov. 12, 2-4 p.m. • Freedom Park

James City County’s newest adventure, a Trackless Train, is coming to a stop near you! Named the Kiwanis Kids Train, the train will be making special appearances in County parks this fall. The locomotive features four cars – an engine, coal car and two passenger cars as well as door locks, seat belts, lighting, PA system and a smoke system. The train is a partnership between Parks & Recreation and three local branches of the Kiwanis Club to provide year-round, family friendly entertainment at designated County and Kiwanis special events. The train is on track for a fall of fun, catch a ride and then stay to enjoy the amenities that these parks have to offer! For more information, call 757-259-5360.

Campfire Social • All Ages FREE!

Two Socials offered!

Saturday, Oct. 8, 6-7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 22, 6-7 p.m.

Chickahominy Riverfront Park

Come celebrate fall 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.

Freedom Park Full Moon Hikes: Blood Moon • All Ages FREE!

Sunday, Oct. 9; park closes at 7:30 p.m.

Freedom Park

Come explore the PARK AFTER DARK during the full moon each month through December! During this self-guided hike, Freedom Park will stay open late, past sunset, on select nights. After sunset, visitors may only use Multiuse Trail 3; 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 the park by 7:30 p.m. and must stay on Trail 3 after sunset. No registration required. Weather permitting.

History of Jack-O-Lanterns and Pumpkin Painting • All Ages FREE!

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 6-7:30 p.m.

Freedom Park

Ever wondered why we carve pumpkins around Halloween and where did that name, Jack-O-Lantern, come from? Come out and learn about the origins of this holiday tradition and paint your own pumpkin in the style of a Jack-O-Lantern. While supplies last. Registration not required.

Stargazing with NASA Skywatcher Club • All Ages FREE!

Saturday, Oct. 29, 8-10 p.m.

Upper County Park

Come Stargaze with NASA Skywatchers Astronomy Club! The NASA Skywatchers Astronomy Club is offering an observing session to share their knowledge, experience and love of astronomy.

Special Events

Freedom Stories • All Ages FREE!

Saturday, Oct. 1, 3-6 p.m.

Freedom Park

Hear history come alive as Williamsburg native Dylan Pritchett, best known as “The Storyteller” along with other Virginia Black Storytellers, share with you freedom stories of black and indigenous peoples. The Free Black Settlement area is the backdrop for this event which features unique crafts for kids, music and food available for purchase. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Boo Bash at the Beach • All Ages

Saturday, Oct. 15, 1-4 p.m.

Jamestown Beach Event Park

Parking Fee: $5/car (cash or check only)

Pumpkin Decorating: $5/pumpkin

Enjoy a day at the beach with a Halloween twist! Enjoy Trick-or-Treating, hands-on activities, music, games, food for purchase and more! Choose a pumpkin from the patch on the beach to carve and decorate available first-come, first-served while supplies last. Costumes welcome; please, no costume masks. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sports

Get Set! • Ages 7-12

Saturdays, Oct. 22-Nov. 12:

Ages 7-9: 10-11 a.m., $75

Ages 10-12: 11 a.m.-noon, $75

James City County Recreation Center

Bumps, sets and digs are the name of the game! Get oriented to the volleyball court, hone your skills, and learn fundamental and technical skills from local Williamsburg Volleyball Club coaches.

Girls in Gear – 8 Week Session • Ages 8-13

Saturdays, Oct. 1-Nov. 19:

Ages 8-10: 9-10:15 a.m. - Hornsby Middle School, $75

Ages 11-13: 9:15-10:30 a.m. - Warhill Sports Complex, $75

Gear up for life with Girls in Gear! Girls in Gear teaches life skills through bike skills in an eight-week program for riders that blends social-emotional learning with bike handling skills. All riding abilities are welcome! Register at girlsingear.org. A no-questions-asked scholarship policy and bikes/helmets (as needed) are provided through Girls in Gear. The site is run by volunteers who work through the Girls in Gear organization. Questions? Email info@girlsingear.org.

Martial Arts • Ages 9-12 FREE! NEW!

Mondays, Oct. 10-Nov. 21 (no class Oct. 31), 6-7 p.m.

Abram Frink Jr. Community Center

Have fun learning beginner level Taekwondo techniques and dojo protocol. Learn respect and discipline while practicing blocks, kicks, self-defense and fore balance.

NEON Night Series: Glow! Bike Ride • All Ages NEW!

Friday, Oct. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Freedom Park

Grab your bike for a glowing nighttime ride! James City County Parks & Recreation and Girls in Gear are partnering to educate children and families on bike safety before taking off on a group bike ride. Participants are encouraged to decorate their bikes with glow elements such as glow sticks, tire lights or any glow element desired! Before the ride, enjoy a bike rodeo to determine the brightest bike!

Introduction to Pickleball • Ages 18+ FREE!

Saturday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-12:30 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 breakdowns the foundations and fundamentals of pickleball! All equipment provided and all participants will be required to follow the current safety and health guidelines. Preregistration is required by Oct. 8.

For the complete list of Parks & Recreation programs, events and activities, please see our Fall 2022 Activity 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.

Join the Parks & Recreation Team! We’re Hiring!

Part-time and Full-time positions available.

Parks: Lifeguards ● Park Attendants (Trackless Train Operators!)

Recreation Center: Customer Service Representatives ● Fitness Attendants ● Lifeguards ● Water Safety Instructors ● Park Attendants

Programming/Before & After School: Assistant Recreation Supervisors ● Recreation Leaders ● Recreation Supervisors ● Therapeutic Recreation Leaders ● Instructors

To learn more about current job openings or to apply online, visit jobs.jamescitycountyva.gov or follow us on social media.

Program Sites

Abram Frink Jr. Community Center, 8901 Pocahontas Trail

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

Little Creek Reservoir Park, 180 Lakeview Drive in Toano

Lois Hornsby Middle School, 850 Jolly Pond Road

Upper County Park 180 Leisure Road, Toano

Veterans Park, 3793 Ironbound Road