Category Archives: Parks

Fall discounts at Busch Gardens Williamsburg VA

. Busch Gardens

The sun has set on summer and a curse has descended on Busch Gardens® in the form of a song. The park has been transformed into Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream®.  Guests brave enough to venture into this cursed park will navigate through Wendigo Woods™, one of five Terror-tories™ or experience  a darkly entertaining show like Monster Stomp™ on Ripper Row®. The curse spreads Sept. 12 and continues weekends through Oct. 26.
During the day families can enjoy the same natural fun offered year-round but with a fall harvest twist.  However, when the clock strikes 6 p.m., park guests must get ready for the serious scares as they become the main attraction.  Fall into fun at Busch Gardens and plan your next daycation or weekend getaway with our frightfully fantastic deals to help save a few dollars on park tickets, meals and extended vacations. Check out this month’s deals below.
September Deals

  • Wendy’s  Single-Day Ticket Deal – Visit participating Wendy’s locations in Hampton Roads, Richmond, Charlottesville, Roanoke, Harrisonburg, Northern Virginia and Raleigh for $5 off a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens®.  Double the discount to $10 by entering the promo code found on the Wendy’s  in-store coupon online at www.buschgardens.com/va.  Offer expires Oct. 26, 2014.
  • Papa John’s Single-Day Ticket Deal – Visit participating Papa John’s locations in Hampton Roads and Richmond for $5 off a single-day ticket to Busch Gardens®.  Double the discount to $10 by entering the promo code found on the Papa John’s in-store coupon online at www.buschgardens.com/va.  Offer expires Oct. 26, 2014.
  • Groupon Single-Day Ticket Deal – Save 40 percent off a single-day ticket for select dates Sept. 12-Oct. 24, 2014. Limited time offer, while supplies last. Visit www.Groupon.com for more information.
  • Meal Deal – Make mealtime a breeze and get your lunch and dinner all in one delicious package for only $24.  Upgrade to the Meal Deal Combo for only $5 more and get a souvenir cup, then pay only $.99 for refills for the remainder of the year.

On-going Deals

  • Busch Gardens® Fall Fun Card – Pay for a day and get unlimited admission to the park for the price of a single day admission, Sept. 6 through Oct. 26, 2014.  Enjoy the frights by night at Howl-O-Scream® or come during the day for a fun fall day of play. The Fall Fun Card does not include parking and is not valid for Christmas Town™.
  • Busch Gardens® + Colonial Williamsburg Bounce Ticket –  Enjoy unlimited visits to Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg for up to seven consecutive days from date of first use with the Busch Gardens  + Colonial Williamsburg Bounce Ticket. Online only.  Price: $97 (ages 13+), $77 (ages 6-12) & FREE (ages 0-5). Valid through Oct. 26, 2014.
  • Christmas Town™ Fun Card – Enjoy unlimited visits to Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town on regular operating days Nov. 21 – Dec. 31, 2014. The Christmas Town Fun Card does not include parking. To purchase, visit www.ChristmasTown.com/va.

Fall Vacation Packages

  • Play by Day, Fright by Night – Click here to save on a Busch Gardens® getaway.  Fall into fun with a family getaway package starting at $45 per person per night for a family of 4*
    • Offer valid for visits to Busch Gardens weekends  September 12 through Oct 26 and includes:
      • A Busch Gardens Fall Fun Card valid for unlimited admission to Busch Gardens until Oct 26
      • Your Choice of hotel  accommodations
      • Free dinner certificate with each park ticket purchased
      • A 6-inch-8-inch family photo for only $10

*Based on a standard room for a 3 night stay for a family of 4 for the Play By Day, Fright By Night package.Price is subject to availability and change without notice.
Pass offers and benefits

  • Pass Members Bring A Friend Free to Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream® – Active Busch Gardens Williamsburg 1-Park, 2-Park & Platinum Pass Members can Bring a Friend FREE to Busch Gardens® Williamsburg for one single-day visit to Howl-O-Scream on Sept 12, 19 or 26. To redeem the offer, visit www.bgwpass.com. 
  • Purchase a 1-Park Annual Pass for just $10 per month on EZpay (or a one-time $120 payment) and watch the savings add up. Annual Pass members receive free parking, in-park discounts on food and merchandise and reduced pricing on single-day tickets for friends and family. In-park discounts and other perks of being a member, including invitations to exclusive events like ride nights and appreciation weekends, discounts on single-day Christmas Town™ tickets and unlimited admission to Howl-O-Scream®, makes owning an Annual Pass a no brainer for people who enjoy the park.
  • Pass members who sign up for email through buschgardens.com/emailva will receive updates on the latest park news, exclusive email-only offers, invitations to exclusive events and other information that will help you make the most of your membership.

Enter to win

  • Howl-O-Scream® Scare, Share & Win Contest – A curse has descended on Busch Gardens’ Howl-O-Scream and we want to see your cursed #HowlOSelfie.  Enter Sept. 12 through Oct. 5 on Instagram and Twitter for the chance to win one of four Howl-O-Scream prize packages:
    • Two single-day general admission tickets to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream and dining for two at Igor’s Fright Feast 
    • Two single-day general admission tickets to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream and two pass for Monster Stomp Ripper Row: A Backstage Experience
    • Two single-day general admission tickets to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream and $50 Busch Bucks
    • Two single-day general admission tickets to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream and two Eerie Insider tours

The entry process, official rules and submission criteria are available on howloscream.com/scaresharewin. The giveaway is open to legal residents of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia.

Howl O Scream opens Sept 2014 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg

. Busch Gardens

The cursed will take over Busch Gardens Williamsburg when Howl-O-Scream® opens Sept. 12, 2014 The Williamsburg Virginia theme park will present an all-new Terror-tory™ and will revive a fan favorite show to celebrate the 16th year of this popular fall event.
            Guests will notice the change almost immediately when they travel through the park’s haunted villages beginning at 6 p.m. A new song was produced this year to coincide with the park’s frightful offering. Rumor has it the song curses its listeners who must survive a night of paranormal horrors at Howl-O-Scream to lift it.
            Entertainment Vice President Scott Gasparich has one piece of advice for guests when the song plays over the park’s sound system.
            “Don’t listen,” he said. “The song is an integral part of this year’s Howl-O-Scream offerings. It is said that strange things start happening when guests hear that haunting melody.”
     Playing on the popularity of last year’s addition of Terror-tories™, the park’s scare experts are developing a new area in the park’s New France section called Wendigo Woods™. This new Terror-tory explores the frightful nature of the unknown.
“The startles in Wendigo Woods are more psychological than physical,” Gasparich said. “Sometimes it’s what you don’t see that scares you the most.”
      Wendigo Woods joins the park’s four other Terror-tories and six haunted houses comprising the park’s main Howl-O-Scream thrill elements. Other seasonal park offerings include Vampire Vogue™, a new merchandise shop in the Oktoberfest section of the park; dining and spirit options like Pirate Baarrrgh™ in the Italy village and Igor’s Fright Feast™ in Oktoberfest as well as live entertainment inside the park’s performance venues.
     As the park’s teams of startle experts finalize details of Wendigo Woods, another production team is putting a new twist on a popular live production that has been silent since 2011.
Monster Stomp™ on Ripper Row is a modern rock-and-rhythm spectacular featuring Jack the Ripper in an electrifying percussion, dynamic dance and sensational singing revue in the park’s Globe Theatre.

 

“Our guests tell us time and time again to bring back Monster Stomp,” said Park President Carl Lum. “Monster Stomp on Ripper Row is a complete revision to the classic production with high-tech thrills that can only be created on the Globe Theatre stage.”
     Like the rest of Howl-O-Scream, the Busch Gardens’ team is ramping up the thrills of every element in this Howl-O-Scream production and encourages parents to think twice before bringing their children to the show.
“Monster Stomp on Ripper Row is not for the faint of heart,” said show production manager Phil Raybourn. “Monster Stomp in 2014 has a much darker theme than any production we’ve ever produced.”
     Video-mapping technology, 3-D soundscapes and other technology available inside the Globe Theatre transports the audience to London’s East End where the Ripper’s horrifying acts occurred.
     Parents and guardians should consider the park’s elevated scare factor when deciding to visit Busch Gardens with young children during Howl-O-Scream. At the stroke of 6 p.m., the ghouls and haunts come out to play and Busch Gardens becomes a seriously scary place.
Guests who want the best deal on Howl-O-Scream tickets can lock in a $10/month annual pass featuring Busch Gardens’ EZ Pay Price Lock Guarantee and enjoy unlimited visits to Busch Gardens this fall and into 2015. An annual pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase. Pass members also enjoy discounts to Christmas Town and in-park discounts on food and merchandise. Visit www.howloscream.com/va for details.
 

James City County’s Kidsburg to reopen in August 2013

. Parks . ,

The renovation of James City County’s Mid County Park, including the Kidsburg playground is well underway. Despite significant rains much progress has been made. The old Kidsburg structure was removed, and contractors have prepared the site and installation of the new playground structure is ongoing.

photo 1The new Park Office building (above) is near completion and will include improved restroom facilities, a vending area, two staff offices and a small meeting room designed for programming and community use.

photo 3Both picnic shelters (ABOVE) received new roofing, and one shelter was enlarged due to the removal of an old concession room. Improvements to the front parking lot are scheduled to take place in late July.

The basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts as well as the walking trail remain open during daylight hours with parking available in the back parking lot. Originally slated to be opened this week, the park is expected to open in its entirety in early August.

The renovation of Mid County Park, including the Kidsburg playground is well underway. Despite significant rains much progress has been made. The old Kidsburg structure was removed, and contractors have prepared the site and installation of the new playground structure is ongoing.During the Kidsburg renovations, you can enjoy the playgrounds located within the other County parks and facilities— Chickahominy Riverfront Park,  Little Creek Reservoir Park, Upper County Park, James City County Recreation Center, James River Community Center and the Warhill Sports Complex. In addition to these sites, all Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools playgrounds are open to the community during after school hours.  The walking trail and basketball, tennis and volleyball courts at Kidsburg have remained open throughout construction.

The old Kidsburg, a community-built playground, opened in 1994 and no longer meets ADA guidelines or current standards for public-use playgrounds. The new playground will be fully ADA and safety compliant, universal and barrier free.

To stay informed of the renovation process, please visit  jamescitycountyva.gov/ recreation, call 757-259-5412 or email nancy.ellis@jamescitycountyva.gov.

Mid County Park-Kidsburg to re-open in July 2013

. News, Parks

imageThe renovation of Mid County Park, including the Kidsburg playground, is well underway. Significant rains and modifications to the soils have delayed the project; however, much progress has been made.

The old Kidsburg structure was removed, and contractors have prepared the site and installation of the new playground structure has begun. The new Park Office (pictured background) building is near completion and will include improved restroom facilities, a vending area, two staff offices and a fee-based community meeting room.

Both picnic shelters (foreground) received new roofing, and one shelter was enlarged due to the removal of an old concession room.

Improvements to the front parking lot are scheduled to take place in June. The basketball, tennis and volleyball courts as well as the walking trail remain open during daylight hours with parking available in the back parking lot. The park is expected to open in its entirety in mid-July.

During the Kidsburg renovations, please enjoy the playgrounds located within our other County parks and facilities—Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Forest Glen Park, Ironbound Park, Little Creek Reservoir Park, Upper County Park, the James City County Recreation Center, the James River Community Center and the Warhill Sports Complex. In addition to these sites, all Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools playgrounds are open to the community during after school hours.

The old Kidsburg, a community-built playground, opened in 1994 and no longer meets ADA guidelines or current standards for public-use playgrounds. The new playground will be fully ADA and safety compliant, universal and barrier free.

Beaverdam Park-Gloucester VA

. Parks

beaverdam park gloucesterBeaverdam Park offers the only public freshwater fishing on the Middle Peninsula. Jon boats & canoes can be rented or bring your boat with electric motor to one of the boat ramps. The 635 acres of water offers great fishing & paddling. Virginia fishing licenses available at the Ranger Station. Take a walk on the beautiful nature trail or enjoy miles of multi-use trail (for hikers, bikers & horseback riders). If you are looking for a new workout stop by the exercise trail. The park has two shelters, a lodge & amphitheater to fill your reunion, party or meeting needs. Programs on owls, snakes, night canoeing and more for youth, adults & families are scheduled throughout the year. Fishing tournaments are held on the 3rd Saturday of May, June & September with an invitational tournament in October.

Features

635 Acre Freshwater Lake
Boat Ramps
Boat Rentals
Fishing
Playgrounds
Picnic Area
Facilities/Rentals
Restrooms
Hiking Trails
Horseback Trails
Mountain Bike Trails
Geocaching
VA Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Parking

Download Trail Map

Location

Main Entrance – 8687 Roaring Springs Road
Fary’s Mill Road Entrance – 9537 Fary’s Mill Road
Ranger Station Phone: (804) 693-2107
Map It with Google Maps

Park Hours

January, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
February, 7:30 am to 6 pm
March 1-13, 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
March 14-31, 7 am to 7:30 pm
April, 6:30 am to 8 pm
May-Labor Day, 6 am to 8:30 pm
September, 7 am to 7:30 pm
October, 7 am to 6:45 pm
November, 7 am to 5:30 pm
December, 7:30 am to 5 pm
Beaverdam Park is open 7 days a week
year-round and only closes on Christmas Day.

More info here

New JCC Parks and Recreation Spring Summer Guide is out

. Camps, News, Parks

The James City County  Parks and Recreation Spring/Summer 2013 Destination Recreation Activity Brochure is now available online. It highlights a variety of new spring and summer offerings as well as your favorite events and activities occurring through September 2013.

Inside you will find Special Events for Family, Outdoors and Health/Wellness

 
As well as Summer  Camps, Classes & Activities including:

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The brochure is also available at the James City County Recreation Center, the James River Community Center, the Satellite Services Office, the Freedom Park Interpretive Center, the libraries and all public County government offices.

Destination Recreation Expo at James City County Rec Center 2013

. News, Parks

It’s Expo time! – Come to the FREE Destination Recreation Expo Feb. 23 ,2013, 9 a.m.-noon at the James City County Recreation Center.

Be one of the first to register for the upcoming summer camps, discover your parks and learn about classes and programs.

Interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities and raffles are just a few great features of this event. We’ll keep your children engaged while you gather information about summer camp opportunities, sports, aquatics, special events, parks and facilities, REC Connect and inclusion programs.

Kidsburg renovations to start

. News, Parks . , ,

imageThe renovation of James City County Mid County Park, including the Kidsburg playground, is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Jan. 22. Kidsburg is being replaced; however, its design and theme will be retained in a new playground structure. The new 30,000 square-foot playground includes a general play area, a ship replica, swing area and a separate gated area for children ages 2-5. Along with Kidsburg, a new office/restroom facility is being constructed in the park. See details here

Most of the park will close on Jan. 22 to allow staff to prepare the site for contractors who begin their work at the end of the month. Staff work includes moving and storing items to be retained such as maintenance equipment, picnic tables and trash receptacles, removing the Kidsburg fence pickets and instituting safety measures such as shutting down electricity to the park. During this phase of construction, the existing building and Kidsburg structure will be razed and replaced.

During construction, the Mid County Park walking trail, basketball courts and tennis courts will remain open and accessible from the rear parking lot off Monticello Avenue. For public safety, all electricity to the park will be turned off, outdoor lighting will be unavailable, and the park will close daily at dusk. At all times, please avoid the construction area. The park is scheduled to reopen in its entirety early this summer.

If you previously reserved your Kidsburg fence picket, you’ll be notified of the pick up process. Pickets will be available for pick-up at the Mid County Park Office, 3793 Ironbound Rd., on the following days:

  • Saturday, Jan. 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Sunday, Jan. 27, noon-6 p.m.
  • Monday, Jan. 28, 3-7 p.m.

If you’re unable to retrieve your pickets on these days, or if you have not reserved your picket, please call 757-592-0495 and leave your name, the name on the fence picket, your phone number and a message. You can also request your picket online at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation/kidsburg-picket-request.html. A plaque will be installed at the park to honor its history and those individuals and businesses that supported the park through fence picket purchases and as volunteers.  

Kidsburg, a community-built playground, opened in 1994 and no longer meets ADA guidelines or current standards for public-use playgrounds. The new playground will be fully ADA and safety compliant, universal and barrier free. Project funding was appropriated by the James City County Board of Supervisors as part of the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Budget.

During the park renovations, please enjoy the playgrounds located within our other County parks and facilities – Chickahominy Riverfront Park, Forest Glen Playground, Ironbound Park, Little Creek Reservoir Park, Upper County Park and the James City County Recreation Center, James River Community Center and the Warhill Sports Complex. In addition to these sites, all Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools playgrounds are open to the community after school hours.

2nd Annual Wallerpalooza Fall Festival!

. News, Parks

Join us on October 20th for our 2nd Annual Wallerpalooza Fall Festival!
This event features fall themed crafts (Bring an old shirt and turn it into a trick-or-treat bag!), games for kids, and fun activities including an inflatable obstacle course, pumpkin launcher, and clown!
Wallerpalooza is from 10am until 2pm and there will be a $5 vehicle entrance charge during this time.
We hope to see you there! For more information, please call Waller Mill Park at (757) 259-3778.  Visit us on the web at www.williamsburgva.gov/rec.

HAUNTED TRAIL ZOMBIE OBSTACLE CHALLENGE in Gloucester VA

. News, Parks

imageHAUNTED TRAIL ZOMBIE OBSTACLE CHALLENGE…On Saturday, October 27, 2012-two hundred  people will have the opportunity to outrun the Zombies of Beaverdam Park…for the rest of you…GOOD LUCK!

Groups of evacuees will depart every 5 minutes.  Evacuees will face 15 to 20 obstacles, including mud and water, over 1-1/4 miles while Zombies try to capture their flags and turn tum into the LIVING DEAD!

CAN YOU SURVIVE??? A mile and a quarter of Obstacles, Zombies, Water, Mud???

You can find out at the HTZOC! Take the challenge.

Check in begins at 1 pm at the Whitcomb Lodge at Beaverdam Park

For ages 12 and older

Registration is $25 and is limited to the first 200 Evacuees

 

The challenge fee includes: Official Race T-shirt, flags, souvenir, surprises and water station.

The evacuation route winds through Nature Trail, Multi-Use Trail, Exercise Trail and the Parking Lot.

The HTZOC is a Park Partners, Inc fundraiser to raise money for Gloucester County Parks. Please visit the Park Partners, Inc website to print a registration form and sign up today to TAKE THE CHALLENGE!

Registration info here: http://gloucesterparks.org/haunted-trail-zombie-obstacle-challenge

 

map location for Beaverdam Park.

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September Outdoors Skill Sampler at York River State Park

. News, Parks

Have you ever wanted to cast a fly right in front of a fish and entice it to bite?  How about taking aim at a still or moving target with a bow and arrow?There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors, but not many opportunities to learn the skills to enhance the enjoyment. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Amber Nease Outdoor Education Foundation, and York River State Park will host an event where anyone 7 years old and up can get the "know-how" they have always wanted.

Register now for this event. The cost is $10 per person before 8/31/2012 and $15 after 9/1/2012.  For more information and registration, contact Karen Holson by phone at 804-367-6355 or e-mail Karen.holson@dgif.virginia.gov.

The September Outdoors Skill Sampler will be held at the park on Saturday, September 22nd from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A wide variety of activities will be covered such as air rifle shooting, animal identification, archery, fishing, fly casting, geocaching, hiking, outdoor cooking, and kayaking. The exhibits in the visitor’s center will be open as well. Skills will be taught by VDGIF instructors. Park rangers and volunteers will also be on hand to enhance the experience.

Mid County Park Update-James City County

. Parks

James City County Parks and Recreation hosted a community meeting to share renovation and design plans for a new playground structure to replace the existing Kidsburg playground at Mid County Park, 3793 Ironbound Road. James City County Parks and Recreation hosted a community meeting to share renovation and design plans for a new playground structure to replace the existing Kidsburg playground at Mid County Park, 3793 Ironbound Road.

Why: The current 24,000-square-foot playground was constructed in 1994 and does not meet current ADA guidelines nor does it fully meet today’s standards for public-use playgrounds.

Who’s paying: Project funding was appropriated by the James City County Board of Supervisors as part of the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) budget. Safety: The project will be fully ADA compliant, universal and barrier free. The new proposed 30,000 square-foot playground will meet current accessibility and safety guidelines and standards. Playground Amenities: Kidsburg playground amenities will include a general play area, a ship replica (21-feet wide x 36-feet long) and a swing area. In addition, there will be a separate gated area for children aged 2 to 5. Dependent on funding, a spray pad element is still being considered. A water park was never a consideration for Kidsburg.

Your input: Please take a few moments to review the designs on the following pages. To share your comments and concerns, please complete a comment card available online here or you can email your comments to  parks.rec@jamescitycountyva.gov.  Please forward your comments and concerns no later than August 3.

Next Steps: Construction of the new playground is scheduled for October 2012 with a spring 2013 completion date.

Questions: Contact Nancy Ellis at Nancy.Ellis@jamescitycountyva.gov or call 757-259-5412.

 Fence Pickets: If you purchased a fence picket at Kidsburg, and would like it back, please call 757-592-0495 and leave your name, the name on the picket, your phone number and a message. You can also request your picket online here

The pickets will be available for pick up in fall 2012 when playground renovations are scheduled to begin. A plaque will also be installed at the park to honor its history and those individuals and businesses who supported the park through fence picket purchases and as volunteers

Proposed Highlights for Kidsburg Playground—Age 2-5 Area ●(4) custom enclosed seat swings with log themed uprights ●custom canoe ●4-foot hollow log crawl ●wagon double slide ●log wall slide ●ground level cannon ●firewood climber ●log steppers ●Blacksmith climbing wall ●barrel crawl with anvil climber ●lookout bubble ●telescope ●interactive cannon ●upper and lower bell ●maps ●(2) shade structures ●custom fence w/wood themed posts and safety gate

image

 

 

Proposed Highlights for Kidsburg Playground—Age 5-12 Area ●13,000+ square-feet of play surface using engineered wood fiber and poured in place surfacing ●giant wave climber ●custom made ship 21-feet wide x 36-feet, 8-inches long with interactive bell and cannon sounds ●(4) shade structures ●100-foot zip line with launch platforms ●custom 8-foot high rock climber with slide ●(2) ADA accessible Zero-G chairs ●(5) custom built nature climbers: 3-foot boulder climber, 4-foot stump climber, (2) 5-foot log climbers, 6-foot tree root climber ●(8) belt seat swings ●(2) tire swings ●rope bridge ●single and double vine climbers ●6-foot learning wall climber ●(7) multi-level ADA accessible platform stations with activity boards and slides with transfer platforms on each play structure

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Free Day for Waller Mill Park’s 40th Anniversary

. News, Parks

Kayaks at Waller Mill ParkThe City of Williamsburg invites everyone to Waller Mill Park’s 40th Anniversary celebration on Saturday, July 21, 2012, from 7am – 8pm. Entrance is free all day, and boat rentals are 50% off. Come enjoy this City treasure!

There will be free guided canoe trips at 10am and 12pm and free Guided Nature Walks at 10am and 11am. Visitors will also receive free oval location stickers for the park as long as supplies last.
Did you know that the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries ranks Waller Mill Park best in the Tidewater region for Largemouth Bass fishing? (VDGIF website) Check us out this Saturday — or any day.

Waller Mill Park, located on Airport Road (Rt. 645) between I-64 and Rt. 60 West, is the City of Williamsburg’s 2705-acre park situated around its reservoir. In addition to opportunities for hiking, the park’s centerpiece is a 286-acre lake open for fishing, boating, pedal boating, canoeing and kayaking with a tunnel connecting the upper and lower sections of the lake.
For more information, visit williamsburgva.gov/parks or call 757-259-3778.

New Park opening in Gloucester VA-Woodville Park

. Parks

The Grand Opening of Woodville Park in Gloucester is to be held this Saturday, June 30th from 10 a.m. to 3p.m.  Activities for the entire family!  Come celebrate the opening of Gloucester’s newest public park.

imageEVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE GRAND OPENING OF WOODVILLE PARK.  A Parade of Athletes from Baystars, Parks, Recreation & Tourism and Gloucester Youth Football will march into the park!   This colorful show will  kick-off the momentous celebration.  The opening ceremonies will feature a message from the Lanciano family about their mothers dream of this park.

Festivities include: Cake Walks, free Moon Walk and Giant Slide, guided nature walks, gardening talks, football throwing, hitting off the tee and corn hole competitions, music and more.  Freebies!  Feast on hot dog, chips and drink for just $1.

Come enjoy a day a YOUR newest park.  Hope to see you there!

Call the Gloucester VA Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department at 693-2355 for info.

This park will be the site of soccer and football games, gardens, hikes, events and activity.

WOODVILLE PARK GRAND OPENING WEBPAGE

Location – Bray’s Point Road off of Rt 17 (Seawell’s Ordinary Light)

Woodville park is approximately 100 acres in size – that’s 20 times the size of Gloucester Point Beach Park! It is located in Ordinary off of Bray’s Point Road. The park was once part of a plantation or farm called “Woodville.”

This new nature park contains both wetlands and woodlands where athletic facilities, walking trails, gardens and possibly an amphitheater are all planned for the future..

The park land was a gift to Gloucester County by the Lanciano Family.

An athletic field and sand soccer court have now been completed at the park.  A nearly $500,000 entrance and service road for the park was constructed with grant and donated funds. Other roads, parking lots, a second athletic field and habitat pond are under currently construction.

Directions:

From the Peninsula Cross the Coleman Bridge – (Route 17 North) travel through 8 stoplights to Bray’s Point Road Turn right onto Bray’s Point Road and travel about 7-tenths of a mile, Bray’s Point Road bears to the left. Turn left and the park is immediately to your left.

More info here

Site plan for Woodville Park

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UPPER COUNTY PARK- James City County

. Parks

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This 91-acre park is located in the upper end of James City County.  Amenities include a  25 meter pool with two slides, Toddler pool, Snack bar (pizza, hot dogs, drinks),  Changing rooms with showers ,Shade Structure, Playground,  Morning Swim Lessons,  sand volleyball and basketball courts, multiuse trails and a 3.5-mile mountain bike trail, horseshoe pits and picnic shelters.

Admission to the park is free, and there is a nominal charge to swim or rent the shelter.   During its operating season, the pool may be rented after hours.

imagePark Hours

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Pool hours are from noon – 6 p.m Memorial Day to Labor Day (The pool is open on weekends only Memorial Day-mid-June.)  The pool may be rented for an after-hours party between the hours of 6:30 -8:30 p.m. during the operational season. 

Season passes can be purchased at the James City/Williamsburg Community Center, Satellite Services Office and the pool office. For more information on the County’s Outdoor pools, click here.

180 LEISURE RD.
TOANO, VA 23168
757-566-1451 (SUMMER ONLY)
757-259-5360 (YEAR-ROUND)

Trail Map Upper County Park Trails

Mountain Bike Trails at Upper County Park

The Upper County Park trail is a 3.7-mile loop within the 75-acre Upper County Park in James City County, Virginia. The trail begins near the end of the cul-de-sac at the end of the park entrance road. Look for the mountain bike trail signs. The trail is on the left of the chained-off gravel road that leads back into the woods. Much like other trails in the area the loop contains many quick climbs and descents through ravines that surround the creek and bottomland areas adjacent to the park. The route is somewhat technical with tight turns and off camber sections. There are, however, fast stretches that use the terrain for banked turns. One downhill contains four turns that take you from side to side in a small ravine much like a bobsled course. Although shorter than other nearby trails maintained and constructed by the Eastern Virginia Mountain Association (EVMA), the trail is no less demanding. In fact, aerobically it is one of the more challenging. Many of the climbs come one after the other with few flat areas to recover. This trail requires attention. You will find it hard to take you hands off the bar to grab a water bottle or even your hydration pack hose. The trail sees little use, so expect a few sticks and branches and a narrow tread through the will blueberry (lowbush) which covers much of the forest floor along the trail.
The trail was designed to be ridden clockwise but can be ridden in both directions. In fact, counter clockwise seems to require more climbing and it will take you a bit longer to complete a loop. You can also ride the trail in a figure eight since there is a cross over near the mid-way point. Also, if you are riding clockwise, look for a bailout near the 3-mile point. The bailout drops you in on an old gravel road that makes a loop through the woods starting near the trail entrance. The gravel road was part of the old campground that previously existed at the site. In fact, you will see electrical boxes for the old campsites along sections of the trail.
In the summer, after your ride, plan to cool off in the park pool. While there is no fee for park admission or riding, a fee is charged for use of the pool. Other amenities at the park include children’s playground equipment and an outdoor basketball court. Pavilions are also available for a fee. Next time you ride, take the family. They can enjoy the pool and playgrounds.

Trail Map: Click For Map

Directions:

From I-64 take Exit 227 (Toano) to Route 30 South heading towards Toano/Williamsburg. After about 1/3 mile turn right onto Old Stage Road, just before the gas station and McDonalds’s. After about 1/3 mile, turn right onto Leisure Road. Follow Leisure Road into the park.

Kidsburg/ Mid County Park Updates March 2012

. News

mid county parkSeveral renovation and construction projects are underway at Kidsburg/ Mid County Park in James City County. These projects are consistent with the Board of Supervisors approved Mid County Park Master Plan to shift activities from organized team sports to more community recreation, such as use of the walking trails, basketball and tennis courts. The park, which opened in 1985, is also in much need of repair—aging equipment, safety and parking are all critical issues.

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Improvement projects include:

● Removal of lighting and fencing from the baseball fields has been completed. The demolition of press boxes and dugouts is scheduled next. Lighting, including fixtures from the park, are currently being installed at the Warhill Sports Complex and at the Jamestown High School baseball and softball fields to compensate for lighting lost at Mid County Park.
● Grading of the field area. The field will be designed with large open space and landscaping to provide patrons opportunities for more self paced activities such as picnics, ball play, kite-flying and other such
activities.
● A new Kidsburg. As the planning and design continues, the focus is on replacing the wooden playground structures. The new playground will be more modern, but many of the current Kidsburg themes will remain. One new element being considered as an addition to the new playground is a “spray pad.” A spray pad is not a water park, but one small area for water play that has no standing water. Typically there are ground nozzles that spray water upwards out of the splash pad’s rain deck.

imageIn most cases, the water is either freshwater, or recycled and treated water which is typically treated to at least the same level of quality as swimming pool water standards. Some elements of a spray pad can be used year round as additional playground features. These  photo are of examples of typical splash pads. All new park features, including the spray pad, will be considered as park improvement funding permits

● Replacement of the park building. A new park building will feature larger restroom facilities, meeting
space, vending areas and an office. Renovation will be completed in stages and should be finished by
spring 2013.
● Many park amenities will remain including the basketball, tennis and volleyball courts and the walking trail.

 

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Did You Purchase A Fence Picket?

If you purchased a fence picket at Kidsburg, and would like it back, please call (757) 592-0495 and leave your name, the name on the picket, your phone number and a message.

The pickets will be available for pick up in fall 2013 when playground renovations are scheduled to begin. A plaque will also be installed at the park to honor its history and those individuals and businesses who supported the park through fence picket purchases and as volunteers.

Throughout the renovations, we’ll keep you informed of our progress. Subsequent updates will detail the proposed new park layout and design concepts for the new Kidsburg. For more information, call (757) 259-5360 or visit www.jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation

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Water Country USA- Williamsburg

. Parks

imageWater Country USA | Water Park in Williamsburg Virginia

Get ready for a wave of adventure.Guests are in for the slide of their lives in 2011 at Water Country USA. The mid-Atlantic’s largest water park is adding an epic new drop slide, Vanish Point℠. The 75-foot drop slide will join the 43 acres of pools, children’s play areas, lazy rivers and water rides that make up Water Country USA. The park also includes “Rock ‘n’ Roll Island,” featuring nearly 600 feet of body slides, a 700-foot lazy river and a 9,000-square-foot pool all set to a 1950s and ‘60s surf theme. For guests who want to relax, enjoy one of the park’s 1,500 free lounge chairs or rent one the park’s 16 private cabanas. Check out www.watercountryusa.com for more details or call (800) 343-7946.

Vanish Point: Guests are in for the slide of their lives at Water Country USA’s epic new drop slide, Vanish Point℠. Inspired by the point on a wave where water and gravity form a perfect partnership, this summit supplies two wicked-wet ways to drop out of sight. The crest of this 75-foot tower challenges guests with two wave paths. They can step into a skybox and take a plunge when the floor drops out beneath their feet, or they can get horizontal on a 300-foot speed slide that drops them straight down as soon as they enter. Either way, it’s pure liquid adrenaline. Fans can visit www.facebook.com/watercountryusa for the latest construction information and park updates.

Hours: Visit www.watercountryusa.com for operating days and hours.

 

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Sneak Peak at Verbolten Coaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg VA

. Busch Gardens

imageBusch Gardens opened the construction gates today for an exclusive first look at Verbolten℠, the park’s new multi-launch, indoor/outdoor roller coaster. When the coaster debuts this spring, it will feature design elements never before seen in the United States.

One of Verbolten’s main surprises is a free-fall drop hidden within the ride’s massive indoor special-effects building. Larry Giles, Busch Gardens’ vice president of design and engineering, promises this innovative drop will take riders’ breath away.

“It will be like someone pulled the track out from under you,” he said of the sensation riders will feel when the entire train drops 16 feet in complete darkness.

The drop’s design uses high-powered magnets to suspend the coaster train and a special section of track at the top of the special-effects building. To the surprise of riders, the magnets release and the train and track drop to the floor. They come to rest momentarily before the train is launched out of the dark Black Forest at speeds approaching 55 mph.

Other highlighted design features include a covered bridge that plays into the ride’s Black Forest-inspired theme. The bridge is one of the final elements of the attraction and sits atop a nearly 90-foot drop over Busch Gardens’ Rhine River. The drop pays homage to the final drop experienced on The Big Bad Wolf, which previously operated on the site. Recreating the drop also allowed design engineers to minimize Verbolten’s environmental impact by reusing the existing concrete foundations along the banks of the river.

Verbolten is unlike other coasters at the Virginia theme park. The ride narrative draws guests in from the time they enter the ride’s station house until they see their expression on the on-board video system when they exit the ride.

As riders enter the ride area, they will meet a German brother and sister team who run a small inn and visitor center at the edge of the Black Forest. Dire warnings of supernatural happenings within the forest dare riders to enter. Brave passengers are whisked away for a scenic tour of the German countryside only to fall into the clutches of the Black Forest’s inhabitants when they make a verboten detour.

Audio-visual special effects, scenic elements and other controls inside the darkened special-effects building create the illusion of a forest that has come to life. Verbolten’s two electromagnetic launches provide a zero to 55 mph rush of adrenaline at key times during the ride to advance the ride’s narrative.

Verbolten is the capstone attraction of a two-year rejuvenation project in Busch Gardens’ Oktoberfest village. Mach Tower, the park’s 240-foot drop tower, joins the launch coaster as the park’s newest thrill attractions. A new pretzel restaurant and new performance spaces that opened in 2011 completes the Oktoberfest village transformation.

More info here

New Quarter Park- York County-Williamsburg

. Parks

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The mature forest, ridges, bottoms, and wetlands of this 545- acre York County park are alive with a wide variety of woody and herbaceous plants that provide habitat for deer, raccoons, birds, turtles, snakes, millipedes, and more. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ Birding and Wildlife Trail program has recognized New Quarter Park as one of coastal Virginia’s best sites for wildlife-watching and hiking.

History
Archaeologists have discovered prehistoric sites that reveal this land was home to Woodland Indians. After 1607, explorers from Jamestown crossed through the area to visit Chief Powhatan at Werowocomoco (Gloucester). The land along Queens Creek and the York River was granted to English settlers beginning in the 1630s.

In the early 1700s, Robert “King” Carter named this tract New Quarter, one of many quarters or farms that made up his landholding. He gave it to his grandson, Carter Burwell, who built Carter’s Grove. Slaves lived and toiled here for about 150 years. Nathaniel Burwell, Carter Burwell’s son, and many of his slaves moved west after the American Revolution.

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During the Civil War, Union Troops at Fort Monroe launched a campaign to take Richmond, the Confederate Capital. Earthworks were built to slow the advance; Redoubts 12 and 13 are within the Park. After the Civil War, the forest grew while the land was lightly used by tenant farmers. York County acquired the property at no cost through the federal surplus land act program in 1976 on the condition that it be used for recreational purposes. Today the park is enjoyed by thousands of outdoor and recreational enthusiasts.

FACILITIES

• Available first come, first served: Hiking & mountain biking trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, disc golf course, canoe & kayak launch, floating dock/ fishing pier, basketball & volleyball courts, soft ball field, horseshoe pits. • Picnic shelters may be reserved (see fees). • Public restrooms.

OFFICE

• Information, facility reservations, disc golf and canoe/kayak launch fee collection. • Drinks and snacks for sale. • Disc golf rentals and merchandise for sale.

• Special programs may require registration and fee; please inquire.

PROGRAMS

• Walk and Talk: First Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. to noon. Call for information about topic and leader.

• Bird Walks: Second Saturday of the month, 8 to 10 a.m.; Fourth Saturday of the month 7 to 9 a.m.

• BYOK (Bring your own kayak or canoe): Third Saturday of the month, April to October, 9 a.m. to noon.

• Special events:

Calendar available in the park office. Call 757-890- 3500 or 757-890-5840 to inquire or to add your e-mail address to the e-mailing list.

HOURS

May Through October: Open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk November Through April: Friday 10 a.m. to dusk Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to dusk

DIRECTIONS

From I-64: Exit 242A at Rt. 199 to Jamestown. Exit Rt. 199 at Rt. 143. Turn right. Follow Rt. 143 to Penniman Rd. Turn right. Travel 1 block. Turn left on Hubbard Lane. Follow Hubbard for about one mile. After Colonial Parkway overpass, turn right on Lakeshead and follow to park. From Colonial Parkway: Exit at Queens Lake. Turn right. Turn onto Lakeshead and follow the sign to New Quarter Park.

TELEPHONE

• New Quarter Park office: 757-890-5840 • New Quarter Park cell: 757-812-5589 • York County Parks & Recreation: 757-890-3500 • York County Dispatch: 757-890-3621 (non-emergency)

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Trail  Map

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Conservation Park -Charles City County

. Parks

Conservation Park has approximately 1,500 acres of land on the Henrico/Charles City County line with two miles of frontage on the Chickahominy River. Approximately 135 acres are in Henrico consisting of woodlands and part of what is known as the White Oak Swamp. The balance of the land and all land improvements are in Charles City County. Approximately 125 acres of the Park’s land are open, including fields planted for Bob White Quail, power lines, and areas improved with the clubhouse and recreational facilities.

The Park’s recreational facilities for members and guests consist of skeet fields, trap fields, five stand, rifle, pistol and archery ranges. Additionally, there are nature trails, picnic and fishing areas. The Conservation Park Clubhouse is 3,300 s.f. with a 1,600 s.f. covered patio, cooking and dining facilities.

The property of Conservation Park of Virginia, consisting of 1500 acres in Charles City County, Virginia, was acquired in 1990. This property is located approximately two miles west of Roxbury at 5100 Charles City Road. The park has two miles of frontage on the Chickahominy River providing fishing and habitat for ducks and other wildlife.

Approximately 1450 acres of the Conservation Park is managed for wildlife, with emphasis on Bob White Quail and duck. Lessons learned at the Park will help management of scarce species in other areas. The Park is a wildlife sanctuary and hunting is prohibited, except as it becomes necessary to control the deer herd.

The remaining 50 acres of the Park are devoted to recreational facilities. Conservation Park’s ancillary mission is to provide recreational facilities for members and guests. Facilities consist of skeet fields, trap fields, five stand, rifle range, pistol ranges, archery range, picnic areas, nature trails, and a 3,300 s.f. clubhouse with a 1,600 s.f. covered patio. Net income from recreational facilities and dues fund conservation.

Virginia Conservation Park, Inc. is a private organization available to members and guests. Memberships is open to anyone in the area of acceptable character and deportment. The initiation fee is $500; annual membership dues are $200. One membership covers all family members in the same dwelling. The Park is also available to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Lions Club, Ruritan Clubs, 4-H Clubs, the Virginia Game Commission, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, and similar organizations.

Directions

For Membership Application
or Park Information:Conservation Park of Virginia, Inc.
5100 Charles City Road
Charles City, VA 23030

Kevin Key,
Park Manager

Laura Key,
Membership Secretary & Bookkeeper
Phone (804) 966-7313
Fax (804) 966-7098

 email: 
conservationpark@aol.com


 

Jamestown 4-H Center

. Parks

Jamestown 4-H Educational Center, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of youth and adult volunteers through innovative 4-H camping, environmental education, and leadership training.

Founded in 1928, Jamestown 4-H Center became the first fully dedicated 4-H Camp built in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jamestown 4-H Educational Center annually hosts nine full weeks of summer camp, weekend specialty camps, environmental education programs, school field trips, family reunions, church retreats, and conferences. Jamestown 4-H Educational Center is a proudly accredited American Camping Association camp, and is in collaboration with Virginia Cooperative Extension and Character Counts. The 4-H Center is also a proud member of Network Williamsburg and Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance. The 4-H Center is located in Williamsburg, along the James River. We are within walking distance to both Historic Jamestown and the Capital Trail, less than one mile from the Colonial Parkway, less than 5 miles from Colonial Williamsburg, and 20 minutes from Yorktown.

Our campus has 4 cabins  and 2 lodges . Each cabin has 2 large rooms with 14 bunk style beds, a smaller room with 2 single cots, and a bathroom with showers. Each lodge has 6 rooms with 8 bunk style beds, a large common room with 2 single cots, and 2 bathrooms with showers. Private dormitory style rooms are also available, with 2 single cots and a private bathroom, perfect for your special guest or bus driver! The campus also has a large dining hall, which seats up to 200. We also have a large recreation hall, which is perfect for talent shows, services, and large group break out sessions.

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From 1928 to 1947

In 1928 Jamestown 4-H Educational Center was the first, fully-dedicated 4-H Camp built in the Commonwealth. The first six-acre camping site stood on the shores of the James River one mile north of Jamestown Island. The site, with its rustic wooden structures, was deeded to the 4-H organization by the C&O Railroad for the benefit of 4-H clubs and kindred organizations of the counties of the Commonwealth teaching better farming methods and domestic science. 4-H summer camps took place every summer between 1928 and 1946, with the exception being the World War II years of 1943 and 1944.

The original Jamestown 4-H camp property was later acquired by the National Park Service for its National Monumental Highway (Colonial National Historical Park) that connects Historic Jamestown Island NPS to Yorktown National Battlefield Park NPS. In 1942, the Jamestown 4-H Camp organization purchased a 16-acre parcel of land 1/2 mile up-river from the original site on land previously-owned by the C&O Railroad.

A New Home

Between 1948 and 1950 structures were built of wood frame and concrete blocks. Over the year many other buildings were built and renovated to meet the needs of modern campers..

In 1976, Jamestown 4-H Camp incorporated as Jamestown 4-H Educational Center with a governing body called the Corporate Membership. In 1982, the Corporate Membership made the decision to renovate and expand the existing facility.

The improvements and expansions of the 1980s gave the Center extensive recreational, meeting, and lodging facilities.

Today

From it’s early, agricultural roots, the Center not only continues over an 80-year tradition of fostering 4-H Campers into productive citizens with passions for environmentally-sensitive living practices, but also to help develop skills and interests in all science disciplines. In addition to the 4-H Campers who come to the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center, the Center also caters to private groups and organizations for their particular needs. The Center is fully-dedicated to serving those Extension Agents and 4-Hers from the Northeastern District of Virginia. All programming designed and administered by and accepted practices performed by the Center staff remain consistent with the core values of 4-H. The Center invites you to become apart of this extensive family and connect with our combined American heritage here at Jamestown.

Where we are

Jamestown 4-H Educational Center is located within walking distance to both Historic Jamestown and the Capital Trail, less than one mile from the Colonial Parkway, and less than 5 miles from Colonial Williamsburg, 20 minutes from Yorktown.

We are an exclusive, safe location that hosts educational, developmental team building and corporate events and 9 weeks of summer camp to 22 units in the state.

The 4-H property offers an unobstructed view of the James River, 2 Lodges that each sleep 50, 4 cabins that sleep 30, a Low Ropes Course, swimming pool, newly renovated amphitheater, fishing pier, living shoreline with a beach, dining and rec halls that can be used simultaneously by groups, multiple outdoor activities in a large recreational field typical of summer camps, acres of wooded property shielding us from development and a level of charm one can only experience first hand.

Busch Gardens

. Busch Gardens

BuschgardensvaBusch Gardens Williamsburg is an action-packed European-themed adventure park with 17th-century charm and 21st-century technology, boasting more than 350 acres of fun-filled exploration.
The park is home to more than 50 rides and attractions, including Griffon, the world’s tallest and first floorless dive coaster. A new Sesame-Street themed area features four new KIDsiderate rides and shows that will delight young and the young at heart. Stage shows, culinary delights and world-class shopping experiences provide fun for the whole family.”

GPS Driving Directions
Busch Gardens
One Busch Gardens Blvd.
Williamsburg, VA 23187

We are located in Williamsburg, VA at Exit 243A on I-64. Alternative local routes include US Route 60, and State Routes 143 and 199. Major nearby cities include Virginia Beach (55 miles), Richmond (55 miles) and Washington, DC (150 miles).
Flying? Three airports are situated within a 45-minute drive of Busch Gardens.

  • (ORF) Norfolk International Airport
  • (RIC) Richmond International Airport
  • (PHF) Newport News-Williamsburg International AirportTaking a train?The Williamsburg Amtrak Train Station is just 10 minutes from Busch Gardens. For more information about routes and schedules, visit Amtrak’s website.

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