Build Together, Play Together
Each July, we celebrate National Park and Recreation Month with fun programs, exciting events, and ways to PLAY all month! This year, we’re also reflecting on the theme of “Build Together, Play Together” by recognizing the contributions of our park and recreation professionals, community members, and the welcoming community of PLAY that’s been built over the years.
Together, we’ve completed recent park projects like the “Bridge the Gap” greenway connection, a brand-new Washington Park Pool, and significant deferred maintenance.
Together, volunteers have built and maintained our trails, educated greenway visitors, planted and cared for trees, made our events successful, and adopted our parks.
Together, new recreation infrastructure is underway, like the Eureka Recreation Center, In-River Park, Mill Mountain Trails, and Wasena Skatepark and Pumptrack.
Together, we’ve worked to update our Master Plan, paving the way for our parks and recreation future.
This month, we hope you’ll join us in celebration of all things Park and Recreation! Here are some ideas (psst…they’re all free!):
Freedom Festival & Fireworks
Kickoff Park and Rec Month at the Freedom Festival on July 3! This free, family-friendly festival will have live music, inflatables to enjoy, face painting, and food and beverage for sale. The VA250 Mobile Museum will also be onsite for an interactive experience. Enjoy an extended fireworks display to finish off the evening!
Do you “Gnome” our Parks and Rec Professionals?
The Hunt for Noké the Gnome is back, with a twist! All month-long, Noké will be traveling across the city and getting to know our parks & rec staff and learning about the work they do. We’ll release clues on our social media and it’s up to you to find him! Winners each week will receive a gift card and PLAY Roanoke prize pack. Follow @playroanoke on Facebook and Instagram to participate!
USA Cycling National Championships
We are especially thrilled this Park and Rec Month to be hosting the USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships from July 14 to 20. With races at Elmwood Park, Carvins Cove, and Roanoke County’s Explore Park, it’s going to be a busy week! This is a must-see event, and one of the best ways to be involved is by volunteering. Big events like this are not possible without a supportive community, so show your support by signing up for a shift or two!
Mill Mountain Discovery Center
Park and Rec Month is the perfect time to visit the Mill Mountain Discovery Center! Not only can you escape the summer heat and grab an ice cream, the welcoming and knowledgeable staff can help you learn and discover with exhibits, educational displays, and hands-on fun! This summer, the Discovery Center will be focused on a theme of butterflies. Visit the on-your-own craft stations and light tables, or pick up a book to read on our comfy couches. Don’t forget to visit the pollinator garden right out back, or the shady wildflower garden. Be sure to ask about the live butterflies growing and see the chrysalises!
Help us Build a Welcoming Community Through Play!
If you’re looking to get more involved, there’s no better way to “Build Together, Play Together” than by joining our dedicated crew of park and rec professionals! With open positions in numerous different sections, opportunities abound. If volunteering is a better fit, the Tree Stewards, Greenway Ambassadors, and trail crews offer ways to be involved throughout the year. Or, dedicate your time to a specific park through our Adopt-A-Park program.
Happy Park and Rec Month, Roanoke!
