Celebrate Park and Recreation Month with Prince William County Parks!
July is officially Park and Recreation Month! Created by the National Recreation and Park Association, Park and Recreation Month highlights the essential and powerful role local park and recreation programs play in building stronger, more vibrant and more resilient communities all across the country. This year, with the theme, “Where You Belong,” we’re celebrating the many ways Prince William County Parks provides welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections.
Whether it’s parks, playgrounds, recreation, fitness or fun, below are just some of the programs happening during July to help you discover where you belong. This month and all year long, we invite you to check out all that Prince William County Parks has to offer!
Upcoming Events
With an exceptional variety of live bands that’ll get your hands clapping and your feet moving all summer long, Fridays at 5 provides fun and entertainment for people of all ages. Surround yourself with the aroma of deliciousness from our flavorful food trucks. Come out to sip on a cold brew under the warm summer sun as we dance, laugh, sing and make new friends during this popular free community event. Come join us for Fridays at 5 at Sean T. Connaughton Plaza. If you missed the July 5 concert, then we hope you’ll be able to join us on Friday, July 19 for the high energy cover band Collective. See the full schedule here.
Don’t miss this free performance on Sunday, July 21 by Na Pikake Lohio Wai Kaulele at the Jean C. Smith Amphitheater at Locust Shade Park. This Hawaiian hula dance group has performed at the Washington D.C. Cherry Blossom Festival, local International Festivals, Workhouse Arts Center events, elder care facilities, weddings, and other specialty events around Northern Virginia. Learn more here.
Fitness
Learn and perform the fundamentals of weightlifting with a Certified Personal Trainer at Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center in this Lift and Learn workshop designed for lifting enthusiasts of ALL levels. Whether you are new to weights, or an experienced lifter, this workshop will teach you the techniques for success. Class takes place on Saturday, July 13, 1:30 – 3 pm. Register here.
We also encourage you to check out our group fitness schedules for Dale City Recreation Center and Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center to find something that suits your needs.
Adapted Programs
Come experience the freedom and joy of paddle sports in this adapted flatwater kayaking class. Our user-friendly kayaks and adapted programs instructors will help participants become comfortable with using kayaks on the water. Parents and siblings are encouraged to register as well. Paddle sports can become a fun family activity! Participants must be able to keep a life vest on while on the water, stay seated in the boat, and close lips and hold breath in case of submersion. All participants should bring a water bottle and sunscreen. Class takes place on Saturday, July 13, 10:15 am - 12:00 pm at Lake Ridge Marina. Register today.
Help your child express themselves through art! Join us for a fun, creative and social event held at Birchdale Recreation Center. Run by a recreation therapist, this Art Expressions class on Saturday, July 20 (11 am - 12 pm), will encourage participants to explore different mediums of art, while addressing physical, cognitive and social skills. At the end of each session, participants will leave with an original art piece. Sign up here.
Recreation and Fun
Kids ages 6-8 can register to attend Ultimate Music Camp this summer. Learn Now Music introduces campers to a variety of musical instruments and concepts including piano, guitar, violin, drums, voice and movement. Campers participate in musical games, crafts, musical listening excerpts, related projects and more! FREE instrument rentals are provided to borrow for in camp use and at-home exploration (rental agreement must be signed). Instruments must be returned at the end of the program. AM session instruments are piano and drum. PM session instruments are guitar and violin. Camp runs July 29 – August 2 at James Long Park. Register your child today.
End the month at one of our “Rec on Wheels” events. We’ll be at Ellis Barron Park on Monday, July 29, 5:30 – 7 pm; and at Marumsco Acre Lake Park on Tuesday, July 30, 5:30 – 7 pm. Kona Ice will be onsite both days to help keep you cool and Prince William County’s Mobile Library unit will be at Ellis Barron Park on Monday. At both events there will be lawn games and other fun activities for the whole family. Come on out for some fun in the parks!
For more things to do in July, click here.
If you’d like to share your photos with us while you’re out enjoying our parks and facilities, we’d love to see them! Please use #pwcPARKS and #WhereYouBelong.
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