Come Out and Play in Prince William County!

Play isn’t just about fun – it is vital to a child’s development. Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows just how play can improve children's abilities to plan, organize, get along with others, and regulate emotions. In addition, play helps with language, math, and social skills, and even helps children cope with stress.

From Lake Ridge to Haymarket – we’ve got playtime covered with our parks and playgrounds across Prince William County for both you and your little ones to explore, enjoy and play!

Below are a few you might enjoy. As you’re reading, our Prince William County Recreation Mapper is a great resource with more information on all our parks. Be sure to bookmark it for later!

Harbor Drive Wellness Park

Located off Minnieville Road in Lake Ridge, Harbor Drive Wellness Park (#19 on Rec Mapper) opened earlier this year and is the first dedicated wellness park in the county's Occoquan District with universal fitness equipment accessible to people of all ages and physical abilities. The park is situated on 2.5 beautiful acres and includes the county's first fully accessible playground, meadows, a pollinator garden, and a looped walking trail. The park, converted from an underutilized community parking lot, is connected to Kaiser Permanente's new medical campus off Caton Hill Road via a one mile shared-use path.

George Hellwig Memorial Park

There is plenty to do for both parents and kids at George Hellwig Memorial Park, (#17 on Rec Mapper). Hellwig is a 132-acre facility in Manassas that houses eight soccer fields and five diamond fields. (*These fields are often reserved by local leagues, so consult schedules for availability.) The park also has two basketball courts, three tennis courts, six pickleball courts, a one-plus mile of stone dust walking trail, a small playground, and the Independent Hill Neighborhood Library. There is ADA parking available on site and restrooms are located at the baseball fields.

Hellwig is also home to Miracle Field - an accessible, custom designed, rubberized surface field where our Miracle League and other activities take place.

Catharpin Regional Park

Catharpin Regional Park (#9 on Rec Mapper) is a large baseball and softball complex in Western Prince William County which includes four soccer fields, five diamond fields (all grass with skinned infields) and a new, large playground completed in July 2021.

Kids will love the 7,200 square foot playground which has swings, climbing bars, two large slides, a bridge, music instruments, Shadow Play pieces, and a spinning wave seat.

There are also seven batting cages on site for kids and adults alike to enjoy. ADA parking and restrooms are available on site.

Veterans Memorial Park

This beautiful park is situated adjacent to the beautiful Marumsco Creek, Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge and Occoquan Bay National Water Reserve.  For nature lovers and trail enthusiasts, Veterans Park is a must-visit.  

Veterans Memorial Park (#42 on Rec Mapper) is also home to several sports leagues including swimming, soccer, football, baseball, softball, little league, basketball and volleyball.  The community center hosts open gym days for basketball, dance classes, sports classes, pickle ball, playschool, summer and mini-camps, and other activities. 

Veterans Park is also home to the Scott D. Eagles Skate Park—the largest skate park in Prince William County. It features a vertical ramp half-pipe and a 6,300-sq. ft. concrete course and a 60-ft long kidney bowl for a challenging ride! There’s also a 50-meter outdoor pool at Veterans Park, open during the summer, which features two 2-story slides, graduated entry with water features for the little ones and adjacent bathhouse with concessions close by.  

If you’re looking for a place to have a fun outdoor picnic, Veterans Park has grills, picnic tables, volleyball, basketball courts, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, pavilion rentals and restrooms available throughout the park.  Contact the office at Veterans Park for reservations.

Locust Shade Park

Located next to the Marine Corps Heritage Museum, and minutes from I-95, Locust Shade Park (#42 on Rec Mapper) offers much more than scenic beauty, tranquil water, and picturesque trails. Amenities include seven pavilions (available to rent), playgrounds, tennis courts, volleyball courts, 3.2 miles of scenic nature trails, a 15-station fitness trail, batting cages, a driving range, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a mountain bike skills course, fishing in an eight-acre pond and the Jean C. Smith Amphitheater, an outdoor performance venue that presents family entertainment during the summer season.

Locust Shade Park is also home to the exciting Warrior Challenge Course, obstacle course geared for use by Marines and their families, veterans and county residents of all skill levels and abilities. Created in partnership between the Department of Defense (DOD) and Prince William County, visitors of all ages can expect to test their strength and endurance all while having a blast traversing the many obstacles along the way. More than 20,000-square-feet await athletes of all levels with a mini version of the course nearby for children 2-years-old and up. 

Nokesville Park

Located in Nokesville, VA, Nokesville Park (#35 on Rec Mapper) has active and passive recreation options for everyone. There are two soccer fields, six diamond fields, two little league fields and three t-ball fields, as well as manual batting cages for warmup and training. (Check league schedules for availability.)

There is a playground and volleyball court in the center of the park, along with a pavilion.  For equestrian users, the park's 1.6-mile trail network and equestrian ring provide opportunities to get out and ride.

Cloverdale Park

Cloverdale Park (#11 on Rec Mapper) is located in Dale City and covers 30 acres and includes a long list of amenities. The park has two soccer fields, three softball fields, one t-ball field, two tennis courts, one basketball court, and two playgrounds. There are also five pavilions - three of which include grills and tables and are available to rent for special occasions - as well as a natural walking trail. ADA parking and restrooms available on site.

James S. Long Regional Park

Located in Haymarket, James Long Park (#24 on Rec Mapper) is a 230-acre park that houses several options for active and passive recreation. There are seven soccer fields, three of which are lighted and feature a turf surface. There are also four diamond fields with manual batting cages for training and warmup. (*Check league schedules for field availability.)

Rounding out the sports facilities, there are two basketball courts, two tennis courts, and a large-covered playground. If you love to hike or need to get those steps in, there are also over four miles of wooded, natural surface trails throughout the park.

To learn more about all of our parks, playgrounds, fitness and recreation centers visit www.pwcrecmapper.com or pwcparks.org.