County of Albemarle

05/29/2026

Happy Friday! There was a lot of news to share from May 2026! Read the latest monthly newsletter digest of all things Albemarle: https://conta.cc/4e5HJgT 📢💬

05/28/2026

UPDATE: Mint Springs Valley Park is Opening for Swimming May 30 -- Mint Springs Valley Park is open following multiple tests showing normal water quality.

There have been no reported health problems, however, the Department of Parks and Recreation closed the lake earlier this month after test results showed harmful algae present. It is now safe again to have contact with the water.

Chris Greene Lake Park and Walnut Creek Park were not affected, and all three swimming lakes will be open for swimming this Saturday and Sunday, May 30–May 31, from 10 am - 6 pm.

Beginning June 1, the lakes will observe summer operating hours, open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm, through August 9. After August 9, hours will transition back to weekends only at Chris Greene Lake until Labor Day, September 7.

👉 And don't forget after your visit, please be sure to take our 2026 Summer Swim Survey online if you've recently visited our swimming beaches >> https://engage.albemarle.org/summer-swim-survey-2026

Thank you for your patience.

05/27/2026

Join the FREE Disaster Preparedness Training hosted by Charlottesville, UVA, Albemarle County Emergency Communications Center in collaboration with City of Charlottesville, Va - Government and Albemarle County. ​Learn about regional hazards, preparedness steps, mitigation techniques, and how to become a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member. The event takes place on Thursday, June 4, at 6 pm at the Albemarle County Office Building, 1600 5th Street, Charlottesville.

Join us June 4th for free training in disaster preparedness!

05/26/2026

Scheduled Maintenance: Select County Apps and Webpages Temporarily Unavailable:

>> When: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 9 – 10 pm
>> Websites Impacted: During this timeframe, the following applications and websites will be temporarily unavailable:
🔹Online Police Report, Native Plants Database, Engage Albemarle (engage.albemarle.org), and Laserfiche Weblink (Board of Supervisors minutes before 6/3/2015)

Information Technology will be conducting scheduled maintenance during this period. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

05/25/2026

Welcome to Monday Minute with Albemarle County! Stay informed with a quick 60-second overview of key updates and events happening across Albemarle County this week. From local initiatives to upcoming meetings and community programs, here's what you need to know!

This week, we cover Open Positions, JAMS, and Memorial Day! ⭐

05/25/2026

Albemarle County offices will be closed today, Monday, May 25 in observation of the Memorial Day holiday. Offices will reopen Tuesday, May 26, 2026 on a regular schedule. Public safety, including Fire Rescue and Police Services, will also operate as usual.

05/22/2026

UPDATE, 5/28, 5 pm

Mint Springs Valley Park is opening for Swimming May 30. It is now safe again to have contact with the water.

All three swimming lakes will be open for swimming this Saturday and Sunday, May 30–May 31, from 10 am - 6 pm.

Beginning June 1, the lakes will observe summer operating hours, open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm, through August 9. After August 9, hours will transition back to weekends only at Chris Greene Lake until Labor Day, September 7.

Thank you for your patience.

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Summer Swim Season is HERE!

Pack your swimsuits, sunscreen, and good vibes — Albemarle County’s swimming lakes officially open THIS Memorial Day Weekend!

>> Where?
• Chris Greene Lake Park
• Walnut Creek Park
• As a reminder, Mint Springs Valley Park is currently closed for swimming due to algae bloom, until further notice. Hiking trails, fishing, and boating are still permitted. Chris Greene Lake Park, and Walnut Creek Park are not affected.

>> Opening Weekend Hours:
- May 23–25 (Sat–Mon): 10 am – 6 pm
- May 30–May 31 1 (Sat–Sun): 10 am – 6 pm

>> Starting June 1: We're open 7 days a week through August 9! After that, we’ll switch to weekends-only through Labor Day (Sept 7), only operating summer swim at Chris Greene Lake.

>> Admission Fees:
- Ages 0–3: FREE
- Ages 4–12: $2 (Albemarle Co. residents) | $3 (non-residents)
- 62+: FREE (residents only)
- Adults: $3 (residents) | $5 (non-residents)
All fees are Cash, Card (NEW THIS SEASON!), or Check

>> BONUS FUN:
Want to swim all summer long? We’ve got season passes available at the lake entrance booth — grab yours before they're gone!

Rent kayaks, canoes, & paddleboards at Chris Greene for just *$15/hour! Rentals will be available at Walnut Creek Park once it's opened for swimming. *Rental fees are cash only, and we cannot accept bills larger than $20.
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We’re also excited to announce that our Summer Swim Survey will be available May 23 —and will remain open throughout the swim season! Bookmark or save this post and take the survey here anytime and we appreciate your input >> https://engage.albemarle.org/summer-swim-survey-2026.

>> Dive into all the details here albemarle.org/government/parks-recreation/parks/swimming
Tag your swim crew & get ready to have fun in the county this summer!

05/22/2026

Older Americans Month, observed each May, honors the contributions, resilience, and ongoing impact of older adults in the United States. Let’s celebrate the strength, wisdom, and resilience of older adults by supporting healthy aging in our communities.
✔ Stay active
✔ Stay connected
✔ Eat well
✔ Keep up with preventive care
✔ And most importantly—stay alert to scams targeting older adults. If something feels off, pause, verify, and protect your personal information. Remember: scammers often target seniors.
🚫 Don’t share personal info
🚫 Don’t trust unsolicited calls
🚫 Don’t send money or gift cards to strangers
✔ Do verify before responding
Together, we can help every older adult thrive. 💙

For Older Americans Month, we’ll share weekly tips to help you champion your health and support well-being and independence. Follow along for simple, practical ideas to stay active, connected, and healthy.

05/20/2026

UPDATE: 5/28/26, 5 pm

Mint Springs Valley Park is Opening for Swimming May 30

Mint Springs Valley Park is open following multiple tests showing normal water quality

There have been no reported health problems, however, the Department of Parks and Recreation closed the lake earlier this month after test results showed harmful algae present. It is now safe again to have contact with the water.

Chris Greene Lake Park and Walnut Creek Park were not affected, and all three swimming lakes will be open for swimming this Saturday and Sunday, May 30–May 31, from 10 am - 6 pm.

Beginning June 1, the lakes will observe summer operating hours, open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm, through August 9. After August 9, hours will transition back to weekends only at Chris Greene Lake until Labor Day, September 7.

Thank you for your patience.

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Mint Springs Valley Park Closed for Swimming Due to Algae Bloom

Ahead of summer swim season, which will begin this Saturday, May 23, Mint Springs Valley Park is experiencing a harmful algae bloom and is closed for swimming. Until further notice, swimming in the lake is prohibited. Hiking trails, fishing, and boating are still permitted.

There have been no reported health problems, however, the Department of Parks and Recreation closed the lake after test results showed harmful algae present. People should not have contact with the water until further notice.

Chris Greene Lake Park, and Walnut Creek Park are not affected and will open for the summer swim season over Memorial Day weekend, May 23–25. Swimming will be available from 10 am to 6 pm each day, including Memorial Day (Monday, May 25). The lakes will also be open the following weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 30–May 31, with the same hours. Additional details about the 2026 summer swim season will be shared later this week.

Thank you for your cooperation.

05/20/2026

This EMS Week, we recognize the dedication, skill, and compassion of EMS professionals across the country and especially those serving within the ACFR network.

To our career, volunteer, and retired first responders: thank you for your unwavering commitment to our community. On people’s most difficult days, you provide calm in chaos, expert care, and steady reassurance. Your service strengthens the health and safety of Albemarle County every day and its impact is deeply felt and appreciated. 🚑