Virtual Arbor Day Ceremony
Watch this virtual ceremony celebrating the City of Chesapeake's 34th Arbor Day event! Participants include Rogard Ross of the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council, Council Member Debbie Ritter, Jon Stull of the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways History Foundation, and Ed Bradley, Chesapeake Master Gardener.
Chessie's Back!
Legend has it there are mysterious happenings in the Dismal Swamp this time of year. Many have spun their tales surrounding Chessie’s recent disappearance from the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. Native American legend tells of a great healing pond within the Swamp, Cautaka, where animals bathe and grow well again. It is invisible to hunters, for as soon as they see it, the vision fades away. It is said there are bear tracks everywhere around this pond, for the bear is a great healer. Did Chessie visit Cautaka? We can only imagine what might have happened, but the wait is over, and Chessie has returned to his vantage point keeping a watchful eye on the Trail, now better than ever! #DismalSwamp
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
Sources: The Great Dismal Swamp in Myth and Legend by Waverley Traylor and The Dismal Swamp Welcome Center’s “The Healing Pond”.
Marjorie Rein Walkway
The Marjorie Rein Walkway is now open again! This walkway offers breathtaking views of the Northwest River and some claim it is the most beautiful spot in Chesapeake! Come see for yourself. The walkway was constructed in 1994 and closed due to instability in 2009.
Wild About Wildlife - Bugs
How prepared are you for a hike? In this episode, we talk about those pesky insects and arachnids that make themselves known on the trails and how to keep yourself safe from them on your adventure. Plus, we share some ideas for enjoying the people-friendly insects you might come across.
Geocaching
Bigfoot is waiting for you to find him, he's hanging out in the woods and he's filled with little prizes! Join Ranger Carter in this fun video about Geocaching. Your next adventure is calling!
Wild About Wildlife - Bears
Bears! Yes, you can find them in Chesapeake, but how should you act if you stumble upon one? Our Outdoor Programmer fills us in on bear safety during this Wild About Wildlife video.
Wild About Wildlife - Snakes
How should you act if you stumble upon a snake on our trails? Our Parks Manager fills us in during this first video from a new mini-series about Chesapeake wildlife.
CEIC Double Deadlines!
There are two great contests coming to a close with the Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council - CEIC. Nominate a Notable Yard before September 1 and submit your entry for the Keep Chesapeake Beautiful Photo Calendar by September 18. For more information and to enter both visit www.CityofChesapeake.net/CEIC
Black Bean Brownies
Make this healthy version of Brownies without all the sugar and fat. It really tastes good--try it!
Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism Celebration Dance
We’ve been a little down since we’ve had to scale back our events, programs, and activities, but just thinking about what it will be like when we can offer everything and more again and to fully welcome all of our citizens and visitors to our facilities is a cause for dancing and celebration! So for Chesapeake, Hampton Roads, and all our patrons and visitors, stay safe, and until we see you all again, hopefully without masks--this one’s for you! #WeAreParksAndRec
National Recreation and Park Association
City of Chesapeake Government
Visit Chesapeake, VA
Staff Spotlight - Mimi Perko, Recreation Specialist II
Mimi Perko with 55 & Better Programs talks about valuable connections with the 55 & Better community. #WeAreParksAndRec
National Recreation and Park Association
Staff Spotlight - Jessie Speller, Housekeeping Supervisor
Jessie tells us about the importance of Housekeeping as an essential service for the city and its customers.#WeAreParksAndRec
National Recreation and Park Association
Staff Spotlight - David Roscoe, Crew Leader
Meet David Roscoe, Crew Leader with the Municipal Grounds Division. David began his career with Parks, Recreation and Tourism as a temporary employee and has held several positions that eventually led him to his current position of Crew Leader. David says, "Hard work pays off!" #WeAreParksAndRec
National Recreation and Park Association
Staff Spotlight - Joe & Meghan, Front Line Customer Service Team
The spotlight today is on our department's front line customer service team, Joe and Meghan. These key representatives greet, direct, and assist our patrons and visitors, provide administrative support for the department and several Boards and Commissions, and are essential communicators who relay information to and from our patrons to keep the department running smoothly while ensuring the best customer service experience. #WeAreParksAndRec
National Recreation and Park Association
Chesapeake Fine Arts Commission
Indoor Gardening - Teacup Fairy Garden
Do you like the beauty of indoor gardening? Why not make it fun by making this whimsical Teacup Fairy Garden? Tamakia, with 55 & Better Programs, makes it easy by guiding you through each step.
Staff Spotlight - Fred Edge, Motor Equipment Operator
Today we shine the spotlight on Fred Edge. Fred imparts his many years of experience with the City and lends a helping hand to new employees so they can become better workers. #WeAreParksandRec
National Recreation and Park Association
Staff Spotlight - Kenya Carter, Park Ranger
Today's staff spotlight is Kenya Carter, Park Ranger. Kenya always wanted to be a park ranger, and he made his dream come true with Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
We are Parks and Recreation! #WeAreParksAndRec
National Recreation and Park Association
Staff Spotlight - Meghan Roberts, Outdoor Programs Recreation Specialist
Today's staff spotlight is Meghan Roberts, Recreation Specialist with Outdoor Programs. Meghan wants to inspire others to love the outdoors like she does through outdoor programs and activities for our patrons.
We are Parks and Recreation! #WeAreParksAndRec
National Recreation and Park Association
Staff Spotlight - Toby Word, Sales Manager
Today's staff spotlight is Toby Word, Sales Manager with the Tourism division, just one of many Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism professionals who contribute to the services and amenities we provide for our patrons. We are Parks and Recreation! #WeAreParksAndRec
National Recreation and Park Association
Stencil Art
Create beautiful artwork that you can make yourself. All you need is paint, a stencil and a background. Watch and learn how.
Cornland Park
Where are Cornland Park, Bear Quarter and Cornland School? Watch to learn more about this park and the local history of the surrounding area.
Visit Chesapeake, VA Chesapeake
Cornland School Foundation
City of Chesapeake Government
Staff Spotlight - Oneal Floyd, Recreation Specialist
As we continue celebrating Park and Recreation month, we will be showcasing the diversity of Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism's professionals who contribute to the services and amenities we provide for our patrons. Today we highlight Oneal Floyd, Recreation Specialist at Dr. Clarence V. Cuffee Community Center. We are Parks and Recreation! #WeAreParksAndRec
It's Park and Recreation Professionals Day! Hey Chesapeake, We Still Miss You!
Today is Park and Recreation Professionals Day, and we're still working hard for you. We're showing this video again so you know, "Hey Chesapeake, we still miss you!" #NRPAParkandRecDay #WeAreParksandRec
National Recreation and Park Association
Staff Spotlight, Jeff Warren, Turf Manager
To help celebrate Park and Recreation month, we will be showcasing the diversity of Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism's professionals who contribute to the services and amenities we provide for our patrons. Today we highlight Jeff Warren, Turf Manager. We are Parks and Recreation! #WeAreParksAndRec
Mint Oreo Ice Cream
Cool down with some mint Oreo ice cream you can make in a snap!
2020 Notable Yards Contest
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 Notable Yards Contest! Winners receive a gift certificate, a Notable Yards sign displayed in the yard for a month, and a Certificate of Achievement presented to the homeowner. For rules and to submit a nomination, www.CityofChesapeake.net/CEIC, Award Programs and Contests.
Chesapeake Environmental Improvement Council - CEIC
City of Chesapeake Government
Chesapeake Arboretum
Join us on our last exploration of the month to celebrate Great Outdoors month at the Chesapeake Arboretum. You'll want to share this one, as there are some interesting tree facts and even a tree song while Bob and Mimi give a Native Tree Tour.
Animal Tracks - Youth Activity
What kind of animal tracks can your children find? Learn about different animals and their pawprints. Print out the journal below and have them draw what they see. Share the picture in the comments below.
