Gloucester Parks, Recreation & Tourism

06/06/2026

Make sure to stop by the PRT booth and see our Recreation Specialist Elizabeth at the Gloucester Main Library for their Summer Reading Kickoff from 10-12!

06/06/2026

🥾🌲 GO TAKE A HIKE: THE FULL HIKE 🌲🥾

Ready for a challenge? Experience Beaverdam Park like never before with The Full Hike — a self-guided 9-mile adventure that takes you across one of Gloucester's most scenic outdoor destinations. Participants park at the Main Entrance and are shuttled to the opposite side of the park to begin their trek back through beautiful forest trails and along the shores of Beaverdam Lake.

This unique hiking experience is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to test their endurance, enjoy peaceful lake views, spot local wildlife, and explore miles of natural beauty. Beaverdam Park features over 13 miles of marked trails winding through woodlands and around the 635-acre lake, making it one of Gloucester's premier outdoor recreation destinations.

Whether you're tackling the trail solo or bringing friends and family along, The Full Hike is a rewarding way to spend a day outdoors and cross a bucket-list hike off your list.

Register today and take on the challenge!

Beaverdam has beautiful trails where you can enjoy the flora and fauna of Gloucester.

06/05/2026

Free Community Shred Event & Bluebird Houses!

The Gloucester Parks, Recreation & Tourism Clean Community Division is excited to share two great opportunities from our friends at the Abingdon Ruritan Club!

FREE Community Shred Event · Saturday, June 13, 2026 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
8784 Guinea Road, Hayes, VA 23072
Safely dispose of personal documents and protect your identity with secure, confidential shredding services.
______________________________________________________________________________
Support Local Wildlife with a Bluebird House
The Abingdon Ruritan Club Environment Committee is also offering handcrafted cedar Bluebird Houses for a $20 donation.

These durable nesting boxes:
✅ Provide safe habitat for bluebirds
✅ Support local wildlife and conservation efforts
✅ Are made from weather-resistant cedar
✅ Include proper ventilation and drainage for nesting safety

All proceeds benefit local environmental projects sponsored by the Abingdon Ruritan Club. Whether you're cleaning out old paperwork or looking to create a welcoming space for native birds, these are great ways to support a cleaner, greener community!

06/05/2026

🏀☀️ Summer Basketball is Off to a Great Start!

Our Summer Basketball program is already bringing the energy, excitement, and teamwork that make this season so special! We are incredibly fortunate to have Coach Johnson and Coach EJ from Gloucester High School on the court with us this year, sharing their knowledge, passion, and love of the game with our young athletes.

A special thank you also goes out to longtime volunteer Mark Dutton for his continued dedication and support of our Parks, Recreation & Tourism programs. Volunteers like Mark help make opportunities like this possible for our community year after year.

Thank you to our coaches, volunteers, players, and families for making this summer one to remember.

06/05/2026

☀️ Summer Camp Registration is Filling Fast! ☀️

Looking for an unforgettable summer adventure? We still have a few spots available in some of our exciting camps, but they won't last long!

🚣 Kayak Adventures : June 29 – July 3 (Only 1 Spot Left!)
July 13 – July 17 (Only 1 Spot Left!)
⚽ Junior Kickers: Soccer Fundamental Camp: July 13 – July 17
🥅 Goalie Camp: July 20 – July 24
🏀 Junior Basketball Fundamental Camp: July 27 – July 30
🤸 Gymnastics Camp: Multiple dates & weekday options available!
🎨 Drawn to Nature Camp: July 27 – July 31
🦋 Invertebrates Camp: June 22 – June 25

Don't miss out on a summer full of learning, adventure, sports, and fun! Register today before these camps fill up.

To register visit https://secure.rec1.com/VA/gloucester-county-va/catalog/index/d2fa24ee6dd2dbe09b0094720414d2a0?filter=c2VhcmNoPUNhbXBz

06/04/2026

The prizes are rolling in! We would like to thank G Town Bait N Tackle, Bass Pro Shops, Barker Taxidermy, LLC, and Scoot's BBQ ( photo of those prizes coming soon!) for donating all these items for our fishing tournament! The kiddos are going to love these and we couldn't do this without our amazing PRT community!

If you haven't signed up yet there is still time!
https://secure.rec1.com/VA/gloucester-county-va/catalog/index/dfd2b06a4bd941a3652aa78e4c601a49?filter=c2VhcmNoPWZpc2hpbmclMjB0b3VybmFtZW50

06/04/2026

🚣‍♀️ Paddle Into Adventure at Canoe Jam 2026! 🚣‍♂️

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 13, 2026, and join us at beautiful Beaverdam Park for one of Gloucester's favorite outdoor traditions—Canoe Jam 2026! Whether you're a competitive paddler or just looking for a fun day on the water, there's something for everyone.

Choose your challenge:
✅ Long Course (4 miles)
✅ Short Course (2 miles)
✅ Fun Paddle for all skill levels

Canoe and kayak divisions for solo and team racers, with categories for men, women, youth, and mixed teams. Awards for the top finishers and door prizes for participants!

Best of all, proceeds benefit Beaverdam Park, helping support one of Gloucester County's premier outdoor destinations.

Register today!

Get ready to hit the water for one of Gloucester’s favorite outdoor traditions— Canoe Jam 2026 ! Proceeds from this exciting event benefit Beaverdam Park , so every paddle makes a difference.

06/03/2026

Wiffle Ball has started and it’s off to a great start!! Tonight the purple team went up to bat, played some fun games, and cheered for their teammates!

PRT families please send us your wiffle ball memories so we can share your highlights 🤩

06/03/2026

🌿 In Case You Missed It! 🌿

A big thank you to the Garden Club of Gloucester and Mathews for their generous donation of two beautiful benches and two trees at the Farys Mill Entrance of Beaverdam Park!

These wonderful additions provide visitors with a peaceful place to relax, take in the scenery, and enjoy stunning views of the lake. The benches and trees not only enhance the beauty of the park but will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come.

We are grateful for community partners whose dedication helps make our parks even more welcoming and beautiful.

Next time you're visiting Beaverdam Park, be sure to stop by the Farys Mill Entrance and check them out!

06/02/2026

📚🌲 New Book on the Storybook Trail at Woodville Park! 🌲📚

Take a stroll through Woodville Park and enjoy our newest Storybook Trail feature: The Hike by Allison Farrell!

With lyrical language that captures the majesty of the natural world coupled with fun narrative featured throughout, this spirited picture book tells the victorious story of three girls' friendship—and their tribulations and triumphs in the great outdoors. Here is the best and worst of any hike: from picnics to puffing and panting, deer-sighting to detours. Featuring a glossary, a sketchbook by one of the characters, abundant labels throughout, and scientific backmatter, this book is a must-have for budding scientists, best friends, and all adventurers. And it proves, as if proof were needed, what epic things can happen right in your own backyard.

The storybook trail is presented by our Clean Community Division! 🌍💚