Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation

06/04/2026

The new sprayground at Level Green Park officially opened at the end of May. Here's how it will work:
From Memorial Day through Labor Day it will open from 9 a.m. to sunset, when the air temperature is 75°F or higher.

It's open to all ages (but no pets) and children 8 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No food, other beverages, or glass on the sprayground.

The sprayground may close due to weather, including thunder and lightning, and will close if a bathroom accident occurs in the water.

Level Green Park is at 1520 Level Green Blvd.

06/03/2026

Ever seen a tree with rows of little holes? It's likely the work of a yellow bellied sapsucker, these birds drill a series of little holes called “sapwells” into the bark of trees, to get at (you guessed it) the sugary sap of the trees.

Each year sapsuckers will return to their favorite trees, and keep drilling. The holes are used by a range of other animals and insects too, so sapsuckers are an important species for boosting biodiversity in our parks.

Photo: © Dennis Church / Flickr

06/01/2026

📚✏️ Registration for Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation’s Before & After School Child Care programs opens Saturday, June 6 at 9am.

Our programs give kids a safe, structured and fun place to start and end their school day, with caring staff, engaging activities and convenient school-year scheduling for busy families.

✨ Before & After School Child Care
For children in Kindergarten – 5th grade

📝 Registration opens: June 6 at 9am
💻 Online registration: June 6 – August 2
💵 Registration fee: $85
Non-refundable, non-transferable security deposit

🌅 Before School (6:30am – school start)
$196/month

🌞 After School (school dismissal – 6pm)
Rec Centers: $462/month
Schools: $332/month
Reduced rates are available for qualified applicants.
For more info go to: https://parks.virginiabeach.gov/child-care/before-and-after-school

🌈 Looking for Early Childhood Programs?
Registration is open through June 30 for Preschool and Pre-K programs.
👧 Preschool: Ages 3–4
👦 Pre-K: Ages 4–5
Hours: 7:30am – 6pm
Cost: $847/month
Registration fee: $75
Non-refundable, non-transferable security deposit
For more info go to: https://parks.virginiabeach.gov/child-care/preschool-prek-child-care

Make your wishlist, mark your calendar and get ready to register! Spots may fill quickly.
📅 Wishlist: May 23
✎ Registration: June 6 at 9am

05/29/2026

The wetlands area at Beach Garden Park got an upgrade this spring with new railings and deck boards. It's a great spot to head for some birding!

05/28/2026

Level Green Park officially opens on Saturday May 30, and as well as being the first to play in the new sprayground, you'll have a chance to get your hands on one of these limited edition Barks & Rex towels. Here's the schedule for the day:

11:00 a.m. – Ceremonial opening, Barks & Rex towel giveaway begins

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - inflatables, chalk art, giant games, free snacks and water, DJ.

11:15-11:45 a.m. - FitPop Line Dancing at the basketball courts.

12:15 – 12:45 p.m. - FitPop Circuit Stations Class at outdoor gym

1:15 – 1:45 p.m. - FitPop Nature Bathing Walk

Level Green Park is at 1520 Level Green Blvd. The sprayground is part of upgrades that also include two off-leash dog parks, outdoor fitness equipment, new trails, a rentable picnic shelter, updated basketball courts, an updated playground and new restrooms.

05/28/2026

Not all heroes wear capes, some just have kayaks. 🦸‍♂️🐥🛶.
When three ducklings were spotted stuck in the center of a broken fountain pump in this pond, our parks & landscaping team grabbed a kayak to paddle in and give them a helping hand!

05/28/2026

https://www.wavy.com/video/level-green-parks-multi-million-dollar-upgrade-includes-new-sprayground/11830282

10 On Your Side's Walter Hildebrand reports on Level Green Park's multi-million dollar upgrade that includes a new Sprayground. Read more: https://www.wavy.com/living-local/level-green-parks-multi-million-dollar-upgrade-includes-new-sprayground/

05/27/2026

Despite their name, Yellow-crowned Night Herons are often active all hours of the day. You can spot them in shallow wetlands and shorelines of areas like Lynnhaven Bay, searching the mud for crabs and crayfish.

05/26/2026

💦 Bayside Pool Update 💦

We’re getting close! Based on current information, we’re hoping to reopen the Bayside Recreation Center pool this Saturday if everything stays on track Thursday and Friday. 🤞

We’ll know more later this week and will continue to keep everyone updated. In the meantime, most affected programs are being moved to other recreation centers, and staff will be reaching out directly with any schedule or location changes.

Thank you for your patience while we work to get everyone back in the water! 🏊

05/22/2026

All Virginia Beach community recreation centers will be closed on Monday. All Virginia Beach city parks and park facilities will remain open during regular hours, including the Lynnhaven Boat Ramp & Beach Facility.

✨ Don’t forget to visit a center today and enjoy FREE access to any of the 7 VB Rec Centers every Friday in May. Just bring a valid Military ID or proof of service and show your Freedom Friday Day Pass at the front desk.

Thank you to our military community for your service and sacrifice! ❤️🤍💙