Welcome to Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation

Get ready to discover the incredible wonders of Virginia Beach with Parks & Recreation. Get lost in a world of outdoor fun, with swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking surrounded by Virginia's breathtaking natural beauty.

Take your wellness journey to the next level at our seven cutting-edge recreational centers, where you can unleash your inner athlete in state-of-the-art fitness centers or make a splash in our indoor pools and aquatics facilities. With an exciting array of programs and activities for everyone, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation offers unforgettable experiences that will create legendary memories for a lifetime.

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation - Gold Medal Finalist 2023 Video
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Seasonal Activity Guide

The Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Seasonal Activity Guide is your go-to source for programs, events, and activities for all ages. From fitness and sports to nature programs, arts, and family fun, there's something for everyone each season.

2023 NRPA Gold Medal Winners

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation (VBPR) was named the 2023 National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in Parks and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), at the NRPA Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas. VBPR won Gold in the Class I category, the largest category, for cities with populations over 400,000.

Founded in 1965, the National Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long‐range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Applications are separated into six classes, with five classes based on population and one class for armed forces.

Parks & Recreation News

  • March 31, 2025

    Pyrotechnics Training to Take Place at Mount Trashmore on April 1

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  • February 25, 2025

    Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Selects 2025 Mary Reid Barrow Wildlife Advocate Award Recipient

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  • February 12, 2025

    Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation to Host Job Fair on Feb. 27

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  • January 15, 2025

    Virginia Beach Summer Youth Employment Program Offers Opportunities for Growth and Experience

    Applications for the 2025 eight-week program now open

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Parks & Recreation Blog

  • May 8, 2025

    Celebrate Bike Month with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation

    Get out and shift your gears this month!

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  • May 1, 2025

    Celebrating Military Appreciation Month in Virginia Beach

    Military families can take advantage of special offers from Virginia Beach Public Library and Parks & Recreation this month.

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  • April 29, 2025

    Recognizing Hardworking Employees Who Ensure Our Vibrant Landscapes Thrive

    Join our team of employees who grow beauty and support sustainability in every park and garden.

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Accredited by CAPRA

Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is accredited by CAPRA, the certifying agency of the National Recreation and Park Association. CAPRA stands for the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies.

But what does that actually mean? It means that our Parks & Recreation Department is meeting, or exceeding, standards maintained by park and recreation leaders and strengthening the value of the programs, facilities, and experiences provided to our community.