Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting our coastal environment.
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.
Parks & Outdoors
Fresh air, scenic views, and plenty of ways to explore. Find your next outdoor adventure.
Programs & Events
From summer camps to community fun, there's always something happening nearby.
Explore Our Parks
Discover hidden gems and local favorites with the free VB ParkFinder app.
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
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June 25, 2025
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Awarded $23.8M for Phase 4 of VB Trail
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June 11, 2025
Red Wing Park Reopens June 14 Following Roadway Improvements
Just in time for summer, popular Virginia Beach park opens with traffic improvements.
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June 3, 2025
Virginia Beach Parks After Dark Program Returns for Year 3
Now lighting up Williams Farm, Level Green and Green Run with free family fun!
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May 29, 2025
Dedication Ceremony for Louis R. Jones Bayside Recreation Center to Take Place June 6
Parks & Recreation Blog
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July 15, 2025
Five Ways to Celebrate July as Parks & Recreation Month in Virginia Beach
Learn more about Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation and all it has to offer! -
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June 30, 2025
Rooted in Community: Taking Action to Grow and Preserve Our Urban Forest
City of Virginia Beach is working to grow canopy coverage to 45%.
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June 27, 2025
Celebrate Freedom and Fireworks this Fourth of July in Virginia Beach
Fireworks displays will be shown at Mount Trashmore Park and the Oceanfront.
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.