About Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting our coastal environment. We ensure all residents – regardless of their physical, social, and economic circumstances – can access our programs. Together, we are impacting the quality of life for our community by improving the physical and mental well-being of our residents.

Experience the Fun with Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation


Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation manages 293 city park sites, more than 7,000 acres of parks and natural areas, seven community recreation centers, a municipal marina and an athletic complex. 

We offer year-round recreational opportunities that include aquatic, fitness and outdoor programs, therapeutic recreation programs, inclusion services, community events, and adult sports leagues. 

We are the largest childcare provider in the city, operating before and after school programs, early childhood programs, and day camps 
when school is out of session. 

Parks & Recreation also provides landscape management and maintenance for municipal buildings, public schools, park sites, and designated roadways. 



















Foundation, Boards & Commission

 Vision, Mission & Values

Vision, Mission & Values

Vision

To be the national leader in providing enriching and memorable lifelong experiences.

Mission

Exceed community expectations in an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable manner.

Core Values
  • Inclusion
  • Legendary Guest Experience
  • Innovation
  • Empowerment
  • Sustainability














 Foundation
​The Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Foundation is an organization that exists to support the City of Virginia Beach Department of Parks and Recreation by raising funds, accepting gifts, and providing other resources to enhance existing programs, services, facilities, and technology.
 
In order to achieve Virginia Beach City Council’s Vision – "A Community for a Lifetime" – the foundation will cultivate the development of new programs, services, facilities, and technology, and the acquisition of open space areas (blueways and greenways) for active or passive recreation, parks, or preserves.

 Commission
​​​The Parks and Recreation Commission is a volunteer advisory group to the City Council, City Manager, and Director of Parks and Recreation. The Commission serves as a sounding board by holding public meetings and exercising influence throughout the City to improve and expand recreational opportunities. Members are appointed by City Council for a three-year term. ​​​​ Learn more about becoming a volunteer. 

The Commission generally meets at 3 pm, the first Thursday of each month in the P&R Admin Building Room 101. The meetings are open to the public. 

 Open Space Advisory Committee
lake-smith-open-space.jpgThe Open Space Advisory Committee was established by City Council in May 2001. The mission of this committee is to research and evaluate undeveloped properties throughout the City for possible acquisition to preserve as open space in support of the Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan​. The Open Space Advisory Committee reports to the Parks & Recreation Commission and to City Council.

The members of the Open Space Advisory Committee provide guidance for the Virginia Beach Outdoors Plan open space acquisition initiative. To accomplish this initiative, Committee members have met monthly since June 2001 and have dedicated numerous hours to evaluate properties for possible acquisition by the City of Virginia Beach for open space preservation.

Open Space Advisory Committee meetings are held on the fourth Monday of every other month at 3 pm and are open to the public.

The next scheduled Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) meeting is Monday, December 5th, 2022, 3:00pm in the Parks and Recreation Administration Building located at 2154 Landstown Road.
​​

 Active Transportation Advisory Committee

BikeBuddiesBTAC.jpgActive Transportation Advisory Committee (formerly Bikeways & Trails)

The Bikeways and Trails Advisory Committee (BTAC) was established by City Council in October 2004. It was renamed the Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC) in June 2022. The mission of this committee is to: 
  • Serve in an advisory capacity to City Council with respect to the implementation of the Active Transportation Plan
  • Coordinate the timely construction of bicycle facilities and trails in accordance with the priorities established
  • Promote a balanced approach between and among various trail users' interests
  • Provide a forum for continued citizen input in the planning and programming of future bicycle facilities and trails. 

The next scheduled Active Transportation Advisory Committee meeting will be Monday, January 9th, 2023, at 3:30 pm at the Parks & Recreation Administration Building, 2154 Landstown Road and via WebEx.  

WEBEX MEETING LINK

Meeting Number (accesss code): 2310 027 9147
Password: xsZUXRkv354

Watch ATAC Meeting Recordings

Watch the Committee's Report to City Council


CAPRA.png​​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 we're meeting, or exceeding, standards maintained by park and recreation leaders and strengthening the value of the programs, facilities, and experiences we provide to our community.

View the 2019 CAPRA Report. 


Contact Information