Search is On for Top Teen Chef

Teens, do you think you have what it takes to become Richmond’s next Top Teen Chef?  Test your skills in a program sponsored by the Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities on Saturday, December 15, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at T. B. Smith Community Center, located at 2015 Ruffin Road.

   The program will focus on healthy foods, and teens will be encouraged to share their knowledge of food facts as well as demonstrate their culinary skills.

    It’s free to enter, but the program is limited to the first 24 teens to register. For more information and to register, contact Priscilla Wright at (804) 646-1441 or at Priscilla.J.Wright@RichmondGov.com.

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Open House set at Arts and Community Center

The department will hold an open house at its Pine Camp Arts and Community Center on Thursday, December 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

     The public is invited to tour the facility, located at 4901 Old Brook Road, and enjoy a holiday concert by the Richmond Boys Choir in the Pine Camp Theater. This holiday concert will be followed by a performance from the City Dance Theater, the department’s award-winning youth dance troupe.

      The program is free, and refreshments will be served.

      For more information, call (804) 646-3677.

First Tee of Richmond to Close for Holidays

The First Tee of Richmond, located at 400 West School Street, will be closed for an extended period over the upcoming holidays for a thorough cleaning of the facility and inventory maintenance. The facility, which is normally open seven days a week, will be closed from December 24 through January 11.

     First Tee of Richmond is a year-round golf practice facility that includes a driving range with grass tees, covered heated tees, a practice putting and chipping green, a six-hole golf course, and a clubhouse with a pro-shop and snack bar. Normal operating hours during the winter months are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

      The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities uses First Tee to offer a variety of golf programs for youth that teach life skills as well as golf skills.

  

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Department to Host Free Holiday Events

The department will host the following family friendly events for the enjoyment and entertainment of Richmond residents and visitors this holiday season.

     For the adults, the department will hold a free holiday concert featuring Bak N Da Day on Tuesday, December 18, from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Randolph Community Center, 1415 Grayland Avenue.

     Bak N Da Day is a popular local group with a repertoire of close to 100 songs spanning the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. These masters of vocal harmony, known as sharp dressers and for their slick routines, cover the popular hits of several musical genres, including Doo-Wop, Motown and Philly Soul. If names like the O’Jays, the Commodores, the Miracles or the Delfonics mean anything to you, then this is a concert that shouldn’t be missed. For more information, call 646-1080.

     On Saturday, December 22, the public is invited to bring their little ones for a free Breakfast with Santa at the department’s Hickory Hill Community Center, 3000 East Belt Boulevard. Children and their parents will be served breakfast, and the young ones will have the chance to meet Jolly Old Saint Nick himself. The event is free, but reservations are required and should be made by calling 646-7934 by December 17.

     Those of any age will enjoy the James River Parade of Lights, the annual parade of holiday decorated boats on the James River, sponsored by the James River Advisory Council to be held on Saturday, December 8. The department will host a viewing site at Libby Hill Park on the corner of 28^th and Franklin Streets with entertainment starting at 4:30 p.m. and the parade scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

Free Holiday Performance Set for December 9 at Landmark

The department will present its annual holiday gift to the city, its free production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, at the Landmark Theater. 

     The one-act family musical composed by Gian Carlo Minotti was commissioned by NBC and broadcast live for the premiere of Hallmark Hall of Fame on Dec. 24, 1951. A heart-warming holiday classic that will charm both children and adults, it tells the story of the mischievous shepherd boy Amahl and his mother and how their lives are changed forever after meeting three kings.   

     The work is thought by some to be the most frequently produced opera in the world, and this will be the 51^st year that the department has offered this holiday production to the public for free.

     No reservations are required, and seating is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Let Richmond's Children Start Your Holiday Season

Catch the holiday spirit with Carols at Noon in the lobby of City Hall beginning Wednesday, December 5. The program, brought to you by Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities in conjunction with Richmond Public Schools, features free lunchtime performances by Richmond school children’s choirs and musical ensembles. The schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday December 5^th - Henderson Middle School Choir (noon); Blackwell Elementary School Recorders (12:20 p.m.); Lucille Brown Middle School Chamber Orchestra (12:40 p.m.)

• Thursday, December 6^th - Albert Hill Middle School Choir (noon); John Marshall High School Choir (12:30 p.m.)

• Friday, December 7^th - Thomas Jefferson High School & Richmond Community High School Harp Ensembles (noon); Combined Bellevue & Stuart Elementary School Choirs (12:30 p.m.)

• Monday, December 10^th - John B. Cary Elementary School Choir (noon); Clark Springs Elementary School Choir (12:30 p.m.)

• Tuesday, December 11^th - Binford Middle School Choir (noon); Armstrong High School Choir (12:30 p.m.)

• Wednesday, December 12^th - Chimborazo Elementary School Choir (noon); Martin Luther King Middle School Choir (12:30 p.m.)

• Thursday, December 13^th - Huguenot High School Choir (noon); Miles Jones Elementary School Hand Bell Choir (12:30 p.m.)

• Friday, December 14^th- George Wythe High School Choir (12:30 p.m.)

• Monday, December 17^th- Franklin Military Middle School Choir (noon); Franklin Military High School Choir (12:30 p.m.)

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Youth Recreational Football, Soccer Championship Games Scheduled for this Weekend, Next

The department will hold its 2012 youth football and soccer championship games November 10 and November 17. 

         The Football Championship Games will be played Nov. 10 at the City Stadium, 600 McCloy St. The teams are organized around the department’s community centers and by the age of participating children.

         In the Junior Division, for age 12 to 14, the Battery Park team will play against the G.H. Reid team at 9:45 a.m. In the Midget Division, for ages 10 to 12, the Mosby team will play against the Blackwell team at 11:45 a.m. In the PeeWee Division, for ages 8 and 9, the Hotchkiss team will play either the Westover team or the Hickory Hill team at 1:30 p.m., depending on which team wins this week’s playoff game. Finally, in flag football, which is for children ages 6 and 7, the championship game will start at 3 p.m. The teams competing for the championship in this division also will be determined in this week’s playoff games.

        All start times are approximate, and an admission fee of $4 for an adult and $2 for children age 12 and younger will be charged.

The Youth Soccer Championship Games will be played Nov. 17 on the soccer fields at Bryan Park, located at 4308 Hermitage Rd. These teams are organized by age and play in random divisions, and the schedule is as follows:

            10 a.m.                        Younger than 10 Red Division           Field 1

            10 a.m.                        Younger than 12 Gold Division          Field 3

            10 a.m.                        Younger than 15 Division                  Field 5

            11:30 a.m.                    Younger than 10 Blue Division          Field 2

The competing soccer teams have yet to be determined as the playoffs are not yet complete. There is no fee to attend the soccer championship games. 

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Cheerleading Jamboree to Showcase More Than 600 Cheerleaders

The department will hold its annual Cheerleading Jamboree on Thursday, November 8, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Richmond Coliseum. Approximately 600 cheerleaders from the department’s community centers and area high schools and colleges will perform during the event.

     Tickets for the event are $4.50 for children 11 and younger and $7 for children 12 and older and adults. They are available from Ticketmaster.com, area Ticketmaster outlets, 1-800-745-3000, and at the Richmond Coliseum Box Office Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

      Seating is general admission and doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

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Photo Exhibit Captures City’s Youth Boxing Program

The department will host an art exhibit featuring the photographs of select youth from the Battery Park Community Center, who were chosen to creatively capture photos of members of the Richmond Cobras, the department’s youth boxing team. The exhibit, titled “The Sweet Science: Boxing Through the Lens of a Child,” will open with a reception on Friday, November 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Spotlight Gallery, which is located within the department’s Pine Camp Arts and Community Center at 4901 Old Brook Road.

      The department’s Boxing Program, under the tutelage of Jerry Royster, provides training and competitive opportunities for youth ages 8 and older. Several of the program’s boxers have become members of the U.S. Amateur Boxing Federation, the Junior Olympics and the Golden Gloves programs.

     The free exhibit is open to the public and will be on display through January 18, 2013 in Pine Camp’s Spotlight Gallery. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

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Several Rec Centers Open Today

The department has opened the following recreation centers for today, Oct. 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., to provide activities while Richmond Public Schools are closed. All department centers and facilities will resume regular hours of operation tomorrow, Oct. 31.  

Ann Hardy Plaza Community Center

3300 First Ave.

804-646-4824

Battery Park Community Center

2803 Dupont Circle

804-646-0944

Blackwell Community Center

300 E. 15^th St.

804-646-8630

Creighton Court Community Center

2101 Creighton Rd.

804-646-4511

Hickory Hill Community Center

3000 E. Belt Boulevard

804-646-7934

Hotchkiss Community Center

701 E. Brookland Park Boulevard

804-646-4466

Humphrey Calder  Community Center

414 N. Thompson St.

804-646-1780        

Pine Camp Arts & Community Center

4901 Old Brook Road

804-646-3672

Powhatan Community Center

5051 Northampton St.

804-646-0973

Randolph Community Center

1415 Grayland Ave.

804-646-1080

                  

TB Smith Community Center

2015 Ruffin Rd.

804-646-8490

Westover Community Center

1301 Jahnke Rd.

804-646-8995

                           

Whitcomb Court Community Center

2302 Carmine St.

804-646-2988

In addition, Swansboro Pool, 3160 Midlothian Turnpike (804-646-8088), also will be open today from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Department offering fun and safe Halloween activities

The department is offering city children the following fun and safe activities to celebrate Halloween: 

Oct. 26, 6:30 – 9 p.m. – The Hickory Hill Harvest Carnival, Hickory Hill Community Center, 3000 Belt Boulevard, 646-7934

            Children 12 and younger and their parents are invited to join the fun with music, games, candy, food, prizes and a His and Her Best Costume Contest. It’s all free at Hickory Hill!

Oct. 31, 3:30 – 6 p.m. – Halloween Movie, Humphrey Calder Community Center, 414 N. Thompson Street, 646-1780.

            Children ages 8 to 16 can come and watch the PG-rated Halloween movie and receive a candy treat. Free. 

Oct. 31, 5 – 8 p.m. – The Ghouls’ & Gals’ Dance & Halloween Movie, T.B. Smith Community Center, 2015 Ruffin Road, 646-8490

            It’s only $1 for children ages 3 to 12 to attend this fun costume party that includes dancing, treats, arts and crafts, and contests for the most creative, cutest and scariest costumes! Children ages 6 to 12 will scream for the Halloween PG-rated movie from 6 to 8 p.m.

Oct. 31, 6 – 8 p.m. – Halloween Carnival, Ann Hardy Plaza Community Center, 3300 First Avenue, 646-4824

            Come and enjoy the Halloween party for kids ages 2 to 12 with Halloween games, face painting, costume contests and prizes! Free.

Oct. 31, 6 – 8 p.m. – Harvest Fest, Pine Camp Arts & Community Center, 4901 Old Brook Road, 646-3672

            Youth ages 2 to 14 are invited to celebrate the Harvest season with crafts, games and more! Wear your costume! It’s free.

Oct. 31, 6 – 8 p.m. – Boo House, Randolph Community Center, 1415 Grayland Avenue, 646-1080

            Children ages 6 to 14 are invited to come in costume to visit the Boo House and enjoy a PG-rated Halloween movie. Free.

Oct. 31, 6 – 9 p.m. – Treat Bag Give Away, Battery Park Community Center, 2803 Dupont Circle, 646-0944

            Children ages 6 to 12 are invited to come by the center for a treat!

Oct. 31, 6:30 – 8 p.m. – The Great Pumpkin Hunt, Westover Community Center, 1301 Jahnke Road, 646-8995

            Children ages 6 to 10 years old are invited to participate in all things pumpkin, including a flashlight pumpkin hunt, pumpkin carving, a pumpkin candy walk, a pumpkin moon bounce, pumpkin games and more! Wear a costume and bring a flashlight. It’s all free!

  

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Don’t Miss “Scream Queens: The Musical”

PRCF and the Friends of Dogwood Dell join to bring you six performances of their production of “Scream Queens: The Musical” Oct. 26 through Nov. 4 at the department’s Pine Camp Theater.

     “Scream Queens” takes you into the world of B-rated horror films and the divas that populate them. The setting is a hotel ballroom outside of Cleveland, OH where GlamaGore ScreamiCon, the annual convention for fans, collectors and celebrities of direct-to-video B-movie horror films, is taking place. The drama ensues as six of the genre’s most popular actresses attempt to catch the attention of a famous director rumored to be in attendance.

     This fun musical production is a fundraiser for Dogwood Dell. Performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Oct. 26, Oct. 27, Nov. 2 and Nov. 3, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 28 and Nov. 4.  Pine Camp is located at 4901 Old Brook Road.

     Tickets are $20, or $10 for students and adults, age 60 and older, and can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, call 646-1031 or visit “Scream Queens RVA” on Facebook.

Department to Hold Free Youth Tennis Clinic

The department hold a free tennis clinic for kids, ages 6 to 18, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 23, at the Byrd Park Tennis Complex on South Boulevard. 

     The clinic will introduce youth to the fundamentals of tennis using fun, innovative instructions. It is free of charge; however participants are asked to call 646-1208 or visit one of the department’s community centers to sign up for this clinic. Community center locations can be found at www.RichmondGov.com/parks or by calling 646-5733.  

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Belle Isle Parking Lot Public Notification

Construction on Richmond’s new street that will connect Second Street to Tredegar Street on the north side of the James River downtown will have a minimal effect on visitors to the James River Park’s Belle Isle who park in the Tredegar Street lot.                                                

     The first or eastern entrance to the lot on Tredegar Street will be closed effective Tuesday, October 16, due to construction on the new connector street; however, the second or western entrance to the lot, as well as the entire lot itself, will remain open throughout the entire construction period.

Youth Invited to Register for Tennis Tournament

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities invites boys and girls, ages six to eighteen, to register to participate in a tennis tournament, October 23 – 26 at the department’s Byrd Park Tennis Complex.

      Tournament matches will take place between 6 and 7:30 p.m., and the QuickStart format will be used for tournament players 6 years old to 8 years old. QuickStart Tennis uses a smaller court size and racquet, larger tennis balls and a lower net so that young children can learn to play and enjoy the game quickly.

     Tournament registration will take place at the department’s community centers or at the Blanton House, located at 700 Blanton Ave., and must be completed and submitted by Oct. 18. A birth certificate or school record will be required at registration as proof of age. The registration fee is only $10 per player and only money orders made payable to the City of Richmond will be accepted. In addition, a parental waiver form and the registration form must be completed to participate in the tournament.

     “We are especially interested in getting more young people involved in tennis,” said Norman C. Merrifield, department director. “Tennis is a life-time sport with health benefits. If you develop the sport as a young person, it can keep you active and bring you years of enjoyment throughout your life.”

      For more information on the tournament, call Victor Rizzi at (804) 646-1208. 

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Auditions for holiday operetta announced

The department will hold auditions for its 51^st annual production of the holiday operetta “Amahl and the Night Visitors” on Wednesday, October 3, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, 4901 Old Brook Road. No appointment is necessary. 

     Director George Macklin, Jr. and Musical Director Diana Covington Greer seek a pre- or early-teenage boy soprano for the role of Amahl, and singers of all vocal ranges are invited to audition for the shepherds’ chorus.

      Auditionees are asked to prepare a song that best showcases their vocal abilities. An accompanist will be provided.

     Rehearsals will begin immediately after casting, and the performance will take place on December 9. No performers are paid. 

     For more information call (804) 646-1031.

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City to Open New Bike Skills Training Area on Belle Isle

The department will open its new Belle Isle Bike Skills Area on Saturday, September 29, at 10 a.m. with a celebration that will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, demonstrations, and tours. The public is invited to attend and to bring their bicycles to try out the mountain bike training area.

     “I encourage residents and visitors to come discover the Belle Isle Bike Skills Training Area as it is another step Richmond is taking to create bike-friendly, outdoor tourist attractions, as we prepare for the UCI Road World Cycling Championships in 2015,” comments Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “The benefits of cycling are tremendous to our city in many ways, including our efforts to encourage city residents to get active and adopt a healthy lifestyle.”

      The new training area is located within the James River Park on Belle Isle across from the Tredegar Street suspension bridge. It includes a beginner and expert pump track, rock gardens, and log and rock skinnies in addition to other features. Bicyclists can learn to handle these obstacles and challenges, which they will find on the trails throughout the James River Park, in a controlled environment.

     “This site, which has been built largely with the labor of volunteers who love mountain biking, will provide a place to learn and practice mountain biking skills and introduce the fun of mountain biking as a recreational activity to a much larger audience,” said Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, director of the department.

      In addition, while this new facility provides “off-road” training, the city also has plans to add an “on-road” training component on Belle Isle adjacent to this site. The on-road training facility will provide a place for children and adults to become competent bicyclists, as well as learn and practice the skills needed to ride safely in an urban environment. 

     “The James River Park is already known throughout the East coast and internationally for its outstanding network of urban mountain biking trails. Now with the addition of this skills area Richmond has enhanced its reputation as a ‘bike city,’” said Jakob Helmoldt, the city’s bicycle, pedestrian and trails coordinator.

      Organizations that provided volunteers who helped construct the new training site, as well as in-kind donations, include the Friends of the James River Park, the James River Outdoor Coalition, the Richmond Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts, the International Mountain Biking Association, Virginia Bicycling Federation, Hands-On Greater Richmond, SportsBackers, Altria, Luck Stone, Tektonics Design Group, Sattler Creative, Alpine Trails, Dreaming Creek, and Green Side Up Landscaping.

     The Belle Isle Skills Area is free to use and is open from sunrise to sunset. For more information, call (804) 646-5733 or visit www.RichmondGov.com/Parks.

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Spotlight Gallery to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the City’s Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities will host an art exhibit featuring the works of local artist, Helene Ruiz. The exhibit, titled “Sabor Feminina” (Feminine Flavor), will open with a reception on Friday, September 21 from 6 to 8p.m. at the Spotlight Gallery, which is located within the department’s Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, 4901 Old Brook Road.

      The works on display will include Ruiz’s Goddess series with paintings influenced by Afro-Cuban/Latin spirituality and culture. Born in New York City, Ruiz has exhibited and curated numerous shows and is the founder of The Urban Individualists, an international artists collective.

     The free exhibit is open to the public and will be on display through November 2 in Pine Camp’s Spotlight Gallery. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

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Department Introduces Exciting, New After School Program with Open House

Are you looking for an after school program that children will love? If so, consider the new program sponsored by Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities in area elementary schools.

     “We’ve enhanced our program significantly to include a sports and art component,” said Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, director of the department. “We know that kids love sports, and at this young age when they are 5 to 10 years old, that’s when they should be getting an introduction to sports and picking up the basic skills,” he said.

     “At the same time, we know that not every child is interested in athletics, so we’re also expanding their exposure to cultural arts, the environment, health and fitness. The point is that recreation should be fun for the children we serve and give them what they want,” he said.

      The department will hold an open house to introduce the new program on Sept. 5 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at each of the elementary schools where it will be offered. Children and their parents or guardians are invited to attend to meet the staff and learn about the new offerings. 

      Registration will take place Sept. 4 through Sept. 7, at each site in the cafeteria after school. Early registration is encouraged as enrollment in the program at each site is limited.

     The cost per semester is just $50 for one child, $40 for a second child, and $30 for a third child, and it includes a free meal each day.  In addition, payment plans and financial assistance are available, and families served by TANF should bring their number to registration. A copy of immunization and physical exam reports also are needed at registration.

     Following are the 18 elementary schools where the department will offer the program:  

Bellevue                            George Mason

Blackwell                          J.E.B. Stuart

Broad Rock                       John B. Cary

Chimborazo                       Mary Scott

E.S.H. Greene                   Miles Jones

Elizabeth Redd                 Overby-Sheppard

Fairfield                            Patrick Henry

G.H. Reid                         Summer Hill   

G.W. Carver                      Swansboro

For more information, call 646-6034.

                                

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Come Show Off Your Ping Pong Skills

Do you enjoy playing ping pong? If so, come show off your skills on Friday, August 24, at the department's first Ping Pong Challenge from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Blackwell Community Center located at 301 E. 15^th Street. 

     Ping Pong, also known as table tennis, began as a parlor game in the 1880s and has evolved into an Olympic sport dominated largely by China. Today, it is played throughout the world for both exercise and recreation. It's known to help develop eye-hand coordination, reflexes, and mental alertness, and the game can be played at any age and enjoyed year-round, making it a life sport embraced by millions. In fact, ping pong is said to rank second only to soccer in number of participants.

     As a sport, ping pong has been likened to “high speed chess.” It can be intense and physically and mentally challenging, requiring lightening fast reflexes and incredible agility. No matter how well you play, this is your opportunity to meet and play the game with others who enjoy it. For more information or to register to play, call (804) 646-8490. A $3 optional donation is requested.

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Northside Dog Park Opening Saturday

The department will open its third public dog park on Saturday, August 18, with a celebration from 9 a.m. to noon that will include food, music, prizes, canine demonstrations, activities and treats for all. All dogs that are spayed or neutered and their owners are invited to attend.

     The Northside Dog Park is located behind Henderson Middle School at the end of Forest Lawn Drive. A map locating the park and much more fun information can be found online at http://northsidedogpark.com. 

     The new dog park includes two sections, one for large dogs and one for small dogs, and has ample parking, park benches and picnic tables. It was built with volunteer help from the Friends of the Northside Dog Park, who were instrumental in organizing support for the park and determining its location. Organized as a 501-C3 under the Enrichmond Foundation, the Friends of the Northside Dog Park are also sponsors of the opening celebration and have developed the website at http://northsidedogpark.com to continue to raise support for the park.

     The dog park’s hours will be from sunrise to sunset, and is free for anyone to use. The park rules are posted at the site.

     “We are very pleased to see the opening of this new city dog park,” said Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “With our other dog parks, Barker Field located in Byrd Park and the Church Hill Dog Park located beside Chimborazo Park, this helps us round out our services to our canine friends and their families. We are most appreciative of the Friends of the Northside Dog Park, who have helped make this possible.” 

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Department to train coaches on sports injuries, concussions

The department will conduct a seminar for its youth football and soccer coaches on dealing with sports injuries and recognizing the symptoms of concussions.

     “Every year we have hundreds of youth playing football and soccer on our recreational teams, and the dangers of injuries, especially concussions, are something we cannot overlook,” said Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, director of the department. “We are very pleased to have Dr. Charles Dillard, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitations, traumatic brain injury and concussion, to help educate our staff and volunteers on this important topic this year.”

     Dr. Dillard is a native of Richmond and an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU (CHoR). He currently serves as the medical director of CHoR’s Traumatic Brain Injury Program.

     The seminar will be held on Saturday, Aug. 11, in the auditorium at the department’s Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, located at 4901 Old Brook Road, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

     The department holds training seminars for its coaches, who are primarily community volunteers, every year, and all first-year coaches are certified by the National Youth Sports Coaches Association. Residents who have an interest in serving as a volunteer coach or assistant can contact the community center where they would like to volunteer or call the department at (804) 646-1175 for more information. A list of community centers can be found on the department’s website. 

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Registration for football, cheerleading expanded

The department is expanding opportunities for children between the ages of 5 and 14 who live in the city and are not beyond eighth grade in school to register to play football and participate in cheerleading this fall. Registration will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 6; Wednesday, Aug. 8; and Thursday, Aug. 9, at the following locations: 

• Battery Park Community Center, 2803 DuPont Circle
• Blackwell Community Center, 300 E. 15^th St.
• G. H. Reid Community Center, 1301 Whitehead Rd.
• Hickory Hill Community Center, 3000 E. Belt Blvd.
• Hotchkiss Community Center, 701 E. Brookland Park Blvd.
• Linwood Robinson Senior Center, 700 N. 26^th St.
• Powhatan Community Center, 5051 Northampton St.
• Randolph Community Center, 1415 Grayland Ave.
• T.B. Smith Community Center, 2015 Ruffin Rd.
• Westover Community Center, 1301 Jahnke Rd.       

In addition, registration will take place at these same sites on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as previously announced. 

     The registration fee is $25 per child. A utility bill or rent receipt to verify city residency, a report card or current year school schedule to verify grade level, and a birth certificate to verify age will be required at registration, and a parent or guardian must sign a waiver.

     Practices will begin on Monday, August 6, and all games will be held on Saturdays beginning on September 8. The season will culminate in tournament championship games and an awards ceremony.

     For more information, call 804-646-5733.

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City to Hold Youth Tennis Tournament

The department will hold a Richmond Youth Tennis Tournament at Byrd Park on August 17 – August 19.

      The tournament is for city resident boys and girls ages 8 to 18 who are novice or beginner players with no previous tournament experience. The purpose of the program is to introduce tournament play to youth who are new to the sport.

     The tournament will be played on Friday, August 17, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and continue on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and also on Sunday if necessary.

     Registration costs just $10 per player and requires a birth certificate or school record as proof of age and a utility bill for proof or residency. The deadline to register for the tournament is Monday, August 13.

     For more information or to register, call 804-901-5237.                                                                         ###