One More Movie in the Park

The department will give the public one more chance to enjoy a free movie in the park before fall finally hits. On Friday, Oct. 4, the department will show “Wreck-It Ralph” in Byrd Park.
     The animated Disney movie features the loveable Ralph, a video game villain, who after 30 years is tired of always being the bad guy and longs to be the hero for a change. He sets out to fulfill his dream, but in his quest he brings havoc to the whole arcade in which he lives. This PG-rated film is sure to entertain the entire family.
     The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. beside Fountain Lake in Byrd Park. Free sodas and popcorn will be available to the first 500 people. Refreshments will be on sale also, and movie-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket or their own chairs.
     This program is co-sponsored by Pepsi, 106.5 the Beat, The CW Richmond, Bounce Richmond and the Friends of William Byrd Park. 

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Youth Football Takes Over Redskins Park

The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will be the first local agency to benefit from the construction of the Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. On Saturday, September 28, about 270 young children will take to the fields to play youth football.
     “Many of these kids will be playing in the footsteps of their heroes, and I’m sure their parents will be just as excited as they are,” said Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, director of Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “Our young cheerleaders also will be there to cheer them on.”
     The department offers football and cheerleading for youth age 5 to 14. Each team represents one of the department’s community centers throughout the city.
     The games will begin at 10 a.m. and are free for the public to attend. Using two fields, one for flag football and one for tackle, the schedule is as follows:
    
      Flag Football (for children age 5 through 7)
              10 a.m.            Blackwell vs. Hotchkiss 1
              11:15 a.m.       T.B. Smith vs. Hotchkiss 2
              12:30 p.m.       Bellemeade vs. Battery Park 1
               1:45 p.m.        Reid vs. Westover

      Tackle Football

               10 a.m.            Randolph Juniors vs. Westover Juniors (children age 13 and 14)
               11:45 a.m.       Hickory Hill Midgets vs. Westover Midgets (children age 11 and 12)
                 1:30 p.m.       Randolph PeeWees vs. Westover PeeWees (children age 8 – 10)

     The public is invited to attend, but please note that no smoking, personal food or drinks are allowed at the facility; however vendors will sell food, sodas and water in the concession area. Parking is available on West Leigh Street, and spectators will need to bring their own seating.

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Introductory Ballet Classes Offered at Westover Community Center

The department is offering introductory ballet classes for children ages 5 through 12 at its Westover Community Center, located at 1301 Jahnke Road. The introductory classes will be taught by members of the Richmond Ballet and provide a variety of activities that include learning the basics of ballet steps, poses and much more.
     The first class will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. starting September 30 and continuing until November 20. It is for children 8 to 10 years old, and the fee is $60 for city residents and $80 for non-residents.
     The second class will be for children age 5 through 7. It will begin on October 1 and be held on Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. through November 11. The cost for this class will be $40 for residents and $60 for non-residents.
     For more information or to register call (804) 646-8995 or e-mail Shanna.Battle@RichmondGov.com.

 

Register Your Child for Dance Classes Now

Do you have a child who loves to dance? If so, now is the time to channel that young energy into a professional dance class with City Dance.
     For the past 18 years, the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ City Dance Program has provided complete training for aspiring dancers of all ages. It also trains the City Dance Theatre, a youth dance company that has been nationally recognized by the DanceAmerica organization and won numerous regional and national awards.
      City Dance is now accepting new students through October 12. The program offers highly affordable classes in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and a variety of other dance styles for children age 3 and older.
     Adult classes are also available in Pilates, Zumba, African Dance and Belly Dancing.
     For more information on classes and registration, call 646-3673, or download the department’s Program Guide from www.RichmondGov.com/parks. You can also pick up copies of the Program Guide at City Hall, all City libraries and community centers, and at the following Kroger and Martin’s grocery stores:
 
·         Kroger 3507 West Cary Street, Richmond, 23221
·         Kroger 1601 Willow Lawn Drive, Richmond, 23230
·         Kroger 901 North Lombardy Street, Richmond, 23219
·         Martin’s 7035 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, 23226
·         Martin’s 3522 West Cary Street, Richmond, 23221

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Department to Open Tennis Complex, Skate Park Sept. 14

The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will hold two ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Saturday, Sept. 14. The public is invited to attend both and to enjoy the new facilities that will be opened.
     The first, at 10 a.m., will celebrate the opening of the Westover Hills Tennis Complex, which is located behind Westover Hills Elementary School at 1211 Jahnke Road.
     The department has built four new tennis courts and renovated two others at the complex. The courts are specially designed to provide instruction for children 10 and younger with the new Quick Start tennis program, which uses smaller court areas, larger racquets and other equipment that makes it easy for children to learn and play tennis. The courts are the only public tennis courts in the region designed specifically with children in mind.
     “Our new tennis courts, designed specifically with children in mind, as well as the new skate park, add to our efforts to promote healthy lifestyles in Richmond for all audiences,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones.
     The ribbon-cutting will be followed by tennis games and activities including prizes until 1 p.m. Families and children are encouraged to attend, and free pizza will be available for all who register to attend by September 12 at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090D49AAAF283-westover. Children 10 years old and younger will also be able to register at the event for fall tennis.
     “Tennis is a life-long sport that we want to encourage children to play and enjoy because it can lead to a sustained active and healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, said.
     The event is co-sponsored the United States Tennis Association, Mid-Atlantic Virginia and the Richmond Tennis Association, which will donate a check for $2,000 to the department’s youth tennis programs.
     The department’s second ribbon-cutting of the day will be held at 11 a.m. in Carter Jones Park to celebrate the opening of the City’s first public skateboard facility. Carter Jones Park is located at 2800 Bainbridge Street. The department worked with skateboarders and neighborhood residents to build a facility for all to enjoy. It is the only public skate park in a 16-mile radius.  
     “We are extremely pleased to be opening the city’s first public skateboard facility. This exceptional community facility provides skateboarders in the city with an appropriate public space to enjoy their sport,” said Dr. Merrifield.
     The City has also recently completed the installation of two swimming pool splash pads, built a new indoor swimming pool, and opened two new community facilities – Bellemeade and Broad Rock – in partnership with Richmond Public Schools, which are free for Richmond residents to use.

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