A new year is the perfect time for a fresh start, which is why we've made some changes to our e-newsletter! We'll be working on lots of park projects this year, so look for updates here each month. We'll also be previewing upcoming programs and events, sharing job openings/volunteer opportunities, social media highlights, and more. We want to make sure the info shared here is interesting and relevant for you, so let us know what you think. Happy New Year!

We've gathered your feedback, and now we're excited to share the findings! Join us on January 22 for an update on our Master Planning process. Learn more about the data that was collected and what it means for the future of Roanoke Parks and Recreation!


πŸ“ Williamson Road Library

πŸ“… Wednesday, January 22

πŸ•‘ 6:00 PM
LEARN MORE

Starting January 6, hundreds of Roanokers will begin their 100-day challenge to complete 100 miles by April 16!


The Roanoke 100 Miler is the perfect way to start your year on the right foot. With a manageable goal, it's easier than ever to stay motivated during the winter months. You can walk, bike, run, or complete 30-minutes of human powered activity (like yoga, rock climbing, etc.).
MORE INFO & SIGN UP

New in 2025, the Mill Mountain Discovery Center is offering themed programming! The educational displays, free activities, & crafts will focus on a particular topic throughout the month, starting in January with SNAKES! Stop by the Discovery Center for lots of interactive fun in a cozy and inviting space. Open Thursday through Sunday from 12 PM - 4 PM. The Discovery Center is also available for private rental, and is a great place for birthday parties, showers, meetings, and more! Learn more about rentals here.
DISCOVERY CENTER
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PARK PROJECT UPDATES

2025 will be a busy year for Play Roanoke, with lots of big park projects underway. Be sure to check this newsletter each month for updates on the ongoing work and any news you may have missed.

If you haven't seen them already, check out the design renderings for the new Wasena Skatepark! More photos and video can be found at the link. Included are a concrete Skatepark and asphalt Pump Track - construction starts this spring. LEARN MORE

Great news, the In-River Park is now under contract for construction. Included are two ADA access points, a wading area, wave feature, and more. Work is expected to begin later this year, with an anticipated completion in 2026! LEARN MORE

Construction of the Washington Park Pool is coming along swimmingly. We look forward to lots of progress over the next few months and an opening this summer. The renovations on Eureka Rec Center are also well underway, with installation of geothermal wells in the coming weeks. Look for more info on this exciting project coming soon!
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TRAIL & GREENWAY UPDATES

  • Wiley Drive is once again OPEN after significant damage from Hurricane Helene. Both the driving lane and Roanoke River Greenway have been reopened.


  • The Mill Mountain Greenway along Prospect Road remains CLOSED between Sylvan Road and the Discovery Center while maintenance is done to repair the historic stone walls on Mill Mountain. Work is expected to continue through mid-January.


  • COMING SOON: The Star Trail Parking lot off Riverland Road SE is expected to be closed starting mid-January. More info will be shared via Statusfy and social media as soon as it's available.

All trail and greenway alerts are available via Statusfy!

Use Statusfy to view full details, and stay informed on closures, detours, etc.
PlayRoanoke.Statusfy.com
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Looking to get more involved with PLAY Roanoke?

ο»ΏCheck out our job openings and volunteer opportunities!

JOB OPENINGS:

  • Maintenance Tech IV - Blueways & Trails
  • Maintenance Worker II - Park Cleaning
  • Maintenance Tech I - Park Cleaning

VOLUNTEER:

  • Trail Work at Carvins Cove - January 21 from 9 AM - 2 PM
  • Tree Steward Training - Meets weekly January 27 to March 31. This training is only offered once each year, and space is limited.
APPLY NOW
VOLUNTEER SIGN UP
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ICYMI


We recently shared some of the numbers that make up our parks department.


ο»ΏBe sure to follow us on social media @playroanoke so you don't miss a thing!
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WANTED: Magazines & Board Games!

The Historic Fishburn Mansion is seeking donations of gently used board games as well as magazines. Contact 540-853-2679 for more info, or if you'd like to make a donation.

PLAY PROGRAMS THIS MONTH
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JAN 4 πŸ₯Ύ Winter Waterfall Hike Series: Roaring Run

JAN 4 🧢 Beginner Crochet: Your Favorite Hook Up of 2025! (4-part series)

JAN 6 πŸ‘Ÿ 2025 Roanoke 100 Miler Kickoff! (runs through April 16)

JAN 6 πŸ€Έβ€β™€οΈ P.L.A.Y. After School program returns

JAN 7 πŸ’ͺ Pilates at the Park - Mobility with Meghan (6-part series)

JAN 8 πŸ¦‰ Nature Lab - Winter Series begins (6-week series)

JAN 10 πŸ₯ Middle Eastern Tambourine Workshop (5-week series)

JAN 11 πŸ“· Outdoor Photography: Wildlife

JAN 11 πŸ”¦ Wild Caving

JAN 12 🌊 Indoor SUP Skills - Winter Session

JAN 16 πŸ”§ Beginner Bike Maintenance

JAN 19 πŸ₯Ύ Winter Waterfall Hike Series: Bottom Creek Gorge

JAN 21 ⛏ Trail Work at Carvins Cove

JAN 22 πŸ“‹ Master Plan Update Meeting

JAN 24 πŸƒ Winter Senior Club

JAN 25 ✨ Winter Wonderland Hike & Warm Spring Float

JAN 26 πŸ“ Story Seeds: Growing Stories from Personal Experiences

JAN 27 🌳 Volunteer Tree Steward Training begins (multi-week training)
VIEW FULL ACTIVITY CALENDAR
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Thanks for reading this far! We'd love to know if you like the updates to our newsletter. Share your opinion in the poll below, or respond to this email directly to let us know your thoughts or questions. Thanks!
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Roanoke Parks and Recreation | 215 Church Avenue Room 303 | Roanoke, VA 24011 US

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