Celebrate Park and Rec Month

July is National Park and Recreation Month and we're highlighting "The Power Of" parks and recreation and the people who make it all possible. Parks and recreation brings us together, strengthens our health and well-being, and builds more resilient, connected communities.

Your City of Roanoke Department of Parks and Recreation (a.k.a. PLAY Roanoke) is a full-service, nationally accredited municipal agency that maintains nearly 13,000 acres of public land and provides the Roanoke Valley with thousands of recreational opportunities each year. Our park crews manage 69 public properties including 51 parks, 8 plazas, 7 greenways, 2 outdoor swimming pools, 8 recreation centers, and more than 100 miles of paved and natural surface trails.

We hope you'll join us this month in celebrating PLAY Roanoke's facilities, programs, experiences, and possibilities. Just as importantly, we hope you'll remember the hardworking Park and Recreation professionals that make it happen!

HOW TO CELEBRATE PARK AND REC MONTH

Kick off Park and Rec Month with a bang. Our annual Freedom Festival & Fireworks is back on July 3, this year Celebrating 250 Years of Liberty! Enjoy the free fun zone with inflatables, trampolines, activities, story walks, and more, plus a Roanoke All Star Jam presented by 5 Points Music Sanctuary all starts at 4:00 PM, and the fireworks begin at 9:30 PM.

The festival returns to River's Edge Park North this year, with an expanded site for even more fun! Check our website for logistical details and more.

DETAILS

What are you doing July 12 to 19?⁠

The answer better be volunteering at the 2026 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Biking National Championship Races! We know firsthand how incredible our local volunteers are, and big events like this would not be possible without the support of the community. Sign up for a shift or two – you won't regret it!⁠

VOLUNTEER SIGN UP

The next Royal Eras Princess Party with Whimsical Wishes Characters is happening July 18!

Step back into the 90s with adventurous princesses Belle, Ariel, and Jasmine for an afternoon of wonder, music, and magical memories! Each party includes nostalgic games, creative crafts, professional photos, a sing along with the princesses, and more!

TICKETS

PARK PROJECT UPDATES

Throughout summer 2026, construction work on the In-River Park will be taking place at Wasena Park. The take-out at this location has temporarily moved upstream to avoid the work zone. If you're looking for alternative locations to access the river (including the 2 new ones pictured below), we're here to help!

River Access under Memorial Bridge

Stairway access, Wasena Park at Wiley Drive

You can find details on access points and more helpful resources here!

More In-River Park project details can be found on the project page.

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Apple-Atcha Disc Golf Tournament

Join us for a pop-up 18-hole disc golf tournament at Countryside Park on July 30! Players of all skill levels are welcome, sign up here!

EMBRACE THE WORLD CUP SPIRIT!

It's your last chance to sign up for Brazilian Soccer Summer Camp with Brazilian United! Taught by professional coaches, this camp is an opportunity to build skills and confidence in a safe and welcoming environment. If you've enjoyed the excitement of the World Cup, keep that energy going with Brazilian Soccer Summer Camp! View Parent Testimonials

Held at River's Edge Park
July 13 – July 17
Ages 4 to 14
Full and partial day options available
Prices range from $99-235

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ROANOKE STAR IN RED, WHITE, AND BLUE

Did you hear the news? The Roanoke Star will be illuminated in Red, White, and Blue from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, through Sunday, July 5, 2026 in celebration of America’s 250th birthday!

SUMMER SENIOR CLUB

Our Senior Club is back for the summer. Participants age 55+ can join us for a different activity each month. Full series is $30 and meets at the Fishburn Mansion.

► Friday, July 24 – Arts & Crafts

► Friday, August 14 – Transportation to Lunch

► Friday, September 25 – Enrichment Class

BONUS: We're also offering an additional "Summer Senior Club - It's Lunch!" on Friday, July 17 for $20. Sign up here.

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Join us for FREE Field Days this Summer!

We've got two more FREE Field Days this month, at Preston Park on July 6 and Highland Park on July 13! Join us for some fun summer activities, inflatables, and sweet treats – it's all FREE! MORE INFO

ICYMI

The newly renovated Eureka Recreation Center is now open to the public! Regular hours are 10 AM - 7 PM Monday through Saturday and 12 PM - 6 PM on Sundays.

*Closed July 3rd & 4th for the holiday.

Make plans to catch up with a friend in the lounge, play some ball in the gym, or get work done in the community room. We're looking forward to seeing you! Photos and more info can be found here.

Be sure to follow us @playroanoke on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop for updates like this!