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Bike Month technically doesn't start until Friday, but we're sending this month's newsletter a few days early for a good reason. The Short Track Preview Race - On The Rocks II is happening in Elmwood Park tomorrow, April 29, and it's the perfect way to kick off Bike Month!
A short track mountain bike race involves multiple laps on a compact course. It's a high energy event, making it lots of fun for spectators! Tomorrow's race is a preview before the USA Cycling 2026 Endurance Mountain Bike XCC Championships happening this July. We hope you'll come out to Elmwood Park to support biking in Roanoke!
We've got lots more Bike Month festivities planned, including a Youth Mountain Bike Race and Tiny Tot Tri for our younger riders, a Mountain Bike Skills Clinic, and the return of our award-winning Wednesday Night Disco Mountain Bike Race series! More info on all our bike month plans can be found on the blog below.
| | | | Join us May 17 to celebrate Kids to Parks Day! For the fourth year in a row, we're bringing you FREE movies in Elmwood Park, including Zootopia 2 and The Great Outdoors. During intermission, you're invited to explore Elmwood Park or another park in the city. Hot Bunz Hot Dogs and Charlee Tropical will be selling refreshments, and the first 150 families will get a free bag of Two Roosters Kettle Corn! Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase. We hope you can join us for this FREE, fun, family-friendly event in the park! Showtimes at the link. | | | | |
It's a beautiful time of year to visit the Historic Fishburn Mansion and Mountain View Park, and we're excited to welcome you for a brunch event on May 9!
Mimosas at the Mansion will feature a citrus-inspired brunch menu, and attendees (ages 21+) get one complimentary mimosa to enjoy during a self-guided tour. Additional drinks available for purchase. This festive event sells out every year, so grab your ticket before they're gone!
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You're invited to join us for a PLAY-Palooza summer celebration on May 30! This year, PLAY-Palooza will kickoff the summer season and opening day for Fallon Park Pool!
Festivities include a rock climbing wall, DJ, games, food truck, vendors, and more. The best part? FREE entry to Fallon Park Pool (see details at the link).We look forward to celebrating summer with the community!
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Work continues on the In-River Park, primarily along a section of river between Wasena and Vic Thomas Parks.
This work will continue through the summer, so if you're looking to cool off in the river, you'll want to find a different spot! More info on alternative locations can be found at roanokeriverblueway.org.
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Take a peek at the work being done through the recent Instagram video we shared (linked in the image). The greenway is still open in this area, so if you would like to watch the work happening, remember to stay outside the work zone and do not block traffic on the greenway. Thanks!
More project details can be found on the project page here.
| The Eureka Recreation Center is so close to being complete, and we can't wait to share more info with you. Check for ribbon cutting details coming soon! | | | | | | |
SUMMER JOBS COMING IN HOT!
Looking for a rewarding summer job that's a little different? Work for Play Roanoke and you could be lifeguarding a city pool (certification is included), or working with our summer campers. We've also got seasonal positions in our park crews for mowing, athletic field maintenance, and more. View all positions and apply!
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A number of projects are happening now and over the coming weeks that trail and greenway users should be aware of.
- Continued detour on Roanoke River Greenway at Wasena
- Vic Thomas Loop trail closure
- Stream restoration at Garden City Greenway, use caution
- Work on Brushy Mountain Fire Road at Carvins Cove, use caution
- Mill Mountain's Riverland Road/Star Trail parking lot closure
Remember, you can sign up for notifications on trail and greenway alerts through Statusfy!
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BRAZILIAN SOCCER CAMP RETURNS THIS SUMMER!
We're partnering with Brazilian United again for a week of Brazilian Soccer Summer Camp, July 13-17 at River's Edge Park! With options for ages 4β14, this is a great opportunity to experience the sport with professional coaches. Full and partial day options available.
Sign up today, and view all our summer camp programs here.
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JOIN US FOR AN ADVENTURE!
We're very excited about the upcoming day trips we have planned, and hope you can join us! Whether you're looking for a history tour, an artistic experience, or a small town journey, you'll find something to love! We've also got room left in our international trip to β¨Iceland to view the Northern Lights this November. Registration for that trip closes May 8, so sign up soon, & save the date for these trips:
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MAY 2 β
London's Salt Cave and Spa + Fables and Feathers Winery & Brewery
Forest & Goodview, VA
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MAY 16 β
Old City Cemetery, Arboretum, & Point of Honor Estate Tours + Lunch
Lynchburg, VA
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MAY 29 β
Patrick Henry's Red Hill National Monument + Amish Lunch
Forest, VA
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JUNE 6 β
Smalltown Downtown Discovery + Lunch Series
Lexington, VA
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JUNE 20 β
American Civil War & Appomattox County Museum + Lunch
Appomattox, VA
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JUNE 27 β
White Oak Lavender Farm & Vineyard Bloom Fest Craft + Lunch
Harrisonburg, VA
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JULY 11 β
Smalltown Downtown Discovery + Lunch Series
Paint Bank, VA
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JULY 18 β
Tiffany Stained Glass Class & Chateau Morrisette Winery
Floyd, VA
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AUG 1 β
Smalltown Downtown Discovery + Lunch Series
Abingdon, VA
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AUG 15 β
Walton's Mountain Homestead, Walton's Museum, and Lunch
Schuyler, VA
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Royal Eras at Mountain View Mansion
Whimsical Wishes presents Royal Eras at Mountain View Mansion, starting with the Classic Era on May 16. Step into the magic and create unforgettable memories with the princesses! Don't miss this very special experience! MORE INFO AND TICKETS
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ICYMI
ο»ΏWe recently shared updated maps for the Mill Mountain Trail system! These new maps include 4+ miles of brand new trail built in 2025 through a project with the Roanoke Parks Foundation, including dedicated downhill mountain bike trails.
Kiosks maps will be installed on the mountain soon, and by popular demand, we'll be printing the map on bandanas. Stay tuned!
Be sure to follow us @playroanoke on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the loop on news like this!
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