In case you missed it, our Master Plan update was unanimously approved by City Council on October 20! This plan is an update of the 10-year Master Plan completed in 2019 and provides a framework for our department's work. Learn more about this news on our blog, and keep an eye on social media over the next few weeks, where we'll be sharing some info from the plan itself.

Community feedback was vital to the development of this master plan update, and we're not done yet! Two of our parks are currently developing plans for the future, and you can help in just a few minutes! Take the online surveys today for McCadden Park and Washington Park. Thank you!

Join us for the 3rd Happy Valley Grit gravel bike race at Carvins Cove! This annual event is full of camaraderie and fun for riders of all skill levels, with 15-mile and 30-mile route options.


Space is limited, so you'll want to sign up soon! Plus, if you register by November 24, you'll get a free race hoodie or t-shirt included in your registration! We'll see you on December 7!

Youth Basketball season is almost here!


Register now, games start this winter. You can sign up through your local rec club:


We won! We recently hosted the Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) Annual Conference at the Hotel Roanoke. 400+ industry professionals from across the Commonwealth gathered to share ideas, examine trends, and recognize outstanding work. At the awards ceremony, we were honored to receive Best New Renovation/Addition for the Tinker Creek Greenway. Shoutout to all the dedicated staff that worked on this project!

 

PARK PROJECT UPDATES

Anticipation is high for the new Wasena Skatepark and Pump Track, and work is rolling along. These exciting new features are not ready yet, but you can check out the progress in the video below. Until they are officially opened, remember to stay off and stay out of the construction zone!

Work is also moving swiftly for the In-River Park, with the new ADA river access point near Memorial Bridge nearly complete! Crews will be working on the stairway access point near the low water bridge in Wasena over the next few weeks. They will then transition to the site underneath the pedestrian bridge (near the parking lot and playground) sometime in the new year.

Make your mark on the future Eureka Recreation Center!

The Roanoke Arts Commission has an opportunity for indoor and outdoor murals at the new Eureka Rec Center. This Art Call is open now through November 14 - please share with those who may be interested!

Visit roanokearts.org/eureka/ for full details.

 
 

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Music on the Mountain - last of the season!

Join us at the Mill Mountain Discovery Center on November 9 from 5-7 PM for the last Music on the Mountain of the year! Enjoy free live music with Dave Corbitt & Jeremy Davall, a food truck, beer and non-alcoholic beverages for sale, crafts for kids, and an overall good time!

 

PACK YOUR BAGS!

We are very excited to offer two tours in fall 2026 through a partnership with Collette Travel: Discover Canyon Country and Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights Discovery. These guided tours will allow you to enjoy a stress-free trip with the reliability and experience of a premier travel company. They handle the logistics, so you can focus on the adventure. 


Our favorite part: All tours fly roundtrip out of Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport!

You can also stay closer to home with our fantastic lineup of local day trips over the next couple months, including:

 

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Bike the High Bridge Trail surrounded by Fall Leaves!

Come along for a journey along the entire 31 miles of the High Bridge Trail. The bridge itself is 2,400 feet long and 125 feet high, making it the longest recreational bridge in Virginia.⁠ Sign Up

 

HOLIDAY PROGRAM PREVIEW

We're gearing up for a fun holiday season, with the Fishburn Mansion as our Holiday headquarters!


This year, you can look forward to more live wreath making, candlelight Christmas tours of the mansion, and a Yule Masquerade Ball! You should also plan to attend the annual Holiday Open House on 12/14 - one of our most popular Christmas events.


Registration has not yet opened for most programs, but you can sign up for Belle & Beast's Enchanted Christmas Ball on December 13!

 

PLAY PROGRAMS THIS MONTH

 

REGISTRATION OPEN 🏀 Youth Winter Indoor Basketball

NOV 1 🚐 DAY TRIP: Romeo & Juliet Matinee Shakespeare Center & Lunch

NOV 2 🥾 Carvins Cove Hike Series – Part 2

NOV 5 🌟 Daylight Savings Night Hike to the Star

NOV 9 🚲 High Bridge Bike Tour

NOV 9 🌄 Music on the Mountain ft. Dave Corbitt & Jeremy Davall

NOV 11 🥾 Senior Summits: Cascade Falls Hike

NOV 13 🚐 DAY TRIP: Trader Joe’s & Lunch – Greensboro, NC

NOV 15 🥾 Falls Ridge Preserve Hike

NOV 18 ⛏️ Trail Work at Carvins Cove

NOV 22 🦇 Intro to Wild Caving

NOV 22 🚐 DAY TRIP: London’s Salt Cave & Spa – Fables & Feathers Winery

NOV 23 🥾 Carvins Cove Hike Series – Part 3