Message From The Director

Winter Greetings F-r-r-r-r-iends and Family! Thank you for connecting with our virtual Leisure Magazine—Prince William County’s go-to source for all things recreation. The season of frosty air and early dusks is a time for inward reflection and new perspectives when we are challenged to find the beauty in nature’s still hibernation. While the landscapes of our parks slip into dormancy too, our gates stay open and the lights in our facilities burn bright. Consider the rejuvenating power of recreation as fuel for your winter sustenance and chart a course with us towards the brightness of spring. In addition to nearly 60 parks and facilities and over 50 miles of trail, we offer hundreds of fitness and instructional classes for all ages and abilities. Opportunities for connecting with nature are endless in Prince William County. Our alluring landscapes extend from the rolling hills of the Bull Run Mountains to the wooded shores of the Potomac River. Take a step outside and discover something new. Hike along the Broad Run River at Dove’s Landing Park, meander the stately grounds of Rippon Lodge, or photograph Bald Eagles in flight at Silver Lake Park. Ride over 1.2 miles of new mountain bike trail at Locust Shade Park, including a new skills course, or jog the perimeter path of the athletic fields at Catharpin Park . Take your little ones to explore the universally-accessible playground at the new Harbor Drive Wellness Park in Partnership with Kaiser Permanente, the new Warrior Challenge Course at Locust Shade Park, and the new playgrounds at Cloverdale and Catharpin Parks.

Come out to the Dale City Winter Farmer’s Market on Sunday mornings between 10-1 for a unique selection of artisan goods and select produce. Our passionate staff have planned an abundance of new individual and family programs for your enjoyment this winter. Register quick while openings are still available. Join us for the First Day Hike at Bristoe Station Battlefield Park on January 1st, Birding at the Neabsco Wetlands on January 22nd, Adaptive Aqua Zumba® at Chinn Aquatic and Fitness Center on January 27th, Calligraphy Class at the Brentsville Schoolhouse on January 29th, The Daddy Daughter Dance at the Sharon Baucom Dale City Recreation Center on February 5th, Stargazing at the Neabsco Boardwalk on February 26, Hiking Tikes at Silver Lake Park on March 19th, The Full Moon Hike at Neabsco Boardwalk on March 27th, and Triathlon Winter Training at the Chinn Aquatic and Fitness Center on January 4–27. In addition to Leisure, please follow us on Facebook (PWCparks) for a calendar of upcoming events as well as photos of people and nature in action at our facilities and opens spaces. Please also visit www.visitprincewilliam.com to view all the entertainment options available courtesy of our tourism business community. Top off a visit to one of our parks with a stop by a local winery or eatery. Download the Passport to Prince William app on your smart phone for exclusive deals.

We are pleased to share that we are back to full operations, without closures or stringent capacity limits and we continue to implement strong safety and cleaning measures. We are eager to welcome you all back into our programs. We have great membership rates for the Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center and Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center that include access to both facilities for $55 per month with no initiation fee and access to over 160 land and water group fitness class per week! Visit here for more details. I am grateful for your support as a trusted provider for your recreation needs. Our staff is committed to ensuring you have an exceptional experience at every turn. Please don’t hesitate to let us know via helloparks@pwcgov.org if we are not meeting your expectations or if you need help finding the right recreation opportunity. May you strive to be your best self with Prince William County Parks, Recreation & Tourism as your partner. With Gratitude,

Seth Hendler-Voss, MPA, CPRE, RLA Director of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Prince William County, VA (703) 792-4284