Hey Roanoke, it’s Bike Month and time to dust off your bike and hit the pavement (or trail)! One of the biggest perks of living here is our incredible network of greenways, mountain bike trails, and a vibrant biking community. We’re all about two-wheeled fun, so we’ve gathered some awesome ways to make this Bike Month the most epic one yet! 1.Calling All Future Champions: The Tiny Tot Tri! Mark your calendars for May 19! Calling all little athletes from age 2-5 – it’s time to run, bike, and splash your way to the finish line at the cutest (and maybe silliest) event Elmwood Park has ever seen ..read more

Sunshine is peeking through the clouds, the days are getting longer, and it’s the perfect time to trade screen time for green time! Roanoke Parks and Rec is here to help you make the most of it. We’ve got a whole bunch of awesome programs designed to get you and your crew outside, soaking up the fresh air, and having some unforgettable fun. Need a plan? Check out these upcoming programs: 1. Bug and Bat Nights: April 26 & May 24 Calling all curious explorers! Join us at Mill Mountain Park for a night filled with s’mores, science, and some special guests – the fascinating creatures that com ..read more

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a sport that offers a fantastic full-body workout that engages your core muscles and improves balance. The rhythmic movement of paddling can be meditative, providing a sense of peace and tranquility as you soak in the sights and sounds of nature. As you venture out onto the water, embrace the freedom of floating on the water’s surface, feeling the sun on your skin, and relishing the joy of being surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors. Stand up paddle boarding isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifestyle that connects you to the elements and allows you to explore the ..read more

View of the park, greenway, and river from Wasena Bridge, fall 2023 Starting this April, the City of Roanoke will begin replacement of Wasena Bridge, with an estimated two year timeline for completion. Some of the impacted areas include Wasena Park, Wasena Skatepark, the Roanoke River, and the Roanoke River Greenway. As Roanoke Parks and Recreation prepares for this project, we ask that community members be mindful of detours, closures, and other access changes when visiting affected areas. Here’s what park users need to know during construction: Roanoke River Greenway Detour During construc ..read more

Written by Kirsten Turonis Hughes In the journey of raising children, parents and members of the community play a pivotal role in shaping their future. One powerful avenue for nurturing young minds is through sensory education and STEM exploration. These approaches not only ignite curiosity but also foster crucial skills that are essential for success in today’s world. Let’s delve into the significance of sensory education and STEM exploration, their age-appropriate applications, and how they contribute to the holistic development of children. What is Sensory Education? Sensory education invol ..read more

As the days grow longer and the sun starts to peek through the trees, Roanoke comes alive with the promise of spring. What better way to enjoy the season than by exploring our city’s vibrant parks and enjoying the wide selection of programs and events being offered? PLAY Roanoke has a very full activity calendar to get you out of the house and enjoying the springtime. FOR NATURE CURIOUS KIDDOS:  Nature Lab: Springs Session This nature focused program is perfect for your child to let their imaginations run wild in the great outdoors! Unleash the wonder of nature with our Nature Lab Prog ..read more

Hey there, Roanoke 100 Milers! We’re already deep into the 100-day challenge, and you might be feeling the burn (or maybe just the winter blues). But fear not, fellow fitness enthusiasts! We’ve got a fresh batch of ideas to help you rack up those miles and conquer this challenge with a smile: 1. Take a Scenic Hike Roanoke is the home of plenty of scenic trails that deliver on both beauty and steps. If you want to get some good mileage and enjoy a pretty view here are some recommendations for you to conquer the 100 miler one step at a time:  Star Trail at Mill Mountain: This short-but-swe ..read more

As the New Year approaches, it’s a great time to set new goals. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, find a wellness routine, or hit the reset button, the new year is a great time to make that change. We’ve got a few recommendations, from physical fitness and ways to stay active to mental well-being and personal growth. Check it out and get ready for 2024!   Hit the Reset button Experience the ancient Chinese martial art of Tai Chi in the Mountain View gardens and in the beautiful Fishburn Mansion! Tai Chi is known for its health benefits; combining gentle physical exercise and ..read more

Have you ever found yourself frustrated by an unexpected greenway closure? Whether for regular maintenance, flooding, or big construction projects, closures are a regular part of managing the extensive trail and greenway system in the City of Roanoke. The good news is, there’s a new way to “Know Before You Go”. Roanoke Parks and Recreation is excited to introduce Statusfy, an informational alert system meant to keep users informed. Statusfy allows trail and greenway users to view active and ongoing alerts (including shortterm maintenance closures, long-term construction closures, flooding, de ..read more

How do you use the Historic Fishburn Mansion? What programs or activities would you like to see more of? Have you experienced accessibility challenges on the property? These and more questions are being asked of community members in a public survey by Roanoke Parks and Recreation. The Historic Fishburn Mansion (formerly known as the Mountain View Recreation Center) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is in need of repairs and updates. To begin the process of addressing these needs, grant funding has been secured to complete planning services and develop schematic design ..read more