What fun we had! 2015 was the year of new programs, big improvements, and exciting events at Lynchburg Parks and Recreation. We had a difficult time deciding which moments were our favorite, but we paired it down to the top ten things we are most proud to have provided for our community this year.
Top 10 in 2015 – Lynchburg Parks and Recreation
Miller Center Grand Opening
This year Lynchburg Parks and Recreation completed the renovation to the historic Miller Center at 301 Grove Street. The Parks and Rec staff and the Nature Zone were happy to come home after 2 years in temporary offices. We were proud to reopen the center with a big party and concert attended by over 1000 citizens. Now, Miller Center is open to the public and hosts dance and fitness classes, art and theatre programs, cooking classes, public meetings, conferences, and much more. Stop on by and visit us from 8:30am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.
Food Truck Thursdays
Launched in April 2015, Food Truck Thursdays was a weekly event that provided a gathering place for the growing community of local food trucks and the Lynchburg community. With an average attendance of 500 each week, Food Truck Thursdays brought people of all walks of life – high school and college students, families, professionals, seniors – back to Miller Park to celebrate good food, the outdoors, and our community. Keep an eye out in late Spring for our first Food Truck Thursday of 2016!
Free Visits to the Nature Zone
What’s better than a new, beautiful Nature Zone location in Miller Center? Since coming back to its home in Miller Center, the Nature Zone is now free to attend! Stop in Friday or Saturday from 12:00pm – 4:00pm to see an animal feeding, chat with our Naturalists, or just explore the room and all the Nature Zone has to offer.
Yoga in the Park
This year, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation and the ladies of Yoga Goodness helped hundreds of Lynchburgers get their namaste on at Yoga in the Park. Bringing out an average of 80 attendees to Riverside Park each week, this program was so popular during its first run in May and June that we brought it back in September and October. Who can resist a little peace in the park?
Blackwater Creek Athletic Area Renovations
Make sure to check out the Blackwater Creek Athletic Area renovations if you haven’t already! We’ve replaced the field lighting, converted the ball diamond to a multipurpose field, added ADA compliant drinking fountains and handicap parking spaces, and put in some bench style seating in the hillside. We hope this field will be used for some exciting games for years to come.
Our Spiffy New Website
In October, we also launched the new Lynchburg Parks and Recreation website. Not only is the new site super pretty, it also has an extremely user-friendly structure that allows our visitors to find the information they’re seeking as quickly as possible. Learn more about our community centers, find and print off a trail map, or register for a new class or program all from one place!
Lynchburg is for Locavores Campaign
2015 at the Lynchburg Community Market was all about local food. With the help of a USDA Farmer’s Market Promotion Program grant, the market launched the “Lynchburg is for Locavores” campaign , encouraging Lynchburg area citizens to eat local as much as possible. The campaign included on-site food demonstrations by local chefs, seasonal recipes, instagram contests, locavore merchandise, educational classes, community outreach, and even a local food cooking competition. Thanks to all who made the choice to eat local this year, and to those who continue to spread the #lynhcburgisforlocavores message!
Bubble Soccer
This year, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation launched a new adult athletics league, one that simply CANNOT be taken seriously – Bubble Soccer. Bubble soccer is much like regular soccer except that everyone must attempt to score a goal while wearing a giant inflated plastic bubble. It’s completely ridiculous. But oh so fun! This sport was so popular, we’ve brought it back for another season!
City Stadium Renovations
Lynchburg City Stadium, originally built in 1939, was due for a makeover. Home to both E.C. Glass High School and Heritage High School football teams, City Stadium is a community gathering place, and this year we worked furiously to complete phase one of a multi-phase renovation project, returning the field, improving stormwater collection, providing new electrical wiring, and laying a new track around the field – before opening day. Phase one also included a beautiful new video screen to display starting lineups, school messages, etc. We were happy to see those teams enjoy the field this season, and we will continue to update you as we work to complete phase two.
Over 1,000 Programs Offered
Lynchburg Parks and Recreation continues to offer a wide range of innovative programming for the Lynchburg community every year. We pride ourselves on offering affordable classes, activities, and events that enrich the lives of our citizens. We look forward to offering some new and unique programs in 2016 – make sure to stay tuned!