Newport News Parks Division

Did you know we have 6 different kinds of turtles in our reservoir? From baseball-size to football-size turtles (and even larger!), the Park has an amazing community of freshwater turtles to see and enjoy.

Join us at the Discovery Center in Newport News Park this Saturday, August 31st at 11 AM and 2 PM for our 'Terrific Turtles' program! We will begin inside the Discovery Center with a presentation which will be followed by a guided walk.

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/33490?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Some people may be bugged by bugs, but many of them can actually be very helpful and handy to have around. Plus, you might be surprised that several of the things we refer to as bugs might be something a little different. From Ladybugs to roly-poly's and spiders: come find out what makes a bug a bug, and discover what might make them good back yard neighbors after all.

Join us at the Discovery Center in Newport News Park this Saturday, August 24th at 11 AM & 2 PM for our 'Insects & Friends' program!

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/35603?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Bring your young “nature lover in training” to Newport News Park’s Discovery Center for our monthly nature story reading! Each month we’ll have a new picture storybook about animals and their adventures in nature. It’s a great introduction or reinforcement for your children’s reading and learning skills.

Join us for a 'Story and a Walk' this Wednesday, August 14th at 10 AM at the Discovery Center in Newport News Park! Happening every second Wednesday, March through October.

For more information visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/30645?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Join us at the Discovery Center to learn about the fascinating lives of reptiles and amphibians living here in Newport News Park. What are the differences between these two interesting kinds of animals? What do they eat? How do they protect themselves from danger? Where do they like to live? Come and find out!

Join us Saturday, August 10th at 11 AM and 2 PM for our 'Scales and Tails' program! Located at the Discovery Center in Newport News Park.

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/30241?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

The Newport News Park Discovery Center is in need of clean, dry newspaper for our wildlife rehabilitation center and we are asking for donations!

We use newspaper to line our wildlife's enclosures to ensure they have clean, safe spaces and we go through a lot of it! As the season is ramping up, we are low on newspaper and are going to need a lot more through the coming months. Please consider saving your newspapers and bringing them into us, or sharing this post with someone who may have newspaper to give.

Discovery Center - From the Newport News Park main entrance, proceed 1 mile on Constitution Ave; the Discovery Center and parking lot is on the right - look for the Civil War Canon! Please call (757) 886-7916 if you are having trouble locating us.

James River Treatment Plant SWIFT Improvements - Riverview Farm Park Trailhead Work: Construction Notice Update #21 for the City of Newport News - July 2024

-Beginning as early as July 18, trailhead work will begin in Riverview Farm Park.
-This work requires demolition of a portion of the City’s parking area for construction of a trailhead. For public safety, a portion of the Riverview Farm Park parking lot will be closed to public access during this work. Please refer to the back of this notice for a map of the location.
-The work will take place Monday - Friday during daytime hours. Full parking lot access will be available during the weekend.
-This portion of work should not affect your water or sewer services.
-This section of the work is anticipated to last approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Due to the nature of construction, work is weather and situation dependent and dates are subject to change.

To view the entire construction notice please visit the HRSD website here:
https://www.hrsd.com/construction-notice-update-21-city-newport-news-july-2024

Have you ever wondered what fish are swimming in our reservoirs? Come to the Discovery Center for an introduction on some of the most popular game fishes that live in the 230-acre Lee Hall Reservoir.
Note: This is not a How-To-Fish program.

Swim down to the Discovery Center in Newport News Park on Saturday, July 20th at 11 AM & 2 PM to learn about the life history, habitat, and identifying characteristics of our 'Fascinating Fishes'!

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/32343?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

There are a lot of misunderstandings when it comes to snakes and their behavior, but learning the facts about their lives and incredible adaptations is a great start to truly appreciating these fascinating animals. Fun fact: snakes don’t have eyelids, so their eyes are always open!

Please join us for our eye-opening program 'Snakes: Fact Vs. Fiction' this Saturday, July 13th at 11 AM and 2 PM. Located at the Discovery Center in Newport News Park.

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/32846?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Bring your young “nature lover in training” to Newport News Park’s Discovery Center for our monthly nature story reading! Each month we’ll have a new picture storybook about animals and their adventures in nature. It’s a great introduction or reinforcement for your children’s reading and learning skills.

Join us for a 'Story and a Walk' this Wednesday, July 10th at 10 AM at the Discovery Center in Newport News Park! Happening every second Wednesday, March through October.

For more information visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/30645?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0jCEIhXy7RFj9Wztmnb66LZdJY8dD4ZncT5AHg_mid8RoJoLAOlL2T7-w_aem__o41bmbkPdfuz65FHqonnw

Celebrate July 4th by learning more about our Country’s national symbol: the Bald Eagle! You’ll learn where they live, who their relatives are, their adaptations for catching prey, and how they raise their young. These amazing birds are not only an important symbol of this country, they also represent why it’s so important to protect and preserve our environment!

Fly on over to the Discovery Center in Newport News Park and join us for our 'Fly Like an Eagle!' educational program this Saturday, July 6th at 11 AM & 2 PM.

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/35487?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

White-tailed deer are some of the most visible and beloved animals in Newport News Park, and are often seen slowly grazing or even leaping their way through the Park’s woods and open areas. Bring your family to learn more about white-tailed deer, including their survival adaptations, what they eat throughout the year, as well as the life of their young fawns.

Join us this Saturday, June 29th at 11 AM and 2 PM for our 'Oh Deer' program at the Discovery Center located in Newport News Park!

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/35182?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

When it comes to animal footprint tracks, can you tell the difference between a coyote and a bobcat, or a raccoon or an opossum? At the Discovery Center, you’ll see examples of commonly found animal tracks in our area, and will get a chance to learn about the animals who leave tracks through a fun activity for all ages.

Join us at the Discovery Center located in Newport News Park this Saturday, June 22nd anytime between 11 AM & 4 PM to learn all about 'Animal Tracks'.

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/35181?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

These interesting and often misunderstood mammals have loads of amazing adaptations that help them survive in forests, fields, and even in our neighborhoods. Do opossums really “play dead”? Can they hang from their tails?

You’re invited to learn more about 'Awesome Opossums' and their interesting place in the natural world.; this Saturday, June 15th at 11 AM and 2 PM. Taking place in the Discovery Center located in Newport News Park.

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/35179?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Bring your young “nature lover in training” to Newport News Park’s Discovery Center for our monthly nature story reading! Each month we’ll have a new picture storybook about animals and their adventures in nature. It’s a great introduction or reinforcement for your children’s reading and learning skills.

Join us for a 'Story and a Walk' this Wednesday, June 12th at 10 AM at the Discovery Center in Newport News Park! Happening every second Wednesday, March through October.

For more information visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/30645?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

You might be surprised that several of the things we refer to as bugs or insects might be something a little different! From Ladybugs to roly-poly's and spiders: come find out what makes a bug a bug, and discover what makes them good back yard neighbors.

Join us to learn about 'Insects and Friends' this Saturday, June 8th at 11 AM and 2 PM. Happening at the Discovery Center in Newport News Park.

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit ActiveNet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/33346?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

As the weather warms up and we transition from spring to summer, you may notice a change to the sounds of the night-time chorus. What you're hearing is the next round of frog singers taking the stage and adding their own songs to the concert; frogs such as bullfrogs, treefrogs, cricket frogs, toads (yes toads are frogs), and others.

If you love frogs & want to learn more about them, jump on down to the Discovery Center located in Newport News Park: tomorrow, Saturday June 1st at 11 AM, 2 PM, or 8 PM! During the day, we'll have several frog-themed crafts and activities for the kids to enjoy; and the 8 PM evening program will include a guided night walk (weather permitting).

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit Activenet: (DAY PROGRAM) - https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/35175?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit Activenet: (EVENING PROGRAM) - https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/35177?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Happy Memorial Day! Today we honor and remember all those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Join us for a Memorial Day Service this morning at the historic Victory Arch, sponsored by American Legion Braxton-Perkins Post # 125. This annual ceremony will be held at 11:00 AM at the Victory Arch Monument, located at 25th & West Avenue in downtown Newport News.

After the ceremony, the public is invited to learn about America's rich military heritage at the Virginia War Museum. You can visit the museum on Memorial Day and receive $1 off the admission price.

Originally built in 1919, returning World War l troops disembarked from ships and marched through this Victory Arch in victory parades.

Summer sizzles with our Drop the Mic Summer Concert Series Presented by The Yard District! 🎤🔥

Join us for unforgettable live performances, mouthwatering food, ice-cold beer, and vibes that’ll keep you grooving all night long. Let’s make memories under the stars!

🗓️ June-August | Every Thursday
📍Victory Landing Park
⏰ 6-8 PM
‼️ No pets & No outside alcohol | Bring your lawn chairs!

For more information, visit www.nnparksandrec.org

For decades, Memorial Day has been a time of remembrance to honor the people who have served in the U.S. Military. It became a National observed holiday beginning in 1868, but the roots of this tradition began as a more local observation that varied from state to state.

If you would like to learn more about the 'The First Memorial Day' please join us May 25th at 2 P.M. at the Discovery Center located in Newport News Park.

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit Activenet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/35111?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true

Over 50 species of salamanders are known to live throughout the commonwealth in all manner of places - perhaps even in your own backyard!

If you'd like to know more about these fascinating amphibians - such as their remarkable healing abilities, voracious appetites, and unusual adaptations - then wiggle your way down to the Discovery Center to find out more!

Join us this Saturday, May 18th at 11 AM and 2 PM for a 'Salamander Saturday'! Taking place at the Discovery Center located in Newport News Park.

For more information and to register for free (not required) visit Activenet: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/nnparksrectourism/activity/search/detail/34998?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true&locale=en-US