Norfolk Parks and Recreation

To help keep Lafayette Park safe, family‑friendly, and enjoyable for everyone, we will be closing the park daily at 7 p.m. starting Friday, June 5.

Thank you for your cooperation as we continue working to provide a clean, welcoming environment for all visitors and to support the nearby wildlife at the Virginia Zoo.

A round of applause, please, to our performers whose creativity lit up the beautiful Wells Theatre stage last Saturday! 🎭 From our tiniest beginners to our seasoned performers, every dancer showcased the hard work and dedication they’ve poured into their classes; sharing unforgettable moments with family and friends.

Norfolk Parks and Recreation offers dance opportunities for all ages, to see what more we have to offer, visit www.norfolk.gov/dance 🌟

This event promoter has failed to obtain the required permits. As a result, this event is not authorized to proceed and will be shut down immediately.

Attendees are encouraged to make alternate plans. City staff and law enforcement personnel will be on site to protect public safety and address any violations of law.

Join us for Cultural Arts Classes at Titustown Visual Arts Center or Lakewood Dance & Music Center. ☀️🎨🎶 Piano, ballet, animation and more for kids and adults!

Classes begin Monday, June 8. Don’t miss out!

Explore the full list and sign up today: https://norfolkfun.norfolk.gov

This week, our 2026 Summer Norfolk Emerging Leaders (NELs) kicked off their journey with a three‑day orientation! 🌟 They learned what to expect this summer, how to present themselves professionally, and what it truly means to be part of our team.

We were honored to hear from our incredible staff, including our Parks & Recreation Director, Lakita Frazier, as well as our Programs Manager, Facility Managers, Recreation Supervisors, and several inspiring guest speakers.

Our NELs also took part in team‑building activities, open forums, and breakout sessions designed to strengthen their skills and prepare them for success. We’re excited to see what they accomplish this summer and hope they carry these lessons into their workplaces and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who helped make orientation a success! 🚀

🎨 Calling All Artists! 🛹 Norfolk Parks and Recreation is looking for creative minds to design and decorate skateboards for Go SK8 Day! This is your chance to showcase your art and be part of an exciting community event celebrating skate culture and creativity.

If you’re interested in participating, reach out to [email protected] for more details. Let’s roll out some amazing designs together!

Our Nature Navigators sprouted new knowledge last week! 🪴 In collaboration with Keep Norfolk Beautiful and with help from the Norfolk Master Gardeners, students explored the world of germination, painted a flower bed, potted seeds and discovered what plants need to grow. 🌱

Want your homeschooler to join in on the adventure? Norfolk Nature Navigators is totally free and offers hands‑on environmental learning for ages 6–11. Stay tuned for our next adventure by visiting www.Norfolk.gov/NatureNavigators !

🎓✨ Celebrating the Norfolk Youth Council Class of 2026 ✨🎓
We are so proud of our graduating seniors in the Norfolk Youth Council Class of 2026. This year, we celebrate five amazing members who are completing their journey with us, each one graduating with honors.

We are also celebrating three of our members who are graduating from the 8th grade. Their leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment have been a bright part of our 2025-26 council.

It has truly been a wonderful year filled with service, teamwork, and memorable moments. Congratulations to our seniors and our rising high school students. You have made Norfolk proud!

Applications are currently open for the NYC 2026-2027 year: https://www.norfolk.gov/norfolkyouthapp

For more information, contact: [email protected]

All community and recreation centers will be closed starting Monday, June 1, for maintenance and staff development. All community and recreation centers resume regular business hours Monday, June 8.

Prime Plus classes at Titustown, the Therapeutic Recreation Center, the Norfolk Boxing Center and all fee-based classes will remain open and unaffected.

Thank you for your understanding.

For more information about Norfolk Parks and Recreation, please visit www.norfolk.gov/ParksAndRec

Last week’s Park Ranger Fishing event at Grandy Village Pier was a wonderful time! 🎣☀️

The adult group from Autumn Care had an amazing time catching fish, enjoying the beautiful weather, and spending time outdoors together.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special. We appreciate your participation and look forward to more fun community events ahead!