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Information


Main Office:
Department of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services

801 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704
757-393-8481/ Fax: 757-393-8265


OUR MISSION:

To create life enriching experiences and beautiful environments in partnership with citizens, businesses and organizations.

 

OUR VISION:

To create a community where the benefits of recreation are recognized and valued through comprehensive quality programs, excellent facilities, and beautiful parks and open spaces.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 2009-2010

Mr. Christopher Herrod – Chair
Ms. Beth Prever
Mr. Lopez Scott – Vice-Chair
Ms. Bertha Manning
Ms. Valerie Cosnotti
Mr. Occasio Gee
Ms. Darlene Bright
Ms. Bette Ashberry

Gift Giving GUIDE
Opportunities abound for making a LASTING contribution to the Portsmouth community. Please inquire at 393-8481 about the Gift Giving Guide for items ranging from picnic tables to tennis courts and gifts of every size and shape in between.

Recreation Center RESERVATIONS
Interested in reserving a Recreation Center for a Birthday Party, Class Reunion or Family Gathering? Please contact your nearest Recreation Center to make necessary arrangements.

Portsmouth Pride Volunteer PROGRAM
We have many opportunities for individuals and families to put your talents to work for your community. Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 393-8134 to volunteer for Recreation Programs, Libraries, Museums, and Behavioral Healthcare Services as well as the Police and Human Resources Departments.

Amusement TICKETS
Discount tickets for Busch Gardens, Water Country, and King’s Dominion are seasonally available at the Department’s Main Office at 801 Crawford Street. Payment may be made by cash or money order. Please call 393-8481 for current information.

Special Event PERMITS
Organized activities utilizing city property such as parks, playgrounds, and open spaces need to submit applications at least 30 days in advance of the event. Please visit the www.portsmouthva.gov home page ‘Official City Forms’ section for Special Event Applications as well as information on parade permits, street closure permits and block party permits and block party permits.

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Sponsorship Opportunities
Multiple Events and Programs allow for customization and tailoring to meet specific target audiences and markets. Here are a few of the opportunities:

City Wide Youth Basketball TOURNAMENT
Twelve top teams of Boys and Girls ages 9-15 in 4 age brackets Held annually at one of the High School Gyms 2nd week of March

Senior SPORTS DAY
10+ Senior Citizens compete in more than 20 events throughout the 2nd week in May.

Connect with CONDUCT PROGRAM
The program will start in October and continue to May for youth 6 to 12 and their parents. For more information, contact Michelle Eady @ 393-8481 ext. 4112.

23rd Annual COCK ISLAND RACE
Custom packages will be developed and negotiated with sponsor specific criteria. Extended commitments beyond a single event or single year benefit everyone…primarily the opportunity to make modifications and improvements for maximum potential returns. Our goal is to provide you, the sponsor, with a minimum 3 to 1 return on your investment.

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Citizen Concern LINE
Have a compliment or a complaint about City Services? Don’t know where to turn to get help? The 24-hour Citizen Concern Line can certainly help. Call 393-8008 for assistance.

Neighborhood ACADEMY
The Portsmouth Neighborhood Academy will commence in September 2010. The Neighborhood Academy is a unique opportunity for Portsmouth residents to learn how to access City services and partner with local government to improve neighborhood quality. The curriculum will cover:

  • Citizen interaction with their local government

  • The importance of citizen contribution to public safety

  • Portsmouth parks, recreation and library services

  • The positive impact of economic development on neighborhoods

  • Accessing human and social services

  • Detailed descriptions of the following City functions: planning, zoning, code enforcement, public works, traffic, trash and public utilities

The course lasts eight weeks. All classes take place on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 pm. The classes are held at the Bide-a-Wee Pavilion and at other community facilities located throughout Portsmouth. There is no charge to attend the Portsmouth Neighborhood Academy. However, a commitment to attend all eight classes is requested from participants. Space is limited; applicants are accepted in the order they register. For more information or to register, call Bernadette L. Hogge, Ombudsman/Community Relations Coordinator at 393-8481 x 4129 or e-mail her at hoggeb@portsmouthva.gov.

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ADA NOTICE
Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations to attend or participate in our programs may call 393-8626 at least 48 hours in advance.

Photo POLICY
Please be advised that all participants involved in any department programs or special events are subject to being photographed. Such photographs may be used by the City of Portsmouth without an obligation to provide compensation to those photographed.

Incentive FUND
The City of Portsmouth Department of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services annually solicits requests from civic, social and community organizations for Incentive Fund Program funding. This program provides matching funds for beautification projects, construction or improvements to recreation and park facilities and the purchase of playground equipment. Projects must benefit the entire community and be available for all citizens to use. Annual application deadline is September 1. Applications can be obtained by contacting 757-393-8481. It is never too early to be thinking
of the future!

Sometimes, we goof
No matter how hard we try, sometimes there may be an error in the brochure. When this happens, we’ll do everything possible to correct the situation promptly. Occasionally, classes, programs and events change from what is printed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will try to inform you should this occur. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

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City of Portsmouth, Virginia · All Rights Reserved · Portsmouth City Hall · 801 Crawford Street · Portsmouth, VA 23704 · 757-393-8000