Information

Main Office:
Department of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services
801 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704
757-393-8481/ Fax: 757-393-8265

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 2009

Gift Giving Guide
Opportunities abound for making a LASTING contribution to the Portsmouth community. Please inquire at 757-393-8481 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 757-393-8134 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 757-393-8481 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 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.

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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:

13th Annual ‘Echoes of Joy’ Program
A special day to feed and clothe needy children and adults

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.

13th Annual Youth Expo at Portsmouth CITY PARK
A Day for Children and their Parents to Play and Learn 

22nd Annual Race to Cock Island
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 757-393-8008 for assistance or click here for the online version.

Neighborhood Academy

The tenth class of the Portsmouth Neighborhood Academy will commence in early September of 2009. 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 the following topics:

• 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 Academy is scheduled to commence in early September 2009. The course lasts eight weeks, concluding in late October. All classes take place on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 pm. The classes will be 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, therefore, applicants are accepted in the order they have registered.

For more information or to register, please call Bernadette L. Hogge, City Ombudsman at 757-393-8641, extension 4129 or email at hoggeb@portsmouthva.gov.

Click here for the application. - Adobe Acrobat Reader is Required

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ADA Notice
Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations to attend or participate in our programs may call 757-393-8626 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 go^oF

No matter how hard we try, sometimes there may be an error in the brochure or web pages. When this happens, we’ll do everything possible to correct the situation promptly. Occasionally, classes, programs and events change from what is printed or posted. 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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