News Summary
James City County is reaching out to residents for input on the 2026 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The plan aims to enhance recreational opportunities and is backed by national consultant BerryDunn. A community workshop is scheduled to discuss a proposed skate park, part of the initiative, which aims to make recreational facilities more accessible and engaging for all residents.
James City County Seeks Community Input for 2026 Parks and Recreation Master Plan
James City County is inviting residents to provide public input on its 2026 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The county has enlisted the services of BerryDunn, a national consulting firm known for its expertise in planning parks, recreation, and open spaces, to assist in updating this crucial plan that will shape the future of recreational opportunities within the community.
The updated master plan is designed as a strategic roadmap to identify and prioritize enhancements to parks, facilities, services, amenities, and programming in James City County. The county’s goal is to ensure high-quality recreational opportunities accessible to all residents.
How to Provide Input
Community members can contribute their feedback and insights through various channels. To stay informed and actively participate in the planning process, residents are encouraged to visit the county’s website or contact the Parks & Recreation department directly. They can reach the department via email at [email protected] or by mail at their office located at 5320 Palmer Lane, Suite 2A, Williamsburg, VA 23188. The main contact phone number for the department is 757-259-5410.
Upcoming Community Workshop
A community workshop is scheduled for October 30, where attendees can review a draft plan for a new Warhill skate park. This draft is nearing completion after months of planning and feedback gathered from previous community workshops held on September 4 and October 9. The new skate park will replace the existing 24-year-old park at the recreation center and is anticipated to be finished by the end of 2026.
Details on the New Skate Park
The updated skate park is planned to cover approximately 15,000 square feet and will be designed to be all-wheel friendly, catering to users of all ages and skill levels, including skateboarders, rollerbladers, and BMX bikers. Warhill Sports Complex was selected as the site for the new skate park, due to its multiple sports uses and strong community support.
This project has received approval in the fiscal year 2025 capital improvement budget, allocating $1.5 million for both design and construction. Community workshops related to this project have drawn around 50 attendees each, including a diverse group of parents, teenagers, college students, and experienced skateboarders.
Collaboration and Community Support
The development of the skate park is a collaborative effort involving California-based Spohn Ranch Skateparks and the engineering firm Kimley-Horn and Associates, alongside the local nonprofit Triangle Skateboard Alliance, which has been advocating for skateboarding programs in the county since 2018. The initiative for the new project stemmed from community feedback emphasizing the necessity for an expanded skate park during the master plan update in 2021.
In addition, neighboring York County has shown a similar interest in enhancing recreational facilities, with a survey revealing that 90% of respondents supported the idea of a new skate park. The James City County skate park project also aims to accommodate the recreational needs of residents from York County, reflecting a wider demand for improved skate park facilities in the region.
Enhancing Recreational Offerings
Overall, the initiative to update the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and develop the new skate park seeks to improve recreational offerings, elevate community engagement, and respond to the expressed needs of the community. By encouraging public input and actively involving residents in the planning process, James City County is taking significant steps toward enhancing the quality and accessibility of its recreational facilities for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- WY Daily: Help Shape James City County’s 2026 Parks and Recreation Master Plan
- Google Search: James City County Parks and Recreation Master Plan
- Pilot Online: James City County Moves Closer to Building a New Skate Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Skate Park
- WTKR: Williamsburg’s Highland Park Community Reopens with New Upgrades
- Google Scholar: Community Feedback Skate Park
- Williamsburg Families: Positions Available at JCC Parks and Recreation
- Google News: James City County Recreation Facility
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
