206562_BluefieldParksandRec_FlipBook

NOVEMBER 2024 - JANUARY 2025

Events

Activities & Programs

City of Bluefield

P a r k s

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The City of Bluefield Parks and Recreation is home to many facilities and activities for all ages to enjoy, including the Bluefield Fitness and Recreation Center, Bluefield City Park, Mitchell Stadium, and the East River Mountain Overlook. The Parks and Recreation Department also leads and participates in many events and programs throughout the year in the City of Bluefield, including 5k races, the annual Bluefield Cup golf tournament, outdoor recreation trips, aquatic programs, and more special events that encourage activity in our community.

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City of Bluefield Parks and Recreation

@playbluefieldwv

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Bluefield Fitness & Recreation

Center Information 05

FitRec Memberships 06

FitRec Aquatics 08

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FitRec Amenities

Programs & Events 14

Bluefield City Park 18

MEET OUR TEAM Director rshowalter@bluewv.org | (304) 325-5707 ext. 4 Rick joined the City of Bluefield Parks and Recreation team in 2022 as the Director, bringing with him a strong commitment to enhancing community well-being through recreational programming. Rick graduated from Radford University with a degree in Parks and Recreation Tourism Administration, where he developed a passion for creating enriching experiences that foster connection and joy in communities. With a focus on delivering quality recreational programs, Rick is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all community members, believing that accessible and engaging activities can make a significant difference in people's lives. Rick Showalter jhawkins@bluewv.org | (304) 325-5707 ext. 5 Justin was born and raised in Bluefield, WV. He graduated from Bluefield High School in 2005 and earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing from Bluefield State College in 2015. The next year, he undertook a six-month thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, covering 2,189 miles. Since then, Justin joined the City of Bluefield's Parks and Recreation Department as the Program and Special Event Coordinator. Justin has a deep passion for sports, games, and all things outdoors. He thrives in environments that promote physical activity, teamwork, and community engagement. Whether organizing local sporting events, outdoor festivals, or team-building activities, Justin is dedicated to creating fun and inclusive experiences that encourage people of all ages to get active and enjoy the outdoors. event coordinator Justin Hawkins Brennan has worked for the City of Bluefield Parks and Recreation Department since 2021. He has a decade of experience in Parks & Recreation, starting his career leading DNR work projects in the backcountry and wildland firefighting. Afterward, he was a Park Ranger in the National Park Service, as well as in Washington State Parks and West Virginia State Parks. He also has a background in the recreational facility field, having previously worked for the YMCA for over five years in Aquatics and Youth Enrichment. He has a bachelor’s degree in History and holds certifications as an Aquatics Instructor, Certified Pool Technician, and Red Cross Instructor in Lifeguarding, First Aid & CPR, and Basic Life Support. He is married with one daughter, and the whole family enjoys gardening and keeping their plants alive. Rachael has lived in Bluefield since 2002 and she has enjoyed learning about this beautiful area since then. For the past two years, Rachael has served as the Aquatics/Fitness Coordinator at the Bluefield Fitness and Recreation Center. She has used her passion for fitness to teach a wide range of fitness classes and work alongside instructors and employees with similar goals and passions, and she continues to inspire others to lead healthier, more active lives. rwilson@bluewv.org | (304) 325-5707 ext. 3 aquatics & fitness coordinator Rachael Wilson mboothe@bluewv.org | (304) 325-5707 ext. 1 Marianne moved to Bluefield in 2020 and has worked as the head of Marketing for the City of Bluefield's Parks and Recreation Department since April of 2024. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Media Arts in 2023, and she is happy to be here for her first position in the marketing field. Before joining the Bluefield Parks and Rec team, Marianne owned and operated a small online business creating and selling handmade craft products. In addition to crafting, Marianne enjoys singing, playing guitar and piano, reading books, and spending time with her three dogs and one cat. marketing specialist Marianne Boothe bbredl@bluewv.org | (304) 325-5707 ext. 2 deputy Director Brennan Bredl

The Bluefield Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec) is more than a gym. When you’re here, you're part of a welcoming community committed to helping you pursue a better YOU through health and wellness programs. We work daily to improve the Bluefield community's health and well-being and provide a fun, supportive place to help you live better.

Facility Hours Monday-Thursday: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM

TO sign up for a membership, visit the fitrec at 703 college ave in bluefield, wv!

Friday: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Amenities Basketball Court, Lap Pool, Free Weights, Selectorized Machines, Cardio Equipment, Group Exercise Rooms & Classes, Circuit Room, Racquetball Court, Pickleball, and Child Watch Guidelines The FitRec is a members only facility. Day passes are only available to out-of-town guests. Members must bring their scan card for entry. Children 11 years old and under must have their guardian in the facility.

Holiday Hours New Year’s Day: CLOSED Easter: CLOSED Memorial Day: CLOSED Independence Day: CLOSED Labor Day: CLOSED

Veterans Day: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Thanksgiving & Day After: CLOSED Christmas Eve & Christmas Day: CLOSED New Year’s Eve: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

City of Bluefield Parks and Recreation

703 College Ave Bluefield, WV 24701

@playbluefieldwv

playbluefieldwv.com

304-325-5707

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MEMBERSHIPS We have several types of memberships that can be purchased to suit your needs. We also offer memberships through selected insurance providers, as well as discounts and scholarships.

Membership Types Two Adult Household*: Two adults and children (21 & under) in the same household One Adult Household*: One adult and children (21 & under) in the same household Couple: Two adults in the same household Adult: One adult (25-61 years old) Young Adult or Senior: One young adult (19-24) or one senior (62+) Teen: One 12-18 year old

Monthly Bank Draft (Automatic Monthly Payments) The monthly bank draft membership fee is deducted automatically through a checking, savings, or credit/debit card account on your choice of the 1st or 15th of each month.**

Membership Type Two Adult Household One Adult Household or Couple Young Adult, Adult, or Senior Teen

Monthly Fee $52.00 $45.00 $25.00 $20.00

One, Three, Six, and Twelve Month Memberships (Pay in Full) These memberships are paid in full, with the fee being due immediately.

Membership Type Two Adult Household One Adult Household or Couple Adult Young Adult or Senior Teen

One Month $79.00 $66.00 $47.00 $39.00 $33.00

Three Months $172.00 $149.00 $139.00 $116.00 $83.00

Six Months $328.00 $284.00 $265.00 $220.00 $158.00

Twelve Months $562.00 $486.00 $270.00 $270.00 $216.00

*Household: Full-time college students 25 & under with a college ID who live in the household can be included on the membership in addition to the adult(s). **Monthly bank draft memberships require a one-year commitment, and early termination results in a $100.00 termination fee if the contract is ended before one year. If you choose our monthly draft and decide to deactivate your membership, you must notify us 15 days before the date you wish to cancel. Due to holidays and/or proximity to the draft date, your account may be drafted one additional time. Add-On Fee: An additional adult (+$20 a month) or youth (+$10 a month) may be added to a membership as approved by the FitRec membership coordinator.

No refunds for membership termination.

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Corporate Prime Membership Discounts We offer membership discounts for various approved corporations and others, including: Bluefield State University and Bluefield University students and faculty Law enforcement State of WV employees (e.g. DHHR) Healthcare professionals Douglas Equipment Norfolk Southern Alorica & Intuit City of Bluefield and Town of Bluefield employees Veterans complimentary membership for active duty military members Insurance Memberships Our facility is a proud partner with Silver Sneakers, Active & Fit, Silver & Fit, and Renew Active. Inquire with your insurance provider if you are eligible for participation in those programs in order to become a new member at our facility. To sign up, please stop by the front desk at the FitRec with your insurance card and fill out a membership application form.

Active military families Education professionals

Scan Cards Members must bring their scan card for entry. The fee for a replacement card is $3.

Out-of-Town Guest Day Passes We offer day passes for out-of-town guests who are visiting the FitRec. The fee for adult visitors (18 years old and up) is $7, and the fee for children (17 years old and under) is $5. Guests must bring their ID with them and fill out a visitor’s form.

Facility Use Guidelines

Fitness Floor Fitness Classes

Ages 12-14 have access to cardio and selectorized machines with supervision

Ages 15 and up have full access without supervision Ages 15 and up have full access to all classes without supervision

Ages 12-14 have access to select classes with supervision

Ages 12 and up have full access without supervision

Ages 6 and under have access with supervision. Ages 7-11 must pass a swim test & have an adult in the facility

Pool

Ages 6 and under have access with supervision. Ages 7-11 have access with an adult in the facility

Basketball Court

Ages 12 and up have full access without supervision

Child Watch Racquetball Court

Ages 6 months to 11 years old have access with a parent in the facility for 1.5 hours max

Ages 12 and under have access with supervision

Ages 13 and up have full access without supervision

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AQUATICS Our FitRec Aquatics Department is here for all of your aquatic needs. In addition to open swim in the lap pool, we also offer swim lessons, a swim team, water aerobics, swim clinics, and pool parties.

Open Swim Pool Schedule The FitRec pool opens in the morning, closes at 12:00 PM, and reopens at 4:00 PM every weekday.* Members are welcome to swim during these open swim hours, as well as during aquatic fitness classes. Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM Tuesday & Thursday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM - 7:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Pool Parties We offer pool party reservations at the FitRec on Saturdays. Swim time is from 2 PM to 3:30 PM, and food/gift time is from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM. The fee for a pool party is $75 for FitRec members and $100 for nonmembers, with an additional cost of $50 if the party will have more than 25 swimmers. Contact our Aquatics Coordinator Rachael Wilson at 304-325-5707 ext. 3 for more information or for scheduling.

Parent & Child Swim Lessons Swim lessons at the FitRec will familiarize children with the water, teach swimming readiness skills, and provide safety information and water techniques for parents to help their children in the water. Lessons are 20 minutes long, and there are time slots available starting at 4:15 PM and going until 7:05 PM.

* All schedules are subject to change. Please refer to our Facebook page for updates about schedules. The pool will close to the public at 2:00 PM on Saturdays if there is a pool party scheduled.

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Register for aquatic programs here!

OUR AQUATICS COORDINATOR RACHAE L WI LSON

For more information on aquatic services offered, to inquire about a pool party, or to register for aquatic events and programs, contact Rachael at 304-325-5707 ext. 3 or rwilson@bluewv.org.

Drown Prevention & Water Safety Kids Program During this water safety program hosted at the FitRec, participants ages 4-12 will learn how to enter and exit water safely, float on their front and back, roll over, breathe correctly, blow bubbles, swim with different strokes, and learn what to do in an emergency. This program will be held every Friday between November 15, 2024 and January 17, 2025 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Masters Adult Swim Program The Bluefield Blue Dolphins Masters Adult Swim Program at the FitRec is great for lap swimming practice, triathlon training, and participating in fitness through aerobic swimming. This program is open to adult swimmers (18 and up) with the ability to swim across the length of the pool, and it will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM from November 11, 2024 until February 26, 2025.

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For questions or to register, call the FitRec front desk at 304-325-5707.

Kayak Roll Sessions Want to practice kayak rolling and paddling away from the outside cold? Head over to the FitRec for our indoor Kayak Roll Sessions. Sessions will be held Tuesdays throughout November and December from 7:30 PM to 9 PM. The fee for FitRec members is $10 per session or $30 for 4 sessions, and $15 per session or $40 for 4 sessions for nonmembers. Must bring your own equipment

Floating Pumpkin Patch This year, we are putting on our first annual Floating Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival at the FitRec for children 12 and under. There will be games, arts and crafts, snacks, goody bags for all participants, and swimming with pumpkins! This event will be held Saturday, November 2, from 2 PM to 4:30 PM. The fee for this event is $10 for FitRec members and $15 for nonmembers.

Christmas Pool Party To get into the holiday spirit, we’re hosting a North Pool Christmas Pool Party at the FitRec for children 12 and under. There will be Christmas-themed pool games, Christmas music, goody bags for all participants, and swimming with Santa’s helpers! This event will be held Saturday, December 14, from 2 PM to 4:30 PM. The fee for this event is $10 for FitRec members and $15 for nonmembers.

Ages 4 and under must have an adult present with them in the pool.

AMENITIES We have various amenities offered to our FitRec members, including a basketball court, racquetball court, circuit room, pickleball, weights and machines, fitness classes, and child watch.

Basketball Open Gym Schedule The FitRec basketball court opens the same time as the facility opens, and closes 30 minutes before the facility closes. Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: 5:00 AM - 8:30 AM | 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM Tuesday & Thursday: 5:00 AM - 8:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Half Court 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM | 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:30 PM Pickleball Schedule All members are welcome to come play pickleball in the basketball court during pickleball hours. Monday, Wednesday, & Friday: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM Saturday: Half Court 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Child Watch Schedule Child watch is for children 6 months to 11 years old with a parent in the facility. Children may be in child watch for an hour and a half maximum. Monday-Thursday: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Multipurpose Room Rental Our multipurpose room accommodates up to 75 people, and we can provide various seating and table arrangements. Rental includes a high-quality sound system and a fully-functional kitchen. It is handicapped accessible and versatile, accommodating a variety of events in a vibrant and dynamic environment.

For more information on our amenities, call the front desk at 304-325-5707.

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Group Fitness Classes

We offer a variety of fitness classes that focus on different exercises. All fitness classes are included with a membership, or you can purchase a 10-class punch card ($50) at the front desk. All class schedules are subject to change. Please refer to our Facebook page for updates on our classes.

MONDAY Cardio Fusion 8:45 AM Silver Sneakers Splash 10:00 AM Line Dancing 5:30 PM Deep Water Resistance Core/Balance 5:30 PM Intense Cycles 6:00 PM

WEDNESDAY Cardio Fusion 8:45 AM Silver Sneakers Splash 10:00 AM

THURSDAY Vinyasa Yoga 9:00 AM Aqua Dance & Tone

TUESDAY Vinyasa Yoga 9:00 AM Water Resistance Core/Balance 5:30 PM Hatha Yoga 6:30 PM

Aerobics 5:30 PM Power Hour 5:30 PM Hatha Yoga 6:30 PM

Intense Cycles 6:00 PM Flex Stretch Yoga 9:30 AM Line Dancing 6:30 PM

FRIDAY Cardio Fusion 8:45 AM Silver Sneakers Splash 10:00 AM

SATURDAY Relax Flow 10:00 AM

SUNDAY No Classes

Aqua Dance & Tone Aerobics: A shallow water cardio combo-style workout including cardio, strength, & stretching with dance flow. Cardio Fusion: Combination that includes various cardio moves, toning, weights, hula hoops and/or stability balls, abs, and stretch. Deep Water/Water Resistance Core/Balance: Combo-style water workout that includes cardio, strength, and stretching. Optional deeper water usage. Hatha Yoga: Slow-moving class that works on muscle endurance. Includes pranayama, breath work, and anxiety. Intense Cycles: Cardio exercise with different variations and drills on the bikes. Line Dancing: Increase stamina and cardiovascular endurance, improve balance, move rhythmically to energizing music, release stress, and have fun! No dance experience is needed. Power Hour: Using light to moderate weights with repetition, these exercises give you a full-body workout that will burn lots of calories while toning and strengthening your entire body. Relaxed Flow: Focuses on calming your center through flow and stretches. Silver Sneakers Splash: A water aerobics and strength class designed for all skill levels — even non-swimmers — offering a full-body workout that reduces impact on your knees and back. Stretch and Flex Yoga: Participants will work on breathing, stretching, toning, and relaxation facilitated by different blocks & bands. Vinyasa Yoga: Focuses on the flow between poses and breath-synchronized transitions to achieve inner balance.

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PROGRAMS & EVENTS The Bluefield Parks and Recreation Department hosts several programs and events of all varieties throughout the year to help community members stay active and make lasting memories. Register online at secure.rec1.com/WV/bluefield-wv/catalog or call the FitRec front desk at 304-325-5707.

Bluefield Try Lacrosse Day Interested in learning about lacrosse? Join us Sunday, November 3, from 1 PM to 3 PM at the upper baseball field at Graham Recreation Park for a day of lacrosse. Athletes of all ages and lacrosse experience are welcome to join! No equipment needed. Please bring a water bottle and be ready to learn.

Caving Trip Join us for a Big Kid Adventure (ages 18 and up) as we go on a caving trip on Saturday, December 7, from 8 AM to 4 PM. The fee for FitRec members is $20, and the fee for nonmembers is $25. Register by November 23, only 10 spots available. Register online at secure.rec1.com/WV/bluefield-wv/catalog.

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For questions or to register, call the FitRec front desk at 304-325-5707.

OUR EVENT COORDINATOR JUST IN HAWK INS For more information on Bluefield Parks and Rec events and programs, contact Justin at 304-325-5707 ext. 5 or jhawkins@bluewv.org.

Active Adults Caving Trip Calling all active adults ages 50 and up! Join us for a caving trip at Lost World Caverns on Friday, December 13, from 9 AM to 4 PM. The fee for this event is $20 for FitRec members and $25 for nonmembers. Register by November 29, only 10 spots available. There are 350 steps throughout the cavern tour. Please take this into account if you have heart, breathing, or leg problems that may affect your experience.

Ski or Snowboard Program Choose between learning how to ski or how to snowboard! Starting Monday, January 6, ages 8 and up are welcome to join us every Monday in January from 4 PM to 10 PM to learn how to ride the slopes. The fee for this program is $185 for FitRec members and $190 for nonmembers. Transportation and gear rental are included. Register by December 16, only 14 spots available. Helmet and goggles are not included. Ages 8-13 must have a guardian participating in lessons.

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For questions or to register, call the FitRec front desk at 304-325-5707.

PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Register for programs and events here!

2025 Winter Dance Program Join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays from January through March for our 2025 Winter Dance Program at the FitRec! We are offering a total of 25 classes instructed by Ashleigh Farmer for just $125. Dance class times vary depending on age group. A dance recital will be held in April at Bluefield’s Historic Granada Theater. Register by December 19.

Tubing Trips We are hosting two tubing trips at Winterplace in January! The first trip will be held January 8 for ages 10-13, and the second trip will be held January 15 for ages 14-18. Both trips will be from 4 PM to 10 PM. The fee for each trip is $35 for FitRec members and $40 for nonmembers. Register for the first trip by December 25, and the second trip by January 1. Must be at least 44" tall to participate.

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Register online at secure.rec1.com/WV/bluefield-wv/catalog.

BLUEFIELD CITY PARK Bluefield City Park is the host to adventurous days for friends and family in the Bluefield community. The park has plenty of green space, a playground area, picnic shelters, mountain bike trails, the Ridge Runner train, basketball and tennis courts, and shelter rentals. With the exception of the Holiday of Lights, the park is closed to vehicle traffic from October through March.

Shelter Rentals Bluefield City Park has four shelters that are available to rent from April through September. Rental times are 8 AM - 7 PM in April, 8 AM - 8 PM in May to August, and 8 AM - 7 PM in September. Bluefield FitRec members receive a discount on shelter rentals.

This is the largest shelter, holding 100-120 people. It is located near the Ridge Runner Station, volleyball and basketball courts, and the playground. It is handicapped accessible and it has electricity.

Shelter 1

$100

This is the second-largest shelter, holding 60-75 people. It is located at the end of the park. It is handicapped accessible, and it has electricity.

Shelter 2

$75

This shelter holds 20-30 people. It is located on the side of the road over the hillside between the railroad track and the creek. It does not have electricity and it is not handicapped accessible.

Shelter 3

$50

This shelter holds 10-20 people. It is located behind the playground near the front of the park. It does not have electricity and it is handicapped accessible.

$50

Shelter 4

For questions or to reserve a shelter, call the FitRec front desk at 304-325-5707 or visit secure.rec1.com/WV/bluefield-wv/catalog.

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Completed in August 2024, the Ridge Runner Fun Zone playground replaced a much beloved but outdated playground at Bluefield City Park, the Yakkity Yak Playground, built in the 1990s. It was designed specifically to capture the theme of Bluefield’s railroad legacy, and its name was drawn from the name of the Ridge Runner train in the park, another beloved icon of the City Park. The playground was built to include a variety of features that make it easily accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The Ridge Runner Fun Zone design team, led by Cunningham Recreation Project Manager Mitch Reno, put together a complete, research-based playground design that is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, inclusive, multi-generational, sensory filled, and designed for users of all ages and abilities. This train-themed inclusive playground features a GT PowerScape play structure with a Train Spring Rider, Merry Go All, Sensory Wave Seat, Sensory Cove Climber, ShadowPlay Sky Runner, PrimeTime Swings and Expression Swings, and is completed with integrated shade, benches, and custom Poured-in Place safety surfacing. The playground also includes a 40-yard dash, featuring a a running track with an automatic precision timing system that lets runners race and see the time it took them to run 40 yards. the ridge runner fun zone

In September, the Bluefield Parks and Recreation Department received the James L. McClelland Public Parks and Recreation Facility Award for the Ridge Runner Fun Zone playground at this year’s West Virginia Parks and Recreation Association (WVPRA) conference.

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THE 2024 BLUEFIELD CUP PREMIER SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

E Y E C A R E

HOLE SPONSORS

IN HONOR OF ROB JOHNSTON GHS CLASS OF ‘88

ELKS LODGE 1459

The Bluefield Cup 3rd Annual Captain’s Choice Golf Tournament raised $5,976.83 each for the benefit of the athletic programs at Bluefield High School and Graham High School.

STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING EVENTS, NEWS, AND UPDATES FROM BLUEFIELD PARKS AND RECREATION

703 College Ave Bluefield, WV 24701

304-325-5707

City of Bluefield Parks and Recreation

@playbluefieldwv

playbluefieldwv.com

Thank you to our Bluefield community members for supporting our Parks and Rec projects. Together, we will continue to work toward creating spaces that enrich lives and foster a strong, healthy community.