Are the end-of-summer doldrums getting you down?  Roanoke County Parks has a huge variety of programs and special events to keep you busy as fall approaches.  This Saturday, July, 31 join us from 10am to 3pm at Green Hill park for our second annual Touch-a-Truck event! Bring the kids to interact with over 160 unique cars, trucks, boats, planes and helicopters all in one place. This the largest event of it’s kind in the Southeast U.S.  Next, mark your calendar for a night of Shakespeare under the stars as we continue our Summer Stock Dinner Theater series at Valhalla Vinyard on August 21.  Finally, celebrate Grandparents Day with us September 21 at Tanglewood Mall from 1pm to 6pm.  We’re having a Sock Hop to celebrate decades gone by, with music, dancing, food and more.

Haven’t been to Splash Valley yet?  You have one more month to enjoy the area’s most exciting aquatics attraction.  New this week, purchase a Weekday Fun Pass and save money off your admissions.   Don’t forget to look for our new program guide at the end of August.  Fall program registration begins on Tuesday, September 7. (The day after Labor Day)  There are still many summer session programs still available for registration.  A few of them are listed below:

A Day at Cave Mountain Lake – August 10

Cave Mountain Lake, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Natural Bridge has welcomed generations of families who enjoy the rustic beauty and peacefulness of the area. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the 7 acre lake in the 1930′s using existing buttresses of natural rock to form a 35 foot high dam. The CCC also built the log picnic shelter using trees and rocks from the area. Its massive stone fireplace and rough-hewn beams evoke an atmosphere of days long past. Enjoy a relaxing day on the sandy beach, swim in the lake or enjoy one of the many easy walking trails located in the area. A special highlight of the day is a Cookout with all the fixins prepared just for you. Fee includes picnic lunch, escorts and bus transportation. Information, Pricing and Online Registration or call 772-PLAY.

Drawing – Beginning August 18

As an end in itself or for laying the base for all painting in any media, drawing is the essential first step. You will learn to look at an object in a new way and really see what you are seeing. Shapes, shading, lighting, picture composition, contour drawing, gesture drawing and one and two point perspectives will be covered in this six week program. Information, Pricing and Online Registration or call 772-PLAY.

Tennis Lessons for Adults – New Sessions Weekly

Roanoke County is pleased to offer a series of tennis lessons for beginner level adult players. Registration fee includes instruction from current and former college coaches and players on the basics of the tennis stroke as well as specific drills aimed to improve each individuals game. Registration is limited to allow for adequate court time and personalized instruction for all participants.Information, Pricing and Online Registration or call 772-PLAY.

Fall Youth Enrichment Programs at Green Ridge

We’re excited to offer two new programs this fall to keep the kids entertained, with daily fun, snacks, and time in the pool at Green Ridge.  Playschool is for ages 3 to 5, and meets from 9am to Noon each day. Register for two, three or five days a week.   Ridge Kids is a new after school program at Green Ridge for K to 5th graders. We provide a safe, nurturing, recreational environment with satellite transportation from Glen Cove, Fort Lewis and Glenvar Elementary Schools.  More Information

or call 777-6300.

Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism is operated by the government of Roanoke County.  While our mission is to first serve Roanoke County citizens, recreation programs are open to everyone!  Check our website often for updates, or call 772-PLAY with questions about programs or registration. We hope you will take time to explore the many great recreation opportunities Roanoke County has to offer.

See you in the parks,

Scott Ramsburg