Outdoor Recreation Activities

BALANCE BIKE BONANZA

Studies have shown introducing children to cycling at an early age aids with gross and fine motor skill development as well as speech, behavioral and social skill development. But really it's just about having fun! Join us at the Essig Recreation Center for a safe, fun, and warm learning environment for your child 5 and under to give a balance bike a try. Bring your own or try out a demo bike. December 11, 2022 from 10:00am-12:00pm at the Essig Recreation Center. No registration is required. FREE!

FRANKLIN COUNTY MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB

Kids ages 11 to 15 who are interested in mountain bikes should consider participating in this free club. Practice is held Saturday mornings, September 10th through October 8th, at Waid Park. This non-competitive club is all about fun. Bike handling techniques and safety considerations will be the primary focus. This club is intended for beginner to intermediate riders. Mountain bikes are available for free thanks to a Virginia Outdoors Foundation grant (Trek Marlin 7's). Contact Parks and Recreation at 540-483-9293 if interested. Registration is limited and will close September 8th.

DATES	WHERE	TIME	COST
Saturday Mornings Sep 10-Oct 8	Waid Park	10:00am-Noon	FREE

CR24 HR ULTRA MARATHON

Come and cheer on 200+ ultra-athletes as they see just how many miles they can rack up in 24 hours.

DISC GOLF

Come see what this disc golf thing is all about and why it’s one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Utilizing the Waid Park Beginner Course, you will learn the basics from a PDGA Masters Professional. What discs should be in your bag? Should you throw an Anhyzer or Hyzer? Thumber or Tomahawk? No need to get overwhelmed, it’s all about fun. Discs will be provided or you may bring your own. Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 10, 2022

DATES	WHERE	TIME	COST
Saturday, Nov 12	Waid Park	1pm-5pm	$12

HIKE PHILPOTT - OUT AND BACK

During this four-week hiking series, you will explore the entirety of Philpott Lake’s eastern shore trail system. Beginning at the Dogwood Glen trail, located at Philpott Dam (Franklin County side), you will hike your way towards Jamison Mill, averaging 4.5 miles each hike throughout the four weeks. Participants should be comfortable walking on natural surface trails and uneven terrain. Please come prepared with water and proper footwear. A shuttle van will provide transportation from the Essig Recreation Center departing at 8:30am. All hikes will begin from the trailhead at 9:15am. Registration Deadline: Monday, October 3, 2022

DATES	TIME	COST
Wednesday's Oct 5, 12, 19 & 26 Week 1: Dogwood Glen Trailhead Week 2: Salthouse Branch Trailhead Week 3: Twin Ridge Rec Area Week 4: Jamison Mill	Depart Essig Center at 8:30 am	$25

NOVEMBER NIGHT RIDES

Meet-up style night rides every Wednesday during the month of November from 6pm - 7:30pm at Waid Park. Park in the field above the front gate.

RETIREE ADVENTURE CLASS - CANOEING

This intro to flatwater canoe clinic is designed specifically for individuals 50 and older and retirees who are intrigued by canoeing and could benefit from instruction and guidance. In this American Canoe Association led program you will practice the beginner canoe skills necessary to paddle the beautiful shoreline at Smith Mountain Lake Community Park. All equipment will be provided. This class will be followed with a visit to Homestead Creamery. A basic level of fitness and ability to swim is required. Registration Deadline: Tuesday October 4th, 2022

DATES	WHERE	TIME	COST
Thursday, Oct 6	SML Community Park	10am-Noon	$25

SKATEBOARDING 101

This class is designed for little rippers who want to become more comfortable on their skateboards. From pushing and turning, to ollie fundamentals and dropping in, we’ll create a skill set that you can safely build upon. Helmet required, knee and elbow pads recommended. Snacks and beverages will be provided. Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 22, 2022

DATES	WHERE	TIME	COST
Saturday, Sep 24	Rocky Mount Rotary Skate Park	9am-Noon	$10

TAKE A KID MOUNTAIN BIKING DAY AT WAID PARK

Join us for the annual IMBA’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day celebration on the first Saturday in October. This day was created in 2004 and recognized by the U.S. Congress. TKMDB introduces the joy of mountain biking to the next generation.