We are happy to connect with you all and share updates through this monthly newsletter. We will tell you about special events, share updates on projects in the parks, and keep you informed of upcoming leagues and programs.
Welcome Fall! The weather is beautiful, and leaves are changing. This is truly a fantastic time to get outside and enjoy our parks. Our fall leagues and programs are underway. From fast-paced fun to relaxing solitude in a natural setting, our parks & programs offer something for everyone.
As we move further into the season, watch for some exciting updates about improvements to Poorhouse Farm Park and our new park in Spring Mills as construction there nears completion. Come out and watch the action as our leagues move into playoffs. The players have been working hard and are excited to show off their skills. Also, don’t forget to plan some time in your busy schedule for a relaxing walk or picnic in your favorite park.
Please browse this newsletter and see our website and socials for additional information. As always, we are here and happy to answer any questions you may have.
Enjoy the season and I hope to see you out in the parks!
Joe Burton
Executive Director, Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation
Games will start on Wednesday September 4th with basketball at Randy Smith Center and Soccer and Volleyball will start on Sunday September 8that DuPont Fields and Berkeley 2000.
Fall Adult Leagues:
Dodgeball League registration deadline is Friday September 6th, still room for a few more teams. Games will be on Friday evenings at Berkeley 2000. Cost is $250.00 per team.
All Ages Pickleball Sundays 9:00am – 12:00pm; $3.00
All Ages Basketball Mondays/Wednesdays 3:00pm – 5:00pm; $3.00
18+ Volleyball Wednesdays 8:30pm – 10:30pm; $3.00
All Ages Gym Walking Tuesdays/Thursdays 8:30am – 11:30am; Free
Community Recreation –
Rec N Crew Pop Up Event:
Partnering with Berkeley County Schools Bullying Prevention Kick-Off on Thursday September 19th at War Memorial Park from 5:00pm – 7:00pm. Will have multiple inflatables/games set up.
Children’s Garden:
Hour Of Operation through Saturday October 26th
Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:00am – 2:00pm
Thursdays from 5:00pm – 7:30pm
Dance –
Recital:
Registration is open and classes begin Monday September 9th. We have offerings for ages 4-18 in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Modern, Pom and Acro Dance. Recital is 34 weeks with an annual Recital where dancers get to perform on stage.
Fall Recreational Classes
Registration is open and classes begin Saturday September 14th. We have offerings for ages 1-12 in Ballet, Creative Movement and Mommy & Me. These are 10-week sessions.
Gymnastics –
Fall Session:
We are still taking registrations for Fall. It’s not too late to register. Classes start after Labor Day.
Birthday Parties:
We have open availability for birthday parties. 2-hour slots for $265. Parties can be booked online through our website.
The following are potential radio topics for August 2024!
Athletics –
Adult Open Gym Basketball at Berkeley 2000, Saturdays through August 24th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, cost $3.00
Adult Dodgeball Registration is open until Friday August 16th, option to join free agent list if you don’t have a team
Free Street Hockey Clinic on Saturday August 10th from 6:00pm – 7:30pm at Oatesdale Hockey Rink, register at event day of
Fall League Registration is open for Street Hockey and Inline Hockey
Community Recreation –
Outdoor Movie Nights:
Friday August 23rd at Poor House Farm Park, movie at 8:45pm (Beetlejuice); $1.00 concessions available
Rec N Crew Pop Up Event:
Thursday August 15th at MLK Park from 11:00am – 1:00pmpm. Will have multiple inflatables/games set up
Aquatics:
Pool Hours will change to weekends only starting Monday August 19th ; last day is Monday September 2nd
Dance –
Workshops:
Pom Dance on Saturday August 24th; $15.00 per person
Ages 6-11 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Ages 12-17 from 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Recital Program Registration:
Hope to open within the next few weeks
Gymnastics –
Fall registration is under way and filling up fast, register soon
Special Events –
Toni Saylor Concert Series – Thursdays June 6th – August 15th 7pm – 8:30pm at War Memorial Park; Thursday August 8th will be indoors at Airbourne Church
Color Me Berkeley 5K Saturday August 10th at Poor House Farm Park, registration is open including day of
Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation had the privilege of recently hosting a wonderful Fire & Safety event as a part of the Summer Adventure Day Camp. The goal of this event was to present kids with an exciting and engaging way to learn about our local fire departments as well as to teach them the importance of fire safety and what to do if they ever find themselves in a house fire.
For this event, we had one of our wonderful people from the Westphal Hose Company No. 5 fire station bring out a loaded fire truck so that the kids could learn the ins and outs of how the fire department goes about putting out fires while also giving them a chance to get up close and personal to a real-life fire truck. On top of bringing out a fire truck, the people from Westphal Hose Company No. 5 also brought out a practice smoke house. The purpose of a smoke house is to safely replicate a house fire so that you can practice evacuating a home in case you ever encounter the real deal.
The kids got the chance to experience the practice smoke house for themselves. They were able to practice crawling under smoke as if the house was really on fire as well and going to the designated family meeting spot. A family meeting spot is simply the designated place for the family to meet up together if a fire ever breaks out. In the case of this practice exercise, it was a fake tree that was set up outside.
The children also got the opportunity to sit down and speak with the real fire fighters from Westphal Hose Company No. 5 back at the fire truck. He broke down exactly what it is that a fire fighter does, showed off all the different gear and techniques they use to put out fires, and answered questions that the kids had. This combined with their practice in the smoke house ensured that all of the kids were equipped with as much knowledge about fire safety as possible.
It’s extremely crucial for children to learn about just how important fire safety is at a young age. That’s why we couldn’t be more happy with how this event went. We want to give a huge thank you to the folks over at Westphal Hose Company No. 5 for taking the time to come out and help educate kids on the importance of fire safety in a fun and exciting way.
This program introduces kids to the basics of various sports and activities in a fun environment. It will include soccer, basketball, flag football, kickball, t-ball, and tag games. **PARENT PARTICIPATION IS REQUIRED.**
This program introduces kids to the basics of various sports and activities in a fun environment. It will include soccer, basketball, flag football, kickball, t-ball, and tag games. **PARENT PARTICIPATION IS REQUIRED.**
