Frequently Asked Questions - Parks and Recreation

  • Increase
  • Normal
  • Decrease

Current Size: 80%

Select a question link to open the answer.

Parks and Recreation's primary focus is for city residents who, through their payment of city taxes, fund the programs and activities offered.  For that reason, Parks and Recreation offers a discount to all city residents for fees and activities.
 

On the outskirts of the City, the Harrisonburg address extends into Rockingham County.  Many of our patrons have Harrisonburg addresses but physically reside in Rockingham County.  The discounted rates are based on where you reside.

No, only those residing within the city limits of Harrisonburg are eligible for these discounted rates.

If you have previously enrolled in Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation classes, call 540-433-9168 to establish your account.

If you are a new customer, you will need to visit the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office at 305 South Dogwood Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 with your driver’s license and electric bill.

If you have an email address in the system and provided answers to the security questions (mother's maiden name, city where you were born), we can email your password to you. Just click the "Having Trouble Signing In?" link on the WebTrac™ login screen. If you did not enter an email address or answer the security questions, please call 540-433-9168.
 

City residents can register beginning at 8:00am on the city registration day. Non-residents can register beginning at 8:00am on the non-city registration days.  These dates vary by the activity season.  Activities will not be available online after their registration deadline.
 

A current photo ID or any legal document or utility bill that lists your residence address.

If your electric bill is from Harrisonburg Electric Commission, then you are a city resident.  Any other electric company means you are not a resident.

Membership Fees (Valid calendar year, half-year memberships available July 1)

Adults:  $60 Resident / $120 Non-Resident

Youth:  $30 Resident / $60 Non-Resident

Seniors (50+):  $30 Resident / $60 Non-Resident

Family:  $150 Resident / $300 Non-Resident

Shelters are reserved online. More information may be found on the Shelter Reservation page.

In WebTrac™, go to "Search" > “Activity” > “Search by Type”, and all activities are listed here.  If you don’t see the activity, it may not be available for online registration. At this time, online registration is not available for childcare programs and swimming lessons.

We accept debit and credit cards only online (Visa and Mastercard).

Yes, the WebTrac system uses SSL to protect your Web session. Your session is encrypted using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer).

Read more about this GoDaddy.com Verified and Secured site.

Be sure you have selected the appropriate credit card type (Visa or MasterCard) in the drop-down box. Enter your card number without any spaces or dashes. The expiration date should also be entered without any dashes or slashes. If you still have trouble, contact the Parks and Recreation office at 540-433-2474.

Cecil F. Gilkerson Community Activities Center hours are as follows:

Monday – Friday:  6:30am - 9:00pm
Saturday:  9:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday:  1:00pm - 6:00pm

Classrooms:  City Residents ($15/hour), Non-Residents ($20/hour)
Craft Rooms:  City Residents ($10/hour), Non-Residents ($15/hour)

First proof is a legal photo ID with local residency.  If photo ID does not have local residency, then a utility bill, lease agreement, or other legal document with name and address, along with photo ID.

Only current annual pass holders of the Cecil F. Gilkerson Community Activities Center or Simms Center may access the Exercise Room.

Middle school students with a current annual pass age 12 and over may access the Exercise Room with parental supervision. High school age students through adults with a current annual pass may access the Exercise Room with no restrictions.

Current annual pass holders may reserve court space for racquetball, squash, and Wallyball by calling the Community Activities Center at 540-433-2474 up to two days in advance.  Courts are reserved by the hour, on the hour.

The official times of open swimming on weekdays can vary due to other programming in the pool. On weekends open swimming times are always: Saturday 12-6 and Sunday 1-8.

View pool hours on the Swimming page.

The diving pool is 25 yards x 54 feet. The Olympic pool is 50 meters x 25 feet.

Westover Pool offers many activities year round including swimming lessons offered several times a year, swim teams, aqua aerobics, life-guarding classes, birthday parties, etc.

Swimming lessons are offered several different times during the year. Parks and Recreation offers multiple sessions during the summer during the week. In the winter and fall months there are classes during the week and classes on Saturdays. For specific dates check the most recent Activity Guide.

The following items are prohibited: outside food and beverages, gum, glass, boom boxes without headphones, hard plastic footballs, basketballs etc.

There is no height requirement for the diving board, but depending on age and swimming ability some guests may be asked to take the swimming test before using the diving board.

Guests using the waterslides must be at least 4 1/2 feet tall.

A swim test may be required to ride waterslides.

Yes, if you are entering the Westover Pool area you are to pay the admission fee or own a membership to Westover Pool.

Yes, if you are interested in renting the pool call the main office number 540-434-0571 or drop by to speak to the Aquatic Director for information about rates and times.

No, but you are welcome to bring your own. If you have questions about how lifejackets are used feel free to ask any lifeguard they would be glad to assist you.

12 years olds may be at the pool without a guardian. However, 12 year olds are not allowed to serve as a guardian for younger children. If younger children are accompanying they must have somebody over the age of 18 with them.

Yes, there are several different types of memberships including Summer passes for individuals and families, Winter season passes for individuals and families, Annual Passes for individuals and families, and Combo Gym/Swim passes for individuals.