one of the best places in nc! they make you feel very comfortable, the staff was amazing, hilarious…read morecaptain, and the little boat dog was the sweetest!

This place was SO fun! We started off at a dock, and a boat came to pick us up (driver was really…read morenice!) We were dropped off at a boat in the middle of the water. And we met our drivers. Hailey and Pierre. They were SO nice, and funny and really engaged with us which was awesome! They gave us clear directions and helped us through it. They helped us get on our harnesses to go parasailing. They even dipped our feet in the water (with permission of course!). I would 100% do it again! They helped us on and off the boat,. And they have many payment options which I found helpful. All I can say is I would do it again, and you should do it. And if you get Hailey and Pierre you're lucky! (If the director is reading this give the two of them a raise!) So yes a 5/5 stars would be reasonable for this!

The recreational centers in our area are a great alternative to gym memberships. They are more…read moreaffordable especially if you have a family and they offer so many options. There is something for everyone regardless of age. The facilities are well maintained and staffed. Everyone is so friendly and professional. From the moment you walk in someone is greeting you with a smile. What I've noticed that has made an impression on me is that everyone I have encounter seems happy to work there. I highly recommend the centers in our area. I have been to four different ones and I have been impressed with all of them.

The staff here are nice , but unhelpful . A good place to go and watch Halloween and Christmas…read moremovies while exercising .

This center is huge and so amazing. I came here because of tge google reviews and they were so on…read morepoint. Greeted with kindness, everything is spotless, seniors are working out, I mean really pumping iton. I am motivated. The parking lot is wonderful too. Spaces are wider than usual to accommodate newer vehicles. The mixture of ages is very nice. I am jazzed by the positive attitudes and smiles. Loving it.

I visited this center for a private event last weekend…read more I heard about this center before and wanted to check it out, but never got around to it. I still really didn't check it out last Saturday. I only walked in the front door - to the right - and the event was in the banquet rooms to the right. If I had to guess about two rooms were used to accompany about 100 people. Overall, I was please with the center. I did see young boys enjoying the facility. I did notice this center is only open from 12p-4p on Saturdays. Unlike most recreation centers in the area, this one looks to be the the largest or in close competition with others in the city. Plenty of parking! Check them out when time permits. Have fun and enjoy life :)

Since my go-to rec center was having a check-up, I have been trying out different rec centers in…read morethe area. I'll say that I had a very pleasant experience at Williams Farm. To be perfectly honest, I had no idea this rec center even existed, but I'm glad that I know about it. The rec center has all of the features of the other local rec centers - pool, open gym, weight room, cardio machines, indoor track, clean (very important) locker rooms, and free (and plentiful) lockers. Extra points for the showers in the locker room because each shower has an additional partition so one can shower in one partition and change in the other. The weight room is pretty comparable to a smaller gym's, but the center has all the equipment that one would need for a general workout. Actually, I think this center's weight "room" (or should I say weight open space) is a bit larger than a couple of the other VB rec centers. I noticed this rec center had a few bench presses and deadlift squat apparatuses. This is in contrast to my regular rec center, which has only one of each. I really enjoyed that the rec center has plenty of large windows so the weight room and indoor track receive plenty of natural sunlight, which leads to a cheerful workout . . . at least for me. The staff was pretty much nice and very helpful in providing directions to different parts of the gym. While this rec center is somewhat out of the way for me, I definitely will visit when my local recenter is closed.

It was only the second time I had been to this Rec Center. Neither time included activities. The…read morefirst was to check out the walking lanes in the pool. This time was for an event being held in a large meeting room off the lobby. The location is on the portion of Newtown Road where the road turns east & the remainder is called Diamond Springs Road. This portion of the road actually runs between Haygood Road and that split. On the campus of buildings are also two elementary schools. The land, previously a farm, was donated to the city by the Williams Family, There are definite positives & negatives to the indoor pool. It appeared from my viewpoint to be slightly smaller than that of Bayside Rec Center. The walking lanes are fantastic for those who enjoy or need that experience for therapeutic reasons. But it does take away from the pool space for those who go to swim or just splash. There are outside activities that aren't available at Bayside. A large connected & fenced splash area was great for younger kids running through the water on a hot day. It gave the feel of a series of stationary underground sprinklers. I viewed an enclosed skate board ramp. Adjacent to that was something being used that was below ground level. I'm not sure what type of activity was involved. I didn't venture further down the meeting room hall. But the large glass window room in which my event was held was great & very accessible. One big flaw was the lack of handicapped parking spaces. I only saw four & had to park in hinterlands in terrible heat. This Rec Center is a great addition to this part of Bayside. It's walking distance from a lot of condo's & apartments. So kids can get there very easily in the summer. The Williams family's land donation is being put to good use.

I would recommend the Rec center in Kempsville to anyone looking to be fit and healthy without…read morecosting you an arm and a leg. The staff is really friendly and helpful. They have lots of classes to keep you fit.

Kempsville Recreation Center has become an absolute embarrassment to the community!…read moreIt is unbelievable how much attention is given to the most minuscule issues while far more serious concerns seem to go unaddressed. For example, patrons are not permitted to tighten a loose screw on a piece of gym equipment because, apparently, the repair must be performed by the city. Meanwhile, that same piece of equipment could remain broken for weeks, if not months, waiting to be repaired. Yet, where is that same level of concern and urgency when it comes to the safety and well-being of paying patrons? There have been reports and allegations involving: The head trainer stalking and harassing a paying patron. A grown man exposing himself to children in the swimming pool. The sexual assault of a child with special needs in a restroom. A man reportedly driving around the parking lot waving a firearm at children. Two employees reportedly being assaulted during an adult basketball league. These are extremely serious matters that deserve immediate attention, appropriate investigation, and accountability. Meanwhile, the facility itself continues to deteriorate. The roof leaks, there are concerns about black mold in certain areas, and a urinal has reportedly been out of service for well over a month. Where are the priorities? Where is the accountability? And, most importantly, where is the concern for the safety of the people who use this facility? Yes, an annual membership costs approximately $125, which is relatively inexpensive compared to other fitness facilities. However, affordability should never come at the expense of safety, proper maintenance, or basic standards of professionalism. There are other fitness facilities that offer reasonable value without the constant frustration, questionable priorities, and ongoing concerns. The residents of Virginia Beach deserve better. The paying members deserve better. And the employees who work at Kempsville Recreation Center deserve better. It is time for the City of Virginia Beach and Parks & Recreation leadership to take a serious look at what is happening at this facility and start prioritizing the issues that actually matter.

I see no reason to not go all the way providing Bow Creek Recreation Center a full 5 stars…read more It's the newest center in Virginia Beach being completely rebuilt around 8-10 years ago. This was my first visit since it's not in my area. However, I attended a pickleball clinic that was available. Plenty of parking and the area was clean. The center is back in a neighborhood is really the only negative, but not enough to deduct a full Star. There is an outdoor playground at the entrance. It appears a track too! Staff was welcoming when I checked in and directed me to the gym. Bow Creek has a high ceiling entrance of glass. The pool is the first thing you notice. My visit will focus on the gym and clinic. The two staff of Kat and Rob were great providing and overview of the game of Pickleball. I had never played and did not know the rules, the two hour clinic involved actually playing to learn. I walked out with confidence to actually play a game. I'm a huge fan of Virginia Beach Recreation and Bow Creek is a shining example of our new eras of centers. My understanding is others will be renovated/rebuilt over the next 10 years.

Bow Creek recreation center is is a nice surprise. It's not necessarily in a bad neighborhood, but…read moreit's nestled into a squarely working class one. As a city recreation center, it's one of several across VAB that offers a gym, pool, classes, event spaces, pickle ball, etc. There is a very nice pool inside when you first enter and they always have activities going on. I recently visited bc I wanted to rent one of their event rooms for a baby shower. I had a bit of an issue at first bc they were short on staff but was able to view the rooms and come back a few days later to sit and write out the paperwork and make payment. The event staff are excellent and it's such a good deal to be able to rent a room here with tables and chairs! They're so easygoing and helpful. I couldn't be happier. My event isn't until April but they furnish as many tables as you need and chairs for 30 people per room - so you can rent the half room with partition up for $45 an hour, or the full room for double with partition down and it fits 60. One of the rooms is larger and a few of them have water views and a small sink. I will update once we have our event but I'm thrilled with the service so far.

Came here for the purpose of a watching a swim meet…read more This place is pretty dope. The pool is the perfect size for meets and competitions (from my understanding there aren't many rev centers in the area that have the right sized pools). They have a game room for folk to play with basketball courts and the like. I think it is pretty cool that they offer discounted group training sessions and classes on how to become a lifeguard. The center appeared to be well managed and was quite clean. It's really awesome that people in this community have a nice place to go for recreation.

So the manager was really rude for genuinely no reason, the Raquet ball courts have no sign that…read moresays "reserved" so not only was I kicked out for playing soccer in there but they suspended my card for no reason, i wasn't there when they said how long it was suspended but I'm assuming just the day, and on top of that I just asked to play ping pong but then the person there said " when the lighting storm stops, wait no SIT DOWN and we will talk about how you interrupted my important conversation" I genuinely heard the word goon so it could not be that important. Every other day they didn't care about the reservations but now all the sudden they care. I've been doing this for weeks and I never knew about the reservations. Please just make it OBVIOUS to reserve the Raquet ball courts if you care so much about them

Pembroke Meadows Recreation Center offers a Members Only 25 meters outdoor swimming pool that is…read morenicely maintained. There are additional amenities, such as basketball courts, kiddie pool.& much more. The Pool is open seasonally and is closed on Tuesdays. Built in 1970 the non profit is run by a Pool Board and Volunteers. Neighborhood & Member events are varied and plentiful. Memberships are available at the Individual, Couple and Family Rates with Guest Passes available for purchase by members. There is a Senior Discount. The location is in the Pembroke Meadows neighborhood off Independence Boulevard. Before the Bayside Recreation Center was built it was the swimming choice for many residents of Bayside with children and teens. Parents spent hours t by the pool even though it was well staffed with lifeguards. It was a great place for kids to swim and socialize with their friends. It was fun for parents to meet and socialize on the pool deck, Pembroke Meadows Marlins is the swim team for the Center. It's a great way for kids to learn swim competition and develop their skills in the different strokes. Swim meets were held early in the morning on weekends. The pool is closed during this time. My son developed excellent swim skills during the time period when he was young and we were members. The early morning swim meet times were tough though for this night owl. :) It's hard for many Bayside residents to envision a time before the Bayside Rec Center was built. Pembroke Meadows filled the swimming void during that time. Last year I was watching my son and grandson swimming from the bleachers at the pool. I met a man who was waiting for his Grandson to finish swim team practice. I told him my son had been on the swim team at Pembroke Meadows. He said that his was also. Time had passed. Generations had changed. The kids that swam at Pembroke Meadows then now have children of their own. Thank you Pembroke Meadows Pool & Swim Team for the years of fun. A special thanks go out for the skills my son learned on the swim team. He has passed them on to his son.

The PMRC was clearly the place to be today. I could not believe it was not busy, but have said…read morebefore it never seems that busy, even on weekends. I did learn today that the facility will be open for selected weekends in September. This will be dependent on temps and precip that day. So, with a good warm September members can enjoy an extra month of fun by the pool.

Bayside Rec has become my home away from home. From swim, to cardio, to lift, to basketball and now…read morea bit of pickleball. It's also a place of community where I now have friends. Cannot recommend Virginia Beach Rec centers more.

When my 11 year old Grandson comes from Brooklyn he doesn't want to go to the Beach. He wants to…read morego to the pool at the Rec Center. He loves it. That says it all about the pool. A wonderful benefit of my Medicare Supplemental plan is free access to lots of gyms, including the Rec Centers. So I get free cards without having to pay the city resident's annual fee. Recently my use has been limited to watching from the bleachers while my son & grandson swim. Also I love early voting at the Rec Center. In my earlier pre knee replacement days & before retiring I would walk to the Rec Center to both swim & use the machines in the work out room. The pool is great for water walking & other non impact exercises that I learned in a pre knee surgery physical therapy program at another facility. The machines in the weight room were also knee strengthening learned from previous Physical Therapy. Because of the swim teams & classes offered I learned the best time for the pool was when the Rec Center first opened for the day. There were always tons of people waiting for the door to open. The crowd mainly consisted of seniors who would go to the pool every day or do gym walking decked out in fashionable sweatsuits, probably widows or widowers trying to attract a new spouse. The Senior crew that chose the pool didn't interfere with any of my exercises. There was a group who spent their time in a circle treading water & gossiping. Since I knew a few I was invited to join, which I did from time to time. Those sessions provided me with all the scoop on everything happening In Bayside at the time. The crowd left when classes began, which gave me time to get home & ready for work. The weight room is well stocked with equipment on which one had to do a short training session before using. The early crowd there consisted of buff guys who wanted to work out before work. The Rec Center consists of much, much more. There are a plethora of classes ranging from Crafting to Yoga & Pilates, which I really should take advantage of. Workout groups are offered. There is a racquet ball court that seems very popular. Adjacent is a disc golf center. The very large indoor pool offers an open area, swimming lanes, diving section & much, much more. I wish it had built when my son was young & was on a nearby Bayside neighborhood swim team. The bleachers & lounging area outside the pool window wall offer a great view for parents to watch. It's such a wonderful facility to be in the neighborhood. Thank you Virginia Parks & Recreation.

I have postponed writing a review for East Suffolk Recreation Center despite using the gym for…read moreseveral weeks now. I wanted to make sure I could give a complete overview of the facility. However, since I have not used any other aspect of the Rec Center besides the gym, this review will focus solely on that. A co-worker told me about the gym at Parks and Rec; I had no idea this building existed even though I pass by it on my daily commute to work. It is located on 6th Street and is a renovation project of a historic Suffolk school. The center opened five years ago and is a wonderful resource for the community. Here is the deal on the cost: Each person has to pay an annual membership fee of $20 to Parks and Recreation. There is an additional $10/month to have unlimited access to the gym. There is no contract so you only pay for the months you use it. Michael Frickanisce is the fitness specialist and is there to help show you around the gym and equipment. You can also set up an appointment to receive one-on-one training at an additional cost of $10/hour. The gym has several elliptical machines and treadmills; both have television screens built in which is a wonderful distraction while working out. There are also a couple of stationary and incumbent bikes that are usually available. The rest of the gym is filled with weight machines. I have yet to try these out so I can't say anything about them except they look good. They do ask that you wipe down the equipment after you use it. The gym is open 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays; they are closed on Sundays. I go on weekdays around 9 a.m. and have never had an issue getting a machine. I can't say how busy it is in the evenings but I will probably try venturing over one day to check it out. Saturday mornings at opening are pretty empty. Unlike other gyms that have music blaring, the gym at East Suffolk Recreation Center is a quiet oasis. If you enjoy listening to music while working out, be sure to bring your own. Ear buds are necessary for listening to the built-in televisions on the equipment. There are many windows lining the walls of the gym so you can see the trees and grass outside, helping to get your zen on. If you've been looking for a way to jumpstart a health kick, I strongly recommend signing up for a membership. I have a treadmill at home but found myself always coming up with excuses not to use it. Now I actually look forward to my gym days--that should tell you something right there.