About:

Our passion is to introduce individuals to the rewards of recreating in the outdoors. We seek to instruct lifetime skills and provide services with long-range benefits for future generations.

Our outdoor programs offer many avenues to experience the vitality of nature.

Adventure Programs: Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.

Experimental Education: Zip Line, Team Building and Initiatives, Outdoor Camps, Youth Outdoor Adventures, Amphibian/Reptile Bioblitz, Low ropes challenge course.

Traditional Outdoor Sports: archery, fishing, swimming, Hunter Safety Education, Boater Safety Education.

Special Park Programs: Summer Movies in the Park Series, Bark in the Park, Luminary Trail Walk, Ballou Park Christmas Tree Lighting, Trail runs and Mountain Bike races.


Boating Demo Day
Kick off the summer and check out the cool paddle sports available in Danville. Drop by any time between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to watch on-water demonstrations by experienced staff or pay $5 to take a canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board out on the water. This is a great time to sign up for upcoming paddling classes and trips. Ages 8 to adult; children under 12 must be supervised by an adult.
Anglers Park
Saturday, May 27
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Zip Line Water Fun Day
Join Danville Parks and Recreation for an exciting day of zip lining and water games at Dan Daniel Park. Cool off from the summer heat with water guns, balloons and other activities before taking a ride on the 400 ft zip line. Be sure to bring clothes you don't mind getting wet and closed toed shoes. Ages 8 and up. Cost $15.
Skate Park at Dan Daniel Park
Sunday, June 11
1 to 5 p.m.

Educational Programs:

Free Fishing Day
No fishing license of any kind will be required for rod and reel fishing in freshwater on the weekend of June 2, 3 and 4. Join Danville Parks and Recreation for an evening fishing at Abreu- Grogan Park. Learn baiting, casting, and fish identification skills. A limited number of fishing poles will be provided. Register by May 28. Free.
Abreu- Grogan Park
Friday, June 2
6 to 9 p.m.

Summer Creek Crawl
Explore the shallows of a local creek and find out what type of creatures live in sand, mud and under rocks! Learn about the importance of macro invertebrates, and their amazing life cycles. Be sure to bring your boots or shoes you don't mind getting wet and muddy. This program is great for all ages. Register by May 30. Free.
Anglers Park
Sunday, June 4
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

All About Osprey
Have you been watching the osprey camera? Learn more about these amazing birds in this educational program. Be ready to hike and search for osprey along the Dan River and learn more about their incredible history and adaptions. Register five days before program. Free.
Dan Daniel Memorial Park
Saturdays: June 24; July 1; July 8
6 to 8 p.m.

Hiking Danville's Parks
Have you ever wondered where all those mountain bike trails went at Anglers Park? Join Danville Parks and Recreation for weekend hikes discovering the numerous parks around the city and the types of habitats found in each. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes to hike in. This program is great for all ages. Register five days before the program. Call (434) 799-5150 to determine meeting location before each hike. Free.
Various park locations
Sundays: July 16; July 23; July 30; August 6
6 to 8 p.m.

Summer Raptor Hikes
Search for birds of prey on the trails at Anglers Park and the Riverwalk Trail. Learn the life history of common raptors such as the red tailed hawk and osprey while embarking on a short hike. Bring your own binoculars. Register five days before the program. Free.
Anglers Park
Saturdays: August 5; August 12; August 19
9 to 11 a.m.

Water/ Paddling Programs:

Birding on the Dan
Join a birding expert for a peaceful paddle down the Dan River and learn about the many types of birds that inhabit its shores from bald eagles to great blue herons. Learn which birds migrate here from tropical destinations and which ones call Danville home all year round. Register by May 21. Cost $12.
Abreu Grogan Park
Thursdays, May 25 and July 13
6 to 8 p.m.

Kayaking for Beginners
Learn basic kayaking strokes or use existing skills to paddle the peaceful Dan River. Enjoy great scenery and build strength through this low impact outdoor activity. Register by five days before the program. Ages 10- adult. Under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost $12.
Abreu-Grogan Park
Friday, June 9; and Thursdays, June 29; July 27; August 24 
6 to 8 p.m.

See the Birthplace of the Dan River Twins!
Beat the summer heat with a morning paddle from Camilla Williams Park to the Sandy River on a beautiful section of the Dan River where you can see many different types of wildlife, including otters! Participants must have previous paddling experience or have taken Kayaking for Beginners. Register by June 19. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost $12.
Camilla Williams Park
Saturday, June 24
9 to 11 a.m.

Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga
Join instructor Casey Molloy from Hot Asana Yoga and challenge yourself in Paddle Board Yoga on the peaceful Dan River. Test your strength and balance while posing on a stand up paddle board. All levels are welcome! Register five days before each program. Cost $20.
Abreu- Grogan Park
Tuesdays, June 27; July 18; August 8
5:30 to 7 p.m.

Tubing on the Dan
Enjoy a relaxing float trip from Main Street Bridge to Anglers Park on a comfortable tube. One or two person tubes are available; life jackets are provided. Ages 10 and up. Register five days before program. Cost $15.
Meets at the Main Street Fountain
Saturdays, July 1 and August 5
6 to 8 p.m.

Wildlife Kayak Tour
Embark on a wildlife viewing tour while paddling on the beautiful Dan River. Check out migrating waterfowl, raptors, turtles, and other creatures that call the Dan River home. Learn why the river is the perfect habitat for many interesting species. Ages 10 and up. Register by July 16. Cost $12.
Abreu- Grogan Park
Friday, July 21
6 to 8 p.m.

Danville History by Kayak
Enjoy the beauty of the Dan River on a relaxing paddle with a local historian. Learn how the river played a role in the history of Danville and its importance in making Danville what it is today. Ages 10- adult. Under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by July 17. Cost $12.
Abreu- Grogan Park
Saturday, July 22
6 to 8 p.m.

Kayak Trip Main Street to Anglers
Enjoy a swift paddle from Main Street to Anglers Park on the beautiful Dan River. Navigate rapids and paddle around islands in a picturesque portion of the river. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Register by August 7. Cost $12.
Main Street Fountain
Saturday, August 12
2 to 4:30 p.m.