The Pearisburg Recreation Department offers a variety of sports and recreational activities for area residents. The program provides organized leagues and teams in a variety of sports. A town park is located next to the Community Center. This twenty acre facility features a picnic shelter, playground, three tennis courts, and a public swimming pool. The Giles Senior Center, operated by the County of Giles, is also located at the town park. Parking is available throughout the park and Community Center complex.

There is a ball field located next to the Community Center. This facility is used throughout the summer for organized youth and adult baseball and softball leagues.  When not in use, the ever-present "pick-up" game can be found here. A new youth field is open adjacent to the Town Library.  This facility is used exclusively by younger ball players.  The field is completely fenced. This field is unlit at this time, but features a new electronic scoreboard.

Nearby, Soccer Hollow is used for soccer games and practice.  The park also features a paved basketball court for all the after-school and summer basketball action you desire.  In addition, the town has an agreement with the Giles County School Board to use Henderson Field at Macy McClaugherty Elementary School. This field is ideal for soccer or baseball games. 

The Community Center features an indoor gymnasium for year-round basketball and volleyball. Other rooms host aerobics, dancing, karate, crafts, and other programs.  The Community Center is available for rent to private parties and many civic groups hold events in the auditorium or cafeteria.

Other recreational opportunities abound.  Giles Country Club is located in Pearisburg.  This private facility offers a pool, tennis courts, and a nine hole golf course. Giles County operates Castle Rock Country Club, five miles east of town.  This club offers an eighteen hole public golf course.

The Appalachian Trail passes through the outskirts of Pearisburg.  As a trail town, Pearisburg is a major stopping point for hikers in need of supplies and overnight accommodations. Holy Family Catholic Church operates a hostel for hikers to have a warm, dry place to rest up while they do their laundry, touch base with "the folks back home", and restocking their supplies.  Some 1000 to 1200 hikers pass through the community annually.

The New River offers recreational opportunities as it flows by Pearisburg.  Many enjoy fishing, canoeing and kayaking each summer. Major access points are at Whitt-Riverbend Park and in Bluff City.  Outfitters can provide needed equipment and a variety of trips are available.  The New River also offers some of the finest fishing opportunities in Virginia.  Canoe the New Outfitters is one Pearisburg provider.

Pearisburg's town pool was built in 2000. The facility features a 25-meter, six-lane main pool and a 12-foot deep diving well.  There is a wading pool for the kids, a  concession stand, and a picnic shelter. The pool is used by the Giles Swim Club and is available for rent for private pool parties.   Certified lifeguards are on duty during all operational hours.

The facility is handicap accessible and has a lift for swimmers. The pool is heated. The pool is open Memorial Day until mid-August.  Call 921-2347 (that's 921-a dip). 

For information on recreation programs and schedules call the Recreation Director at 921-2335.

WHITT-RIVERBEND PARK

The Town of Pearisburg's newest recreational area is Whitt-Riverbend Park.  This are features 28 acres on New River.  The park is being developed into a low-impact public recreation area.  The park is currently open for those wanting to fish, bird watch, picnic, or take a leisurely walk.  No vehicles are allowed beyond the entrance gate.  There is a rest area available at the upstream end of the field. 

Walk-in and canoe-in camping is allowed by permit only.  Permits are available at the Town Office or at the self pay station.  The fee for camping is $2 per person per day and can be left in the self-pay station.  Several campsites are available-look for the fire boxes.  Campers and RV's are not permitted except by special exception.  Special arrangements can be made for groups wishing to camp. For information on camping click here.   CAMPING

A Picnic Pavilion is located near the entrance to the Park.  The Pavilion can be reserved for $25.00 a day. There are four picnic tables that are under the pavilion and two that are near that can be moved under if needed.  There is a restroom located near the picnic area.  For more information on renting the shelter click here.  SHELTER

See map of park.  MAP

Whitt-Riverbend Park features nearly a mile of river frontage.  It is a large flat bottom area near the junction of Walker Creek and New River.  To get to the park from Route 460 Bypass, take the Pearisburg/Ripplemead exit towards Ripplemead. Follow Ripplemead Road (Rt. 636) across the railroad tracks and along the river to the entrance to the park.

The Town has installed a 1.1 mile loop trail and made improvements to  vehicle parking areas.  Future plans include a canoe launch and additional picnic facilities.

If you would like more information on this or any of Pearisburg's park facilities, please call (540) 921-0340.

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