ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - "Parks and Arts: Celebrating Roanoke's Neighborhoods" series will return to five different city parks this summer.
The parks were selected through an application process working with neighborhood organizations. Also considered were need, accessibility, and proximity to adjacent neighborhoods.
• Golden Park – June 25 – Noon to 3 p.m.
• Preston Park – July 16 – Noon to 3 p.m.
• Mountain View – Aug. 6 – Noon to 3 p.m.
• Elmwood Park – Aug. 27 – Noon to 3 p.m.
• Horton Park – Oct. 1 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The program returns to the Star City after a one-year hiatus.
"By spreading it through five parks throughout the city, that affords the opportunity for our young people and children to be exposed to arts performing arts, cultural activities that they may not get an opportunity to participate in," said city council member Anita Price.
This year's Parks and Arts program is funded by the city with support from Freedom First Credit Union and is organized by the Roanoke Arts Commission, the Office of Neighborhood Services and the Parks and Recreation Department. Parks and Arts is also a partnership between the city and the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.
A highlight of this year's event will be the performance at Elmwood Park by RSO Pops. The entire event is free and open to the public for the first time in RSO history. The Elmwood Park event will also include Deschutes Brewery.
Also new this year, Parks and Arts will work with the Roanoke Public Libraries to enhance their Fall Festival in the Melrose Neighborhood.
Parks and Arts events will provide venues for a wide variety of local and regional artists, dancers, and musicians to showcase their talents. With a focus on community settings, these events will meld the outdoors with the arts, engage residents in art, and promote neighborhoods' diverse cultural and historic resources.
In 2014, the U.S. Conference of Mayors recognized Roanoke's Parks and Arts program with the Outstanding Achievement Award in their City Livability Awards Program.