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The Bluefield Parks and Recreation Department takes the lead in providing quality recreational programs and positive leisure experiences for the residents of our community. This department maintains a professional staff of six full-time and three part-time/seasonal employees. Their objectives are to maintain and develop facilities, along with planning and implementing a variety of programs and activities for citizens of all ages.
The Parks and Recreation Department oversees a forty-acre city park that hosts a 1.3 mile walker's track, a 5.5 mile hiking/biking trail system, two softball diamonds, two little league baseball fields, three basketball courts, nine tennis courts an equestrian ring, an sand volleyball court, four picnic shelters and the legendary Ridgerunner miniature train.
One of the more dynamic of these facilities is the Yakkity-Yak Do Come Back playground.  Similar to an old-fashioned barn raising, this recreational area, funded by the community, was constructed by the community in only five days. Area students designed the playground that allows over 200 children to participate at once.
Another focal point of the Parks and Recreation facilities is a multi-purpose complex adjacent to the City Park. This complex includes an auditorium and youth center, capable of housing a number of activities, programs and special events on a daily basis.
The Bluefield Auditorium has hosted the Mountain Festival concert series, WCW Wrestling, college and high school basketball games, religious groups, dances, banquets and business and private parties. We maintain a close relationship with schools, churches, civic groups and local businesses in order to provide safer and productive recreational programs for a cross section of the community.
Bowen Field and Mitchell Stadium are also facilities within this recreational complex. Bowen Field is the home of the Bluefield Orioles Minor League Baseball Club, while Mitchell Stadium is the home field of our two local high school teams. A twelve-acre parking lot allows citizens to utilize nearly all of these facilities at the same time.
 The City Park complex represents only the hub of Bluefield's Parks and Recreational facilities. Radiating from it is a system of parks and neighborhood playgrounds that extend into every segment of our community. Presently, there are thirteen such areas, including the East River Mountain Scenic Overlook.
Overall, the Parks and Recreation Department maintains a vibrant set of programs with a place in them for all residents of the City. This just part of the picture, thought the picture is changing each day. The department is constantly seeking out new interest to advance their programs and services ever further. With this in mind, the Bluefield Parks and Recreation Department hopes to improve the quality of life for all Bluefield residents.
Bluefield City Park is open 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. April 1 through September 30.
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