Manassas Park Community Center

02/26/2021

Today is our last Black History Month video highlight and although this month is coming to an end, we celebrate Black History every day.

Did you know Myles Lanier won first place at the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Competition?

Department of Parks and Recreation sat down (virtually) with local Manassas Park High School 9th Grader, Myles Lanier, to hear all about his award winning speech and his experiences at the annual competition.

Congratulations to Myles Lanier on winning the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Competition. The City of Manassas Park is very proud of you and excited to see what's in store for your future! 🌟

Myles' speech can be watched here starting at the 38:00 mark, www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltIg0IT-Ujg&feature=emb_title

02/25/2021

The Texas Energy Crisis: How Parks and Recreation Meet the Moment | Open Space | National Recreation and Park Association

What a super interesting read about how parks and recreation in Texas is going above and beyond to help their communities during these extreme times ✨

President Joe Biden has declared a federal emergency in Texas as the state starts to recover from the recent disastrous winter weather event and subsequent overwhelming of the state’s energy grid, and park and recreation professionals in the state are answering the call to support their communitie...

02/24/2021

If you've come to the pool at MPCC, chances are you've met some of our lifeguards! Aquatics Specialist, Grace Cruz, sat with her team to chat and help you learn a little more about the lifeguard family! ⛱
https://www.manassasparkcommunitycenter.com/our-lifeguards-learn-more-about-the-aquatics-team/

02/24/2021

The Manassas Park Community Center had a special visitor yesterday. Virginia's First Lady, Pamela Northam, visited the Community Center to observe the MAP Clinic's vaccine operations and even stopped by the Buddy Club to say hi!

The City of Manassas Park is proud to provide logistical and location support for the MAP Clinic's COVID-19 vaccination roll out. The Community Center has been able to expand the vaccination efforts with much needed indoor space and parking in order for the clinic to achieve their weekly vaccination goal and abide by social distancing requirements.

Thank you to City of Manassas Park Police Department and Manassas Park Fire Rescue for continued support.

https://chhs.gmu.edu/news/2021-02/virginia-first-lady-pamela-northam-visits-covid-19-vaccination-clinic-thank-front-lin

02/23/2021

Manassas Park City Library

Manassas Park City Library is wrapping up Black History Month with virtual Storytime featuring black authors.

Join us for our virtual Storytime where little ones will be engaged through books, songs, and interactive activities. Storytime aims to help build early reading skills and to provide tools for families to use at home.

Today's books:
Overground Railroad by Lesa Cline-Ransome & James Ransome (2020)
The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander & Kadir Nelson

02/20/2021

Basketball Shooting Camp

Announcing Breakthrough Basketball Shooting Camp April 30 – May 2, 2021!

This specialized 3-day camp will give you the drills and instruction you need to become a top-flight shooter who stands out from the competition.

Register before February 28th & save 20%!

mpccbasketball.com/basketball-shooting-camp/

Announcing Breakthrough Basketball Shooting Camp April 30 – May 2, 2021! This specialized 3-day camp will give you the drills and instruction you need to become a top-flight shooter who stand…

02/19/2021

Girls On the Run is back for another season this spring! This program was created to teach participants a variety of important life lessons while focusing on mental and physical health 🧠👟 To learn more about the program and how to registere, follow the link below!
http://www.manassasparkcommunitycenter.com/Events/girls-on-the-run-2/

02/19/2021

New art pieces on display this week at the Community Center for Black History Month!

Did you know MPCC is hosting Todd Sprow's art exhibit in it's front lobby for Black History Month?

Todd Sprow, local artist, is sharing with our community his acclaimed Black History art pieces. The exhibition will run through the entire month of February and rotates Todd's different art pieces weekly.

Please be advised of the Community Center's mask usage and social distancing requirements when visiting.

02/19/2021

We're continuing to spotlight Black History and this week we're spotlighting some local history. Did you know that near the pavilion and walking path in front of the Community Center building is a small family cemetery?

The graves belong to a former slave, Samuel Naylor, who purchased his freedom from his owner during the Civil War. Samuel saved $500 and bought 50 acres in what is now present day Manassas Park, part of land that he purchased is that of which the Community Center sits on right now. His wife Nellie Naylor is also buried there. Nellie was given an additional 12 ½ acres after the Civil War.

Hannah Greene, Teen Recreation Leader, sits down and speaks about how she found out about the Naylor Family Cemetery.

02/18/2021

🚨Update: Due to worsening weather conditions, MPCC will be closed all day, Thursday, February 18th. Please stay safe and warm!

02/18/2021

🚨 Due to current weather conditions, MPCC will open at 12:30 PM today, Thursday, February 18th. Please stay safe and warm! ❄️

02/16/2021

🚨 The gymnasium will be closing at 4:00PM tomorrow, Wednesday, February 17th and will reopen Thursday, February 18th.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

mpccbasketball.com/mpcc-gym-schedule/

02/16/2021

Manassas Park City Library

Manassas Park City Library is live now for Black History Month storytime!

Join us for our virtual Storytime where little ones will be engaged through books, songs, and interactive activities. Storytime aims to help build early reading skills and to provide tools for families to use at home.

Today's books:
Happy Hair by Mechal Renee Roe (2014)
Freedom Soup by Tami Charles & Jacqueline Alcantara (2019)

02/15/2021

Happy Presidents' Day!

MPCC is open and operating under normal business hours today, February, 15th.

Did you know one of George Washington's favorite foods was ice cream? Check out more fun presidential facts here:
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/history/presidential-fun-facts/

02/14/2021

Happy Valentines Day to our patrons and residents! ❣️

While many people normally enjoy going out for special meals, parties, and other events for Valentines Day, this year remember to stay safe, social distance and wear your mask!

🚨 The Community Center will be reopening at 12PM today.

02/14/2021

The Valentine’s Day Themed Grab & Go Bags have been rescheduled for tomorrow during open hours - 1pm-5pm.

Thank you, stay safe!

Due to the weather conditions we will be closed TODAY - February 13, 2021 -

We are sorry for any inconvenience. At this time we will be open tomorrow, Sunday February 14th, during our normal hours. Please check back tomorrow for any updates. The Grab & Go Bags have been rescheduled for tomorrow during open hours - 1pm-5pm.

Thank you and stay safe and warm!

02/13/2021

Due to ice and inclement weather, MPCC will be closed for the rest of today, Feb. 13th. Tomorrow, Feb. 14th, MPCC will have a delayed opening of 12PM.

www.manassasparkcommunitycenter.com/early-closure-feb-13th-and-delayed-opening-feb-14th/

02/12/2021

🚨Community Alert:

A new statewide vaccine pre-registration system will be up and running the week of February 15, 2021. Residents are encouraged to view the below message from the Prince William Health District regarding the State of Virginia' new Statewide Vaccine Pre-Registration System.

Residents are encouraged to view the below message from the Prince William Health District regarding the State of Virginia' new Statewide Vaccine Pre-Registration System. Particularly of note, as the Virginia Department of Health transitions to this new centralized COVID 19 vaccination pre-registration system, the Prince William Health District (PWHD) Waitlist Form will be removed permanently at 5 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2021, and will be automatically uploaded into the new statewide system. If you previously registered for the vaccine using the PWHD Waitlist Form, you will maintain your status in the waitlist queue when your registration is uploaded into the statewide system. At 8 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 you will receive a new link for the new statewide vaccination registration system. Please view the full message below or at this link here: http://cityofmanassaspark.us/news/2166-general-announcement-prince-william-health-district-message-regarding-new-statewide-vaccine-pre-registration-system.html

02/12/2021

Happy Lunar New Year to our patrons and residents - officially starting the Year of the Ox! 🏮

The Lunar New Year falls on February 12th this year and begins a 15-day celebration in countries throughout East Asia. This is a time to celebrate, honor ancestors, and look forward to prosperity in the year ahead.

This Lunar New Year marks the official transition out of the Year of the Rat–believed to be one of constant change–and into the Year of the Ox, which is traditionally associated with things moving at a more slow and steady pace. The ox symbolizes hard work, positivity, and fertile harvest.

Thrive in 2021 by taking this year by the horns! 🐂

02/12/2021

🚨The Community Center will be open and operating under normal business hours on Monday, February 15th.

Please note the following City closures on Monday, February 15, 2021 in observance of Presidents' Day.

02/11/2021

Spotlighting Amanda Gorman and Her Acclaimed Poetry

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, this week we're spotlighting Poet, Amanda Gorman!

Did you know that Amanda Gorman, 22, is the youngest inaugural poet in United States history? Amanda performed at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration and Super Bowl LV. Gorman graduated from Harvard University and is an award-winning author, activist, feminist, and supporter of social justice and equality.

Watch as Amanda performs her acclaimed poem "The Miracle of Morning".

02/11/2021

Don't forget this Saturday is the library's Valentines Day themed grab and go activity bag! 💘

Next Saturday!

Looking for something to do? Swing by next Saturday, February 13th to grab your Valentines Day themed grab and go activity bag!

In order to practice social distancing, we will be giving them away in front of the library. No registration necessary, available while supplies last. One bag per person, you must be present in order to receive a bag.

02/10/2021

Wednesdays are for Whistle Worthy Lifeguards!

Abbi Cantoni, Whistle Worthy Lifeguard, tells us what she likes about being a Manassas Park Parks and Recreation lifeguard!

Want to be a lifeguard this summer, but not sure if you're whistle worthy? Our FREE Lifeguard Boot Camp focuses on developing swimming skills to help participants meet the lifeguarding course prerequisites. This free course introduces participants to lifesaving skills, such as in-water rescues, use of a rescue tube, and first aid, CPR and AED. Participants also have the opportunity to shadow lifeguards in rotation to get a real sense of being on the job.

Sign up today: www.mpdpr.com/lifeguard

02/09/2021

New art pieces on display this week at MPCC for Black History Month!

Did you know the Community Center is hosting Todd Sprow's art exhibit in it's front lobby for Black History Month?

Todd Sprow, local artist, is sharing with our community his popular Black History art pieces. The exhibition will run through the entire month of February and rotates Todd's different art pieces weekly.

Please be advised of the Community Center's mask usage and social distancing requirements when visiting.

02/09/2021

Manassas Park City Library

The Manassas Park City Library is live now with virtual storytime for Black History Month!

Join us for our virtual Storytime where little ones will be engaged through books, songs, and interactive activities. Storytime aims to help build early reading skills and to provide tools for families to use at home.

Today's books:
Just Like a Mama by Alice Faye Duncan (2020)
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes (2020)

02/08/2021

Trying to find the will to go to the gym today 🤣 #happymonday #mondaymood #mondaymotivation #manassasparkva #manassasparkcommunitycenter #gymmotivation #gym #gymlife

02/08/2021

Announcing Breakthrough Basketball Shooting Camp April 30 – May 2, 2021!

This specialized 3-day camp will give you the drills and instruction you need to become a top-flight shooter who stands out from the competition.

Register before February 28th & save 20%!

To register: www.breakthroughbasketball.com/camps/camp.asp?name=ManassasCamp

02/07/2021

The Big Bowl Vote is a young people survey about what Superbowl ads you remember seeing, which ones you liked, and what you liked about those ads.

Join the Big Bowl Vote on Sunday, February 7th through Monday, February 8th, immediately after the Super Bowl for a chance to win 2 open climb passes to the Vertical Rock Climbing and fitness Center (no gear or prior climbing experience needed) or win 4 free admission passes to the Skate 'N Fun Zone for you and your friends. REMEMBER, to be eligible to vote, you must be a resident of Prince William County, the City of Manassas, or Manassas Park.

https://thepreventionalliance.org/vote/

02/06/2021

Stop by the Manassas Park City Library for Black History Month as they highlight books written by black authors!

February is BLACK HISTORY MONTH --
Borrow a book from our collection to learn more about the exceptional achievements of African Americans.
https://manassasparkcitylibrary.org/

02/05/2021

Our number one priority here at the Manassas Park Community Center is your safety and wellbeing. While we do not like to post things of this manner, we must remain transparent with our loyal patrons.

Thank you to the City of Manassas Park Police Department for your due diligence, quick action, and effective response.

Thank you to our Community Center staff for always being vigilant and immediately reporting predatory behavior before a tragedy occurred.

🚨Arrest Made🚨

On January 28th, the Investigative Services Division of the Manassas Park Police Department received a complaint in reference to inappropriate behavior displayed by an adult male at the Manassas Park Community Center. The Community Center staff reported to Investigators that an adult male (citizen) appeared to be preying on female juveniles at the Community Center.

The Investigators, with the cooperation of the Community Center staff, were able to conduct numerous interviews of potential victims, which ultimately revealed that the suspect, Melvin McKnight, was in fact communicating inappropriately with female juveniles. Additionally, the investigation revealed that Mr. McKnight had sent unsolicited photographs of his genitals and propositioned two juvenile females for sex.

On February 2, 2021, McKnight was apprehended at the Manassas Park Community Center without incident and ultimately charged with:

Indecent Liberties with a Child (x4)

Mr. McKnight was held without bond and no court information is available at the time of this release.

ARESTEE INFORMATION:
Melvin Deon Giles McKnight
09/22/1990
8000 block of Portwood Drive
Manassas, VA 20108

The Police Department would like to thank the Community Center staff for their quick action in reporting the inappropriate behavior and preventing a tragedy from occurring. This reflects the great oversight that our Community Center staff has over the safety and wellbeing of our Community Center patrons.

02/05/2021

How can people deal with Pandemic fatigue and mental health?

Pandemic fatigue is a real thing!

It's not just you. A lot of us are hitting a pandemic wall right now.

How can people deal with pandemic fatigue? For one, maintaining mental health is extremely important during the coronavirus pandemic.

How can people deal with Pandemic fatigue and mental health? Maintaining mental health is extremely important during the coronavirus pandemic. Our infection ...

02/04/2021

Todd Sprow's Black History Month Art Exhibit

There's a wealth of art to enjoy this Black History Month at the Manassas Park Community Center!

Did you know the Community Center is hosting Todd Sprow's art exhibit in it's front lobby for Black History Month?

Todd Sprow, local artist, is sharing with our community his popular Black History art pieces. The exhibition will run through the entire month of February and will rotate Todd's different art pieces weekly. Check out what Todd has to say about his art pieces being featured this week at the Community Center.

Please be advised of the Community Center's mask usage and social distancing requirements when visiting.

02/04/2021

Todd Sprow's Black History Month Art Exhibit

There's a wealth of art to enjoy this Black History Month at the Manassas Park Community Center!

Did you know the Community Center is hosting Todd Sprow's art exhibit in it's front lobby for Black History Month?

Todd Sprow, local artist, is sharing with our community his popular Black History art pieces. The exhibition will run through the entire month of February and will rotate Todd's different art pieces weekly. Check out what Todd has to say about his art pieces being featured this week at the Community Center.

Please be advised of the Community Center's mask usage and social distancing requirements when visiting.