Parks & Recreation

dick and willie trail
  1. Greg Maggard

    Greg Maggard

    Public Works Director

Welcome to the City of Martinsville's Parks and Recreation!

Martinsville's Parks and Recreation Department collaborates with local organizations like the Martinsville YMCA to offer a range of programs and events. From youth and adult sports leagues to seasonal festivals, there's always something happening. Our community is active and engaged, making it easy to find opportunities to participate and connect. 

With 13 public parks and an extensive network of trails, Martinsville offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for all ages and interests. From serene lakes and shaded walking trails to sports courts and playgrounds, our parks cater to all ages and interests. Whether you're seeking a peaceful spot for a picnic or a place to engage in physical activity, our parks offer the perfect setting. 

For those who enjoy exploring the outdoors on foot or by bike, Martinsville boasts an impressive network of trails. The Smith River Trail System is part of the larger Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Beaches to Bluegrass Trail, offering opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and geocaching. Key trails include the 6.5-mile Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail, the 1.5-mile Philpott Lake Fitness Interpretive Trail, and the 1.5-mile Lauren Mountain Preserve Trail. These trails not only provide recreational spaces but also offer educational opportunities to learn about the area's history and natural beauty. 

Whether you're a resident or a visitor, we invite you to explore our parks, hit the trails, and become part of our dynamic community. For more information on park facilities, trail maps, and upcoming events, please explore the links to the side or contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 276-403-5154.

Parks Improvement Plan

The City of Martinsville issued an RFP in the spring of 2023 for consulting services to prepare a Parks Improvement Plan utilizing ARPA funding. Site Collective, a planning and design consulting firm from Raleigh, was selected to implement a parks improvement plan. Site Collaborative has been working in partnership with the City and WPPDC to create a plan for all the city parks. 

A number of community input sessions were held during the summer of 2024, and public surveys have yielded much interest in parks improvement.

The plan recommends improved equipment, access, safety, maintenance programming, and best use of each park. Links to the plan are below:

Full Plan PDF Report

Parks Improvement Plan PowerPoint

YMCA Contract

The City of Martinsville has entered into a contract with the Martinsville YMCA to provide contractual services for the City Parks and Recreation programs. The YMCA will advertise and accept applications for youth football, basketball, baseball, co-ed adult softball, etc; assign teams and schedules, coordinate venues, arrange, officiate, etc. related to these activities.

The YMCA will collect registration/participation fees as deemed appropriate. Courtney Hairston, staff person from the YMCA, will be the point of contact for City recreational programs.

Contact Information

Courtney Hairston, YMCA Contact
Phone 276 632-6427, ext. 1010
Email Courtney Hairston

Mailing Address
Martinsville YMCA
3 Starling Avenue
Martinsville, VA 24112

Martinsville YMCA Website

Park Rentals

The City of Martinsville will continue to rent the parks and payment should be paid to the treasurer’s office. In order to Reserve a City Park, please call 276 403-5154 or email us to check for availability!

Senior Center

The Martinsville Senior Center is located in the Public Works Department at the Municipal Building. Please call (276) 656-5260 for questions!
55 W Church Street
Room 226 
Martinsville, VA 24112