Spring is officially underway in the New River Valley, bringing with it a welcome return to outdoor activities and community events. This week offers a diverse range of options for residents of all ages and abilities, from the long-awaited reopening of a popular dog park to a unique, inclusive Easter egg hunt. These events highlight a commitment to both recreation and accessibility within the region.
After months of repairs following damage sustained during Hurricane Helene, Sparky’s Run Dog Park in Radford is set to reopen its gates to four-legged friends. Simultaneously, the Radford Public Library is hosting a family-friendly storytime focused on dental health, complete with free goodie bags. And in Christiansburg, adults are invited to participate in an unconventional Easter egg hunt – in the dark – designed to be inclusive of all abilities.
The reopening of Sparky’s Run Dog Park, located at 102 Pulaski St., marks a significant milestone for the Radford community. The park was forced to close in October 2024 after Hurricane Helene caused substantial damage, according to a city press release. Radford’s Director of Parks and Recreation, Charlie Goens, detailed the extent of the damage in an email, noting that the storm “took out the shelter, some of the perimeter fencing, and other amenities at the park. Not to mention all the debris, trees and trash that were left once the water receded.” A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. On Tuesday to celebrate the park’s restoration.
Established in August 2012, Sparky’s Run has become a beloved space for dog owners in the area. Goens estimates that over 200 households utilize the park throughout the year. Looking ahead, the city plans further enhancements, including the addition of a pavilion and new play equipment. “We’re looking forward to future enhancements…that will make the park even more welcoming and enjoyable for everyone,” Goens wrote. Dog park rules, emphasizing vaccinations, identification tags, and responsible pet ownership, are posted online.
A Sweet Start to Dental Health
Also on Tuesday, the Radford Public Library is turning a focus to oral hygiene with its SMILES Storytime, scheduled from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. The event promises a fun and educational experience for families, featuring tooth-themed stories and complimentary goodie bags. These bags will include essential dental care items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and activity booklets, along with a few treats. A dental hygienist from Opulent Dental will be on hand to answer questions and provide guidance on maintaining healthy teeth and positive dental experiences.
Library Director Elizabeth Sensabaugh explained that the idea for SMILES Storytime stemmed from a discussion during a Radford Youth-Adult Partnership meeting. “During which a discussion was had about early dental care for children as a pivotal step in setting them on the right path for a healthy mouth/teeth,” she wrote in an email. Sensabaugh leveraged a partnership with America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation to secure the free goodie bags, describing the process as remarkably simple. Youth Services Librarian Morgan Esterhuizen anticipates the storytime will be particularly engaging for “younger school-age kids,” though attendance numbers remain to be seen.
An Easter Egg Hunt with a Twist
For adults looking for a unique evening activity, Christiansburg Parks and Recreation is hosting the Egg-Streme Easter Egg Party on Friday from 7-9 p.m. At Huckleberry Park (300 Huckleberry Drive). This isn’t your typical Easter egg hunt; it’s an adults-only event held in the dark, with separate hunts tailored to different age groups and abilities. Hunts are scheduled for those ages 65-plus and individuals with disabilities at 8:15 p.m., followed by hunts for those ages 40-64 (8:30 p.m.) and 18-39 (8:45 p.m.).
The event, detailed on its Facebook event page, will also feature live music, concessions, and yard games starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free with a donation of a canned good or non-perishable food item. Participants are asked to bring a flashlight, wear athletic clothing and shoes, and a basket to collect their eggs.
These events demonstrate a commitment to providing diverse recreational opportunities for all members of the New River Valley community. Christiansburg Parks and Recreation will continue to offer programming throughout the spring and summer, with details available on their website. The Radford Public Library’s calendar of upcoming events, including a children’s class on baking seed muffins for birds on April 27, 2026, can be found online.
As the NRV transitions into warmer weather, residents can look forward to a continued calendar of events designed to foster community engagement and provide enriching experiences for all. The next scheduled event at the Radford Public Library is a teen craft night on April 8th, offering a creative outlet for local youth.
What events are you looking forward to this spring? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with your friends and neighbors!
