Lisa Worley, Covington Parks and Rec Director, and Allen Dressler, Covington City Manager, sat down with the Journal on Thursday afternoon to discuss various projects and events in the city.

Dressler, Worley Talk Reopening of Putt-Putt, VA 250, Upcoming Carnival, and More By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Covington, VA (Apr. 9, 2026)— It was a pretty spring day today when the Journal took a drive out to the Jackson River Sports Complex (JRSC) to meet up with Lisa Worley, Covington Parks and Recreation Director, and Allen Dressler, Covington City Manager. The purpose of our meeting was to discuss several upcoming projects and events happening in the city of Covington. Just last year, the Maple Trail Putt-Putt made its debut at the JRSC just in time for summer, but is now ready for an earlier opening day. In fact, this Saturday, April 11th will be its official opening day for the 2026 season. "We'll start out slow with the hours," Worley said, "but this Saturday, it will be open from 11:00—8:00, and then on Sunday from 1:00—7:00." Prices will be $4 for children, and $6 for adults, with concession stands opening alongside the course. "I have to shout out to Lisa and her staff in putting the VA 250 event together," Dressler said Thursday afternoon. "There's some other different things going on, but we wanted to step up. We've got the park area to do this and, in addition to the amusement, which we'll be working with Cole's Entertainment, which is local. We appreciate those folks and the willingness to work with Covington and the Alleghany Highlands for that." The VA 250 celebration in Covington will include an upcoming carnival and will be at the Jackson River Sports Complex, located at 870 West Edgemont Drive, June 11th-June 13th from 6:00—10:00 p.m. each night. It promises to have amusement rides, games, performances, and food vendors each night. Advance wristband tickets will be $15, or there will be $20 charge at the gate. Individual ride tickets will be $1.25 each, or they can be bundled in a pack of 24 for $25 or 72 for $60. The entirety of this interview will soon be made available.

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