Parks, Recreation & Tourism Annual Report Gloucester Parks, Recreation & Tourism is committed to enriching lives and enhancing community through diverse cultural experiences, programs, parks, and waterways. The past year has been busy, with new programs, expanded events and improved parks. Long-awaited capital projects, such as the Woodville Park field renovations and Historic Court Circle buildings conditions assessment, are being addressed. The Tourism division continues to expand marketing initiatives to showcase the history, beauty and fun that awaits visitors. There is so much more happening, but it’s because of dedicated volunteers and staff that we can make it happen. Volunteers have a tremendous impact on our operations, and while there is a dollar figure associated with their time, I believe they are priceless. The Parks, Recreation & Tourism staff is the embodiment of our mission – their sole focus is to enrich lives and enhance the community. They work tirelessly to provide safe and clean parks, programs, and other recreational opportunities. This team works so Gloucester can play and every level of our organization makes it happen. Thank you for visiting our parks, enjoying our programs and events, and helping us keep Gloucester beautiful. Stay tuned, as the next year, and beyond, will only get better! Katey Legg, CPRP Director
Parks, Recreation & Tourism Budget FY 23
$1,847,981
Total County General Fund FY 23 $74,711,098
FY 22
FY23
75,000
Park Visitation & Rentals
+588
BO AT ER S
Br ow n
Pa rk
Pa rk
0
W oo dv ill e
422 +2,
25,000
Be av er da m
RS USE L I TRA
50,000
M ai n Be En av tr an er da ce m 60 6En tr an ce
Park visitation is collected for three of the 7 parks by a vehicle counter at the entrance. Other data for visitation includes park rentals and estimation from programs, events and athletics. Park visitation at all locations remains at a high level and the community is utilizing all locations. Woodville, Ark & Abingdon parks are mainly used for athletic programs.
Total Visitation: 165,544 Increase of 54,398
Facility Rentals
385
Athletic Field Reservations
981
Clean Community The Clean Community division spearheaded Gloucester becoming a Bee City USA affiliate and works with various groups to promote recycling and cleanup events.
4 Staffed Events
7
Bee City Events
6 Group Presentations
3
Litter Cleanup Events
16,918 Total Litter Collected (LBS)
1,461
Total Volunteers
Park & Recreational Programs 3,226
91 Programs/Events Offered
Participants Served Value of Volunteer Hours
Registered
Athletics 896 Recreation 1,910 Park Programs 161 Camps 259
10,161 Total Volunteer Hours
325,152 Wait List
123 320 6 70
Events The 2023 Daffodil Festival was a one day event due to severe weather and brought in approximately 15,000 residents/visitors to Main Street. The festival consisted of over 200 vendors, children activities, & live music.
Concerts on the Green welcomed 5 live music groups to the revamped historic courthouse circle. Each event brought in over 50 attendees. The Christmas & Holiday Parade is a community favorite to start the holiday season. The parade consists of 60 entries ranging from school & sports groups, local businesses and churches. The tree lighting, sponsored by the Cook Foundation, follows the parade.
Tourism The Tourism Division received $25,000 in marketing grants that support various advertising and marketing initiatives. In addition, ARPA funds specifically designated for Tourism were allocated to Gloucester to support the tourism industry. Digital Marketing Campaigns Included- Hometown Holidays, Shake Off The Winter Blues, Springtime in Gloucester Print Marketing- Virginia Living, Blueridge Outdoors, Local Scoop Marketing Blitz-Visit Gloucester takes over for the New Kent Welcome Center for the month of March to promote the upcoming Daffodil Festival.
Visitor Center & History Museum FY 22 FY23 5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
Vi si to rC en H is te to r ry M us eu m
0
The Visitor Center & Gift Shop saw a high level of visitation last year. Court circle accessibility improvements were completed with better access to the Visitor Center and the grounds. The Visitor Center was also the recipient of the Virgo Visitor Center of The Year award. The Gloucester Museum of History saw over 3,000 visitors, with 20 group tours. Staff also participated in many historic outreach programs and events including the Living History Weekend, held twice a year.
8,167 Total Visitors