November 2016 VRPS Magazine

Virginia Parks & Recreation OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGINIA RECREATION & PARK SOCIETY

FALL 2016

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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Virginia Parks & Recreation Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Volume 71 FALL 2016

Virginia Recreation & Park Society 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111 Phone: 804-730-9447 Fax: 804-730-9455 vrps@vrps.com www.vrps.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR James C. Stutts, CAE, CPRP Member Services Coordinator Nancy Turnage Administrative Assistant Lori Haislip Editor Amy-Jo Hendrix, CPRP Send Articles to:ahendrix@viennava.gov or AmyJo Hendrix, CPRP, Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation, 120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA 22180 Virginia Parks and Recreation is published three times per year by the Virginia Recreation & Park Society, Inc. VRPS is a non-profit professional organization supported by membership dues and contributions. VRPS is affiliated with the National Recreation & Park Association.

Subscription Information. Members receive the magazine as part of their annual membership dues. The magazine is available by subscription for $25 per year. Requests for subscription should be directed to VRPS, 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

Editorial Statement: Statements of fact and opinions are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the officers, members or staff of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society or the Foundation of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society.

FALL 2016•FEATURES & DEPARTMENTS 4

Message from the President

Thank you for a great ten months!

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2016 VRPS Boards, Key Leaders and Staff

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VRPS Fall/Winter 2016/17 Calendar of Events

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News from SRG

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News from VRPS

The Senior Resource Group Serving Seniors with Cutting Edge Programs

Tobacco Use in Parks

10 News from NOVA Parks & George Mason University

What Makes a Park? Lessons From Park(ing) Day

12 News from the City of Chesapeake

Enjoying Elizabeth River Park!

14 News from VRPS 2016 Conference

2015 Awards

22 News from VRPS Management Conference

Can Management be “Fun”?

23 Looking for your next family holiday

tradition? We’ve got two!

MISSION The mission of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society is to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks, and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Thank you for a GREAT Year!

A s my term is coming to a close, it has been my extreme pleasure in serving as your President for the past ten months. I trust that everyone had a great summer, offering camps, outdoor activities, special events and many recreational opportunities that have enhanced the quality of life for so many youth, teens, adults and of course our seniors. It is because of our dedication and commitment to the profession that allows us numerous opportunities to provide services and programs that will make life-long differences in the lives of many citizens.

It is because of our dedication and commitment to the profession ... that will make life-long differences in the lives of many citizens.

There are many upcoming training opportunities, to include the 2016 VRPS Annual Conference, November 5-8, 2016 in beautiful Roanoke. If you have not registered, I encourage you to do so now. This is a great experience that you do not want to miss, the keynote speaker is Neelay Bhatt, Vice Presi-

Margaret Thorne

President, Virginia Recreation & Park Society

dent of PROS Consulting, awesome educational sessions being offered and perhaps your agency could receive an award at the Monday night Awards Banquet. The conference committee has worked diligently in the planning process to provide you with four days of “Exploring the Possibilities”. During this process the committee unfortunately had to deal with the loss of Co-Chair Steve Buschor, Director of Roanoke Parks & Recreation. Steve will truly be missed but his legacy and contributions will be exemplified throughout the conference and the profession.

As I have mentioned in my previous messages to all members, the Board of Directors is committed and dedicated to serving the membership and value of being a member. I hope that we have kept everyone well informed with all that VRPS has to offer. Please if you have not done so, take advantage of the “ASK THE BOARD” segment that has been offered in the President’s Newsletter and let us know what your needs are.

Thank you for a great ten months and all that you do for VRPS, I look forward to seeing you in beautiful Roanoke.

Margaret Thorne 4

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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VRPS Staff

Enterprise Group Chairs

Resource Service Area Group Chairs Chairs

Board of Directors

Executive Board

2016 VRPS BOARDS KEY LEADERS & STAFF President Margaret Thorne Vice President LaTanya Turner, CPRP Treasurer Kirk Kincannon CPRP Lay Member Rita Miller Executive Director Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE President Margaret Thorne Board Member Michael Kalvort, CPRE Board Member Katey Legg, CPRP Board Member Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP Board Member Blythe Russian Board Member Bill Sgrinia, CPRP Board Member Doug Blount Board Member Kirk Kincannon CPRP Board Member LaTanya Turner Lay Member Rita Miller Executive Director Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Central Justin Bullock Eastern James Mickle Northern Todd Brown Southwestern Western Claire Richardson, CPRP Aquatics Sandy Kellogg Seniors June Snead Therapeutic Recreation

City of Portsmouth Isle of Wight Parks & Rec. Fairfax County Park Authority VA Dept. of Health Virginia Rec. & Park Society City of Portsmouth Virginia Beach Parks & Rec. Gloucester Parks, Rec. & Tourism Hopewell Rec. & Parks Northern Virginia Reg. Park Authority Danville Parks, Rec. & Tourism Roanoke Co. Parks, Rec. & Tourism Fairfax County Parks Authority Isle of Wight Parks & Rec. VA Department of Health Virginia Rec. & Park Society Fredericksburg Parks, Rec. & Pub. Facilities City of Norfolk Rec. Parks & Open Space Fairfax County Park Authority

757-393-5143x4264 757-357-5951 703-324-8584 804-864-7897 804-730-9447 757-393-5143x4264 757-385-1122 804-693-1270 804-541-2353 703-359-4624 x221 434-799-5200 540-387-6061 703-324-8584 757-357-5951 804-864-7897 804-730-9447 540-372-1086 757-441-1440 703-324-8676

thornem@portsmouthva.gov lturner@isleofwightus.net kirk.kincannon@fairfaxcounty.gov rita.miller@vdh.virginia.gov jim@vrps.com thornem@portsmouthva.gov mkalvort@vbgov.com klegg@gloucesterva.info areidmiller@hopewellva.gov brussian@nvrpa.org sgrinia@ci.danville.va.us dblount@roanokecountyva.gov kirk.kincannon@fairfaxcounty.gov lturner@isleofwightus.net rita.miller@vdh.virginia.gov jim@vrps.com jlbullock@fredericksburgva.gov james.mickle@norfolk.gov todd.brown@fairfaxcounty.gov

Staunton Parks & Rec. Fairfax County Park Authority Hanover Co. Parks & Rec.

540-332-9168 703-324-9205 804-365-7152

richardsonca@ci.staunton.va.us sandra.kellogg@fairfaxcounty.gov jvsnead@hanovercounty.gov

Annual Conference

Doug Blount Steve Buschor

Roanoke Co. Parks Rec. & Tourism Roanoke Parks & Rec.

540-387-6061 540-853-2494

dblount@roanokecountyva.gov steve.buschor@roanokeva.gov

Foundation Awards & Citations

LTI 2016

Management Conf. ‘17 Professional Education Virginia Senior Games Legislative

Greg Sager Hanover County Parks & Rec. Sandy Kellogg Fairfax County Park Authority Jason Bookheimer Danville Parks & Rec. Kristen Hamill, CPRP Newport News Parks Rec. & Tourism Matt Spruill, CPRP Colonial Heights Rec. & Parks Lakita Watson, CPRP Suffolk Parks & Rec. Shannon Moore, CPRP Virginia Beach Parks & Rec. Jeff Sykes Newport News Parks, Rec. & Tourism Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Virginia Rec. & Park Society Art Thatcher, CPRP, AFO, MPA GreenPlay LLC

804-365-4690 703-324-9205 434-799-5200 757-926-1419 804-520-9392 757-514-7251 757-385-0420 757-591-4892 804-730-9447 757-592-3103

rgsager@hanovercounty.gov sandra.kellogg@fairfaxcounty.gov bookhjl@danvilleva.gov khamill@nngov.com spruillm@colonialheightsva.gov lwatson@suffolkva.us smoore@vbgov.com jsykes@nngov.com jim@vrps.com artt@greenplayllc.com

804-730-9447 804-730-9447 804-730-9447

jim@vrps.com lori@vrps.com nancy@vrps.com

CEO Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Administrative Assistant Lori Haislip Member Services Coor. Nancy Turnage

Virginia Rec. & Park Society Virginia Rec. & Park Society Virginia Rec. & Park Society

Board Liaisons Central

Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP Eastern LaTanya Turner, CPRP Northern Blythe Russian Southwestern Bill Sgrinia, CPRP; Doug Blount Western Katey Legg, CPRP RESOURCE GROUPS Aquatics

Blythe Russian Seniors Michael Kalvort, CPRE

COMMITTEES LTI 2016

Annual Conference 2016 Management Conference 2017 Virginia Senior Games 2016 Awards & Citations

Margaret Thorne; LaTanya Turner, CPRP Margaret Thorne; Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE LaTanya Turner, CPRP Jim Stutts CPRP, CAE Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP

Foundation

Legislation

Professional Education

Jim Stutts CPRP, CAE Jim Stutts CPRP, CAE; Art Thatcher CPRP, AFO, MPA Michael Kalvort, CPRE

Revised 1/28/16 FALL 2016 n Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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NOVEMBER 2016

Friday, Nov. 11

Tuesday, Nov. 15 10:00am Wednesday, Nov 16 12:30pm Thursday, Nov 17 10:00am Friday, Nov 18 10:00am Thursday, Nov24 – Friday, Nov 25 Wednesday, Nov 30

DECEMBER 2016

Thursday, Dec 1 10:00am Thursday, Dec 8 10:00am Friday, Dec 9 9:00am Tuesday, Dec 13 10:00am Wednesday, Dec 14 12:30pm Monday, Dec 26 – Tuesday, Dec 27 Friday, Dec 30

JANUARY 2017

Monday, Jan 2 VRPS Central Office Closed – New Years Day Holiday Tuesday, Jan 10 10:00am 2017 Management Conference Meeting Wednesday, Jan 11 12:30pm 2017 Annual Conference Meeting Friday, Jan 13 VRPS Central Office Closed

9:00am Virginia Senior Games Meeting

12:00pm Northern Service Area Holiday/Winter Social Monday, Jan 16 VRPS Central Office Closed – Martin Luther

King Day Thursday, Jan 19 10:00am 2016 VRPS Board Meeting Monday, Jan 23 10:00am 2018 LTI Meeting Wednesday, Jan 25 12:30pm 2017 Annual Conference Meeting Friday, Jan 27 10:00am VRPS Foundation Board Meeting Tuesday, Jan 31 Feb P&R Magazine Submission Deadline

FEBRUARY 2017

VRPS FALL/WINTER 2016/17 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wednesday, Feb 1 Cole Scholarship Application Opens Wednesday, Feb 8 12:30pm 2017 Annual Conference Meeting Friday, Feb 10 9:00am 2017 Virginia Senior Games Meeting Tuesday, Feb 14 10:00am 2017 Management Conference Meeting Monday, Feb 20 VRPS Central Office Closed Sunday, Feb 26 – Tuesday, Feb 28 2017 Management Conference

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Central Office Closed - Veterans Day Kings Dominion Fall Fun & Good Anyday Ticket Return Deadline 2017 Management Conference Meeting 2017 Annual Conference Meeting 2016 VRPS Board Meeting NSA Workshop-Email Marketing Central Office Closed - Thanksgiving Holiday SA/RG P&L Reports Distributed CSA Meeting 2017 Leadership Orientation 2017 Virginia Senior Games Meeting 2017 Management Conference Meeting 2017 Annual Conference Meeting Central Office Closed - Christmas Holiday 2017 Management Conference Regular Registration Deadline SA/RG P&L Reports Distributed

NEWS FROM SRG

THE SENIOR RESOURCE GROUP

Serving Seniors with Cutting Edge Programs

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June Snead, SRG Chair

he Senior Resource Group (SRG) mission is “to provide an opportunity to unite leisure professionals, colleagues, associates and students, through creative networking, educational opportunities and VRPS events; while maintaining, for its members, an opportunity for leadership, growth and volunteerism.”

It is the SRG vision to explore new avenues of growth and change, reflecting the needs of all SRG members, through outreach, enhanced communication, and member recruitment and through increased partnerships with other VRPS organizations, committees, resource groups and service areas.”

As my term will soon come to a close I would like to thank all SRG Board Members and VRPS Liaison Michael Kalvort for their hard work and dedication in keeping SRG viable by offering all members the opportunity to learn and implement cutting edge programs for our Virginia’s senior citizens.

Congratulations to the newly elected SRG Board Members: Adrianna Carr from Arlington, Janice Myrick from Suffolk, and Cheryl Wheeler from Loudoun County. I am sure they will do a fantastic job under the leadership of Karen Brutsché!

FALL 2016 n Virginia Recreation & Park Society Quit Now Ad Design_APROVED

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NEWS FROM DEPT. OF CONSERVATION & RECREATION & VA DEPT. OF HEALTH

Tobacco Use in Parks Janit Llewellyn Allen, Programs Planner, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation &

S

Rita W. Miller, Cessation Service Coordinator, Virginia Department of Health

mokefree indoor spaces have been embraced nationwide. Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights reports that the public has become increasingly concerned about the effects of outdoor smoking. Secondhand smoke from tobacco impacts park users and deters the use of public outdoor facilities by non-smokers.

The Virginia Code 4VAC5-30-230 enables smoking to be prohibited in any structure or part of any park. In other words, smoking may be forbidden by a state agency or its authorized agent in any part of any park.

This is effective enabling legislation for the state to define where smoking is allowed in parks and where it is not appropriate. Let’s take a look at how local, state and national parks are integrating non-smoking initiatives into park management.

National Park Service The National Park Service recognized that one of its critical duties was to make and follow through on the decision to protect the health and safety of their visitors and employees. In 2009, smoking bans became policy inside the Park Services’ buildings and vehicles. That policy also allowed park superintendents to restrict outdoor smoking.

Parking lots and sidewalks are, however, generally exempt. In September 2015, the ban extended to include Electronic Nicotine Devices (ENDs or e-cigarettes).

This extension of the original restriction further protects visitors and employees from exposure to tobacco smoke to include exposure to vapor from electronic smoking devices.

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Virginia State Parks

partnership program with the LHD and Parks and Recreation has been such a success and the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Clearly, the key is partnership with the LHD for the study and full funding for tobacco-free signage following the Fairfax County Park

Nancy Heltman, Visitor Services Director for Virginia State Parks, published a Feb. 17, 2015 report indicating a growing number of visitors to Virginia States Parks were unhappy with smoking in outdoor areas where visitors gather. The concern for cigarettes includes fire hazards in parks, secondhand smoke To support tobacco-free living, Fairfax has a and litter including toxic number of resources. residue from cigarette filters. The authority to n Fairfax County Annual Report references Tobacco Free Parks. designate non-smoking n Fairfax County posted an announcement of Tobacco Free Parks areas under 4VAC5-30on its website.

230-Smoking states, “No n Live Healthy Fairfax has information about the program person shall smoke in any promoting Tobacco Free Parks. structure or place in any park where smoking is prohibited. Smoking may be forbidden by the department or its Authority Board establishing Tobacco-Free authorized agent in any part of any park. As Play Zones in local parks. Plans are underway a consequence of this position paper, Virginia to expand the signage to other public park State Parks have expanded non-smoking amenities, such as picnic shelters, marinas areas from within buildings and cabins to and amusement areas. areas outside. Areas include places near amphitheaters, pools, swimming areas, picnic Chesterfield County shelters and of course near the entrances of Chesterfield County has taken a different park facilities.” approach in encouraging smokers to stay a certain distance from active youth Fairfax County recreational activities. In the spring of 2014, In a June 2011 Partnership for a Healthier Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Fairfax Community Health Assessment, 20 was approached by Central Chesterfield percent of Fairfax County residents listed Little League concerned about the smoking tobacco as an important community health occurring near the fields during games and issue. Collaboration with the Local Health practices at Harry G. Daniel Park. While Department (LHD) has been the key to Chesterfield County does not have an success in implementing a self-enforced ordinance to ban smoking, the department or voluntary non-smoking policy. The partnered with the league to develop a pilot

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program requesting that smokers refrain from smoking near the fields. “Please do not smoke” signage was placed at dugouts and concession areas with league members taking the lead to encourage compliance.

The program proved to be such a success that it was immediately expanded to the second baseball complex at the park. Phase two expanded the non-smoking initiative to the baseball facilities at Rockwood Park and Clover Hill Complex and to all playgrounds at county parks. A final phase expanded the program to the remaining baseball fields as well as all football facilities within the parks system. The total cost for signage was just over $2,000 spread over two budget cycles.

Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Jim Perdue has been lead in implementing and managing this program. Jim notes that the non-smoking signage has minimized maintenance needs near sideline fences due to the reduction in cigarette waste. He also stresses the county’s program is voluntary with co-sponsored groups like athletic leagues taking the lead to encourage compliance.

Arlington County Work on the Smoke-Free Parks Initiative began in 2008 as an initiative of Arlington County Board Member Walter Tejada to discourage smoking in Arlington’s parks. In early 2010, Arlington was awarded an Action Communities for Health Innovation and EnVironmental changE (ACHIEVE) grant from the National Recreation and Parks Association. The grant has been co-managed by staff from the Departments of Parks and Recreation and Human Services. The award

of the ACHIEVE grant, which targets several chronic disease risk factors, assisted with the campaign to address secondhand smoke.

Because of the nature of the county’s current authority to ban smoking in outdoor public spaces, the initiative’s initial approach is to ask park users to respect community values related to a healthy and safe environment by helping to reduce secondhand smoke exposure in parks

Promoting Tobacco-Free Outdoor Spaces Currently, there is not a state law that prohibits smoking in outdoor spaces; however, that does not mean that you cannot control the space for which you are accountable.

Signage is one of the best options to begin to change the norm of tobacco use in outdoor spaces. If you want your buildings, grounds and play areas to be tobacco-free, you can make that happen.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is on board and offering signage for localities interested in joining this campaign. To find out more about tobacco cessation in parks, contact Rita Miller at Rita.Miller@vdh. virginia.gov.

Thanks to the following recreation professionals for contributing to this article.

Susan Kalish - Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation, Public Relations Director - 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 414, Arlington VA 22201 - W 703228-3330 Jim Perdue – Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation - Pe r d u e J @ chesterfield.gov – 804-751-4481 Sarah Baldwin – Fairfax County Park Authority Sara.Baldwin@ fairfaxcounty.gov Judith Pederson – Fairfax C o u n t y Pa r k Authority Public Communication Officer, Judith.Pedersen@ fairfaxcounty.gov Julie Buchanan – Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Public Relations Specialist – Julie.Buchanan@dcr. virginia.gov Nancy Heltman – Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, State Parks – Nancy.Heltman@dcr.virginia.gov

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NEWS FROM NOVA PARKS & GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

What Makes a Park?

LESSONS FROM PARK(ING) DAY Paul Gilbert, Executive Director – NOVA Parks

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he creation of a mini-park in the space of two parking spots for national Park(ing) Day was a great project for Recreation Management students at George Mason University. And it raises an interesting question for the greater field of parks and recreation to consider: What makes a park?

honors society for Recreation Management, took on the task this year of bringing Park(ing) Day to Mason’s main campus in Fairfax, Virginia. “As we started setting up tents and other equipment on the asphalt in front of the Performing Arts Center, there were some in the area who were concerned we were setting up some kind of protest, “occupy encampment,” remarked Raina Aide,

Park(ing) Day started in San Francisco in 2005 when a design studio made a single metered parking spot into a park for the day. Since then, different groups around the country have converted parking spaces into open spaces in September to highlight the need for urban parks.

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

The pop-up park included two camping tents and a fire pit (without actual fire) to sit around and have conversations, yoga maps, corn hole, and a giant Jenga game all invited people to play, a kayak added an atmosphere of adventure, and information on real outdoor adventures was available along with information on the academic programs in the Recreation Management field.

Participants could also sign up for the Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge.

“By changing the parking spaces to interactive places for three hours, it helped people to start thinking differently about the spaces they

George Mason University’s Chapter of Rho Phi Lambda, the

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President of the Rho Phi Lambda group. “It was pretty funny,” she continued.

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experience on a daily basis. Connecting this space to parks and recreation takes the effort to an even higher level, as we know parks and recreation also improve health and well-being,� commented Rick Holt, member of Rho Phi Lambda that initiated the Park(ing) Day planning.

Hundreds of students and professors walked by the exhibit, most smiled, some were confused, and many stopped to play or connect with others for a bit.

Professionals engaged in running parks and park agencies spend a lot of time and effort acquiring land, planning and constructing facilities, developing programs, maintaining facilities, and managing people, budgets and processes. Creating an interesting and engaging park space without land, facilities or established programs raises the question of what it is exactly that makes a park a park?

A park can be anything from a landscaped plaza in a city, to any number of recreational facilities, to historic sites, to vast areas of nature. So, if it can look like and function in so many different ways, what makes it a park?

If our tents and yoga mats on a patch of asphalt taught us anything, it is that a park is less about the place and more about how people relate to that space and others in it. Some parks are established to preserve or conserve some unique natural or historic resource, and those are very special places. But wherever people come together in a public space to play, rest, converse, interact and enjoy, we can call it a park. And, places like that make society civil, and bring people together in ways that are good for all of us.

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NEWS FROM CITY OF CHESAPEAKE

Enjoying Elizabeth River Park!

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lizabeth River Park, located along Scuffletown Creek, a tributary to the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, underwent a $4.3M renovation completed in May 2015. This 12.6-acre Chesapeake park is centrally located to Portsmouth, Virginia Beach and Norfolk.

With the industrial skyline in the background, the park’s nautical theme, waterfront views and outdoor amenities convey a welcoming feeling of fun and relaxation. The new Jordan Bridge, an engineering marvel with a maximum height of 160 feet, provides an architectural backdrop to the park’s scenic setting. Artifacts from the old Jordan Bridge, including a bridge segment, will eventually be incorporated into the park design with citizen input. Park amenities include a Snack Shack and Ship Shop Combo building with an attached pavilion with seating; enhanced and renovated boat ramp and pier; re-decked fishing and crabbing pier from a Virginia

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Port Authority grant; restroom building; dog park; outdoor fitness equipment; 42 picnic tables; 2 shelters with grills; 5 pavilions (some lit), benches; added parking spaces with 8 handicapped and 10 pull-through boat and trailer spaces; electrical and water service; and a +/- ½ mile walking trail. The connecting walkways to major features of the park provide ADA accessibility.

Great care was taken to not only beautify the park but to make it better environmentally.

There is a bio-retention area for parking-lot drainage: storm water runoff for the parking lot is captured underground, cleaned and dispersed into the Elizabeth River. There is also a riparian barrier along the east side of the property to assist in cleaning rainwater sheet-flow and help stabilize the ground. The City received a grant to install educational interpretive signage throughout the park to educate guests about the river, the park and how we can all do our part to help the wa-

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terway. Part of this grant supported an Osprey tower. Elizabeth River Park also offers hands-on science opportunities. Chesapeake Public Schools is working with the department for the park to become a Monarch Waystation and visitation site for other butterflies and birds. Water-quality testing and oyster observation, along with water exploration, take place via kayaks.

The park is now actively being programmed to provide guests and community groups, some of which were involved in the design and planning of the renovation, with a va-

Evening steel drum concerts; outdoor movies; family events; kayaking; vessel inspections; and rigging, trailering, and safe boating classes are just some of the many offerings now taking place at the park.

riety of ways to enjoy the park. Residents and community groups take pride in the park improvements for which they continue to contribute. Evening steel drum concerts; outdoor movies; family events; kayaking; vessel inspections; and rigging, trailering, and safe boating classes are just some of the many offerings now taking place at the park. Out of the 74 parks in the City, Elizabeth River Park is the second most popular park for shelter rentals. The park renovation project further developed the public/private partnership between the City and commu-

nity, and the renovations and additional amenities provided many recreational opportunities. It is hoped that the site will now also be a destination for learning and will connect community, recreation and nature for all to enjoy for generations to come.

For more information about the park, visit http://www.cityofchesapeake. net/government/City-Departments/De-

partments/parks-recreation-tourism/parks/ elizabethriverpark.htm

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President’s Awards Given at the Discretion of the President for Exceptional Service to the Society during 2016

2016 Annual Conference Committee               

Doug Blount (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism): Co-Chair John Shaner (Salem Parks and Recreation): Co-Chair Dean Crane, CPRP (Blacksburg Parks and Recreation) Marcia Dougherty (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism) Jim Farmer (Botetourt County Parks and Recreation Department) Allen Hayes (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism) Brian Laws, CPRP (Fairfax County Park Authority) Arlain Martin (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism) Melida McKee, CPRP (Roanoke Parks and Recreation) Alex North (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism) Scott Ramsburg (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism) Wendi Schultz (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism) Dr. Susan Van Patten (Radford University) David Weir, CPRP (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism) Maureen Wilson (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism)

2016 Leadership Training Institute Committee         

Kristen Hamill, CPRP (Newport News Parks, Recreation and Tourism): Co-Chair Matt Spruill, CPRP (Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks): Co-Chair Terry Caldwell, CPRP, AFO (Christiansburg Aquatic Center) Nancy Ellis, CPRP (James City County Parks and Recreation) Kat Fish (Prince William County Parks and Recreation) Brian Gannon, CPRP, AFO (Reston Community Center) Michael Kalvort, CPRE (Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation) Derek Stamey, CPRP (Goochland County Parks and Recreation) Amy Woodson, CPRP (Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation)

Marcy Durrer, CPRP (Hanover County Parks and Recreation) Dr. Susan Van Patten (Radford University)

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Fellows Award Nancy E. Ellis, CPRP, James City County Parks and Recreation

Distinguished Service Benita Ripley, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation

Outstanding New Professional Alicia Engels, Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks Lindsay Blankenship, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Distinguished Private Sector Service Landscape Supply Inc., Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Enrichmond, Richmond Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities

Distinguished Volunteer Service Catherine Ledec, Fairfax County Park Authority Charley O’Hara, Falls Church Recreation and Parks

Best New Program Population Under 25,000 and Under Heroes Camp, Hopewell Recreation and Parks Population 25,001 – 50,000 Roverwalk, Danville Parks and Recreation Population 50,001 – 100,000 RCC Rides, Reston Community Center Population Greater than 100,000 Footgolf at Pinecrest Golf Course, Fairfax County Park Authority

Best New Special Event Population 25,000 and Under Irish Road Bowling, Staunton Parks and Recreation Population 50,001 – 100,000 A Christmas Past at the Fishburn Mansion Open House, Roanoke Parks and Recreation Population Greater than 100,000 Miss Abilities Chesapeake, Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Best New Facility (Bricks and Mortar) Population 50,001 – 100,000 Whaleyville Community Center, Suffolk Parks and Recreation Population Greater than 100,000 Bow Creek Recreation Center, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation

Best New Facility (Parks, Playground, Greenways and Trails) Population 25,000 and Under Second Avenue/Park Road Improvement Project, Radford Parks and Recreation Department Population 25,001 – 50,000 Danville Art Trail, Danville Parks and Recreation Population 50,001 – 100,000 Jamestown Beach Event Park, James City County Parks and Recreation Population Greater than 100,000 Elizabeth River Park, Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Best New Renovation/Addition (Bricks and Mortar) Population 25,000 and Under Shepherd Stadium Dugouts, Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks Population 25,001 – 50,000 Ballou Recreation Center Upgrade, Danville Parks and Recreation Population 50,001 – 100,000 Miller Center, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Population Greater than 100,000 Spring Hill RECenter, Fairfax County Park Authority

Best New Renovation/Addition (Parks, Playgrounds, Greenways & Trails) Population 25,000 and Under Crystal Springs Recreation Area, Wytheville Parks and Recreation Population 50,001-1000,000 Roanoke River Trail, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Population Greater than 100,000 Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole, Fairfax County Park Authority

Best New Environmental Sustainability Population 25,000 and Under Lake Tams Renovation, Staunton Parks and Recreation Population 25,001 – 50,000 Native Tree Walk at Ida Lee Park, Leesburg Parks and Recreation Population 50,001 – 100,000 Neighborhood Center Teaching Gardens, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Population Greater than 100,000 Virginia Beach Trees for Clean Water Grant Initiative, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation

Best Promotional Effort - Traditional Population 25,000 and Under Fall “History Edition” Program Guide, Goochland County Parks and Recreation Population 25,001 – 50,000 Discount Movie Ticket Flyers, Orange County Parks and Recreation Population 50,001 – 100,000 A Christmas Past at the Fishburn Mansion Brochure, Roanoke Parks and Recreation Green Ridge Folder, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Population Greater than 100,000 2015 Strategic Plan Report, Fairfax County Park Authority

Best Promotional Effort - Specialty Population 25,000 and Under 2015 Herndon Festival Digital Brochure, Herndon Parks and Recreation Population 25,001 – 50,000 25th Annual Flower and Garden Festival Wineglass, Leesburg Parks and Recreation Population 50,001 – 100,000 Lynchburg is for Locavores Campaign, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Roanoke County Parks App, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Population Greater than 100,000 15-second Video Promotion: Annual RECenter Membership Sale, Fairfax County Park Authority

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Certified Playground Safety Inspector Course and Exam March 29 - 31, 2017 – Newport News, VA Phone: 804-730-9447

FAX: 804-730-9455

On or before 2/5/17

CIRCLE REGISTRATION CHOICE

CPSI Course & Exam

*Includes Lunches & Site Visit

CPSI Course Only

*Includes Lunches & Site Visit

CPSI EXAM Only

Web: www.vrps.com

Email: vrps@vrps.com

2/6/17 – 3/5/17

3/6/17 or after

VRPS Member

Non-Member

VRPS Member

Non-Member

VRPS Member

Non-Member

$575

$650

$635

$710

$665

$740

VRPS Member

Non-Member

VRPS Member

Non-Member

VRPS Member

Non-Member

$440

$515

$490

$565

$510

$585

VRPS Member

Non-Member

VRPS Member

Non-Member

VRPS Member

Non-Member

$140

$190

$150

$200

$160

$210

1.5 CEUs are included in the course fee.

*A candidate who has a disability may request a special accommodation; the request must be submitted in writing at the time of course or exam registration. In order to properly accommodate all persons with disabilities it is recommended that all requests be made 45 days prior to the scheduled date for the course and exam. *English as second language (ESL) candidates may request a time extension and/or the use of a strict translation dictionary. Candidates request forms/fees must be submitted to NRPA no less than 30 days prior to the exam.

Request forms are available online at http://www.nrpa.org/cpsi. The course host will work collaboratively with NRPA to ensure all approved, reasonable accommodations are met.

*Price includes UPS Ground Shipping within the Continental United States to a BUSINESS address.

Shipping to Residential address will be an additional $10 fee. Please call for international shipping fees.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fee, less a $300 cancellation charge, will be refunded if cancellation is received in writing on or before close of business February 5, 2017. Substitutions are allowed. No refunds will be considered after February 5, 2017.

REGISTRATION IS ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.vrps.com First Name: Last Name: Name on Badge: Agency: Title: Shipping Address: (No PO Boxes): ___ ___________________ City: State: Zip: Phone: Email: __ Fax: Address is Business or Residential?

VRPS Member: __Yes __No Attendees that are continuing their certification MUST provide their certification number.

CPSI Certification Number for Renewal: Study materials will not be shipped until both the minimum of 25 course registrants is reached and full individual payment is received. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure timely payment is received by VRPS in order to allow materials to be sent and received, adhering to three weeks minimum preparation as recommended by NRPA.

Credit Card Type: Credit Card Number: Name on Card: Billing Address: Phone: Date:

City: Email: Signature:

Payment-in-full, in the form of check, money order, or credit card, is required to secure placement in program. If paying by check, make payable to VRPS and mail with registration form to: Virginia Recreation & Park Society/CPSI 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Check/PO Number: Exp. Date: Security Code: Agency: State: ____Zip: ___Fax: ___ ___________________ Course and Exam will be held at: Denbigh Community Center 15198 Warwick Blvd.

Newport News, VA 23608 (757) 812-7900

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VRPS Management Conference Can Management be “Fun”?

Management can be an adventure! But can it be fun?

During my early years as a new manager, I made some mistakes. I have always felt confident of my own skills, abilities and work ethic. However, when I became responsible for other people, I sometimes wondered “Why in the world won’t people just act right?” Over the years I have gained a better understanding of managing people and projects. I have learned many lessons that have helped me build better teams and accomplish the goals of my agency: 1. Recognize that everyone is different. It is important to recognize that every member of your team is different. You must meet people where they are and work with them accordingly. Managers must know the strengths and weakness of their team members. Build off their strengths and turn weaknesses into opportunities to train them.

2. Set clear expectations. I don’t think that many of us are mind readers. Let your team members know what you expect from them. It isn’t fair to hold someone to a standard that they were not aware of. Once you set the expectation, follow-up on the tasks and provide feedback along the way.

3. Calm down. Sometimes the journey on this road to successful management is stressful. We are all pulled in several directions trying to accomplish more with less: less people and less funds.

Regardless of how you may feel, you should never communicate to your team in a way that is negative even when you are frustrated and/ or disappointed. Good managers learn how to walk away and when to come back to deal with the issue. Conflict is inevitable. Managing conflict effectively is a skill that you have to master in order to successfully manage people. How you manage conflict will build up your team or tear it down.

Do you want to learn more management tips like this? Well join me February 26-28, 2017 at the 2017 VRPS Management Conference in the beautiful city of Suffolk, Virginia. I encourage you to take advantage of the early bird rate of $170 through November 30, 2017. This conference will inspire you and provide you with the tools needed to effectively manage

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your teams whether you are a veteran or a new professional. Management Conference is one of the most affordable yet comprehensive trainings I have ever attended. The committee is working diligently to bring you the best educational experience possible by providing presenters and topics that will help you become the best manager that you can be. Look for us at the annual conference in Roanoke in the exhibit hall and enter for a chance to win a free registration to the 2017 Management Conference! It’s time to get back to the basics while “Making Management Fun!” Lakita S. Watson, CPRP, is the 2017 Management Conference Co-Chair and Past President of VRPS

VIRGINIA

R E C R E AT I O

N & PA R K SOCIETY

Innovate, Motivat e,

Collaborate: Mak FEBRUARY 26-2 ing Managemen 8 Hilton Garden t Fun! Inn Riverfront & Su ffolk Conference Center

REGISTER TODA Y!

IN N O V AT E

MOTIVATE COLLABO

Making ManagemRenAtTFEun !

vrps.com page

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Looking for your next family holiday tradition?

We’ve got two!

Bull Run Festival of Lights Every year from Thanksgiving until just after New Year’s Day, you can experience the Bull Run Festival of Lights, 2.5 miles illuminated by holiday light displays. Drive the festival route from the comfort of your car; turn out your headlights and just follow the magical glow. After viewing the lights, bring your family and friends to the holiday village to enjoy rides, refreshments, and of course, photos with Santa Claus. The festival happens annually at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville, Virginia. Want to avoid the crowds? Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are our busiest nights.

Please take advantage of the Monday through Thursday discounted price and avoid a long wait. The Snowflake Stampede is a great way

to kick off the holiday season. Join us on November 19, 2016 for a 2.5 mile fun run or walk for holiday enthusiasts of all ages. Enjoy a special preview of the Festival of Lights on foot, and take a picture with your favorite display. Don’t delay, this event typically sells out in advance.

Meadowlark’s Winter Walk of Lights

Lights, the Fountain of Lights, and the Holiday Nature Walk - and look for new displays each year. Put on your walking shoes and bring the family to experience a Northern Virginia festive tradition. Round out your visit by roasting marshmallows, and sipping on hot beverages by the fire. Check out our calendar of events for appreciation days and value-added days like Fun Family Photo Night.

Bring the family to enjoy the magical Winter Walk of lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. Every year from mid-November until just after New Year’s Day, the garden is transformed into a half-mile, animated walk of lights. Revisit perennial favorites such as the Lakeside

For more information on both of the shows, visit www.novaparks.com and click on Events and be sure to like us on Facebook, too! Each show provides a different experience and will live in the hearts of young and old for years to come!

November 18 to January 8 November 23 to January 8 7700 Bull Run Drive | Centreville, VA 20121 | T: 703-631-0550

$3 off

weekday admission with this coupon

Offer valid Monday-Thursday, 2016 season only, excluding holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve & New Years Day).

Expires December 30, 2016. Cannot be combined with other offers.

www.bullrunfestivaloflights.com

$1 off

the regular admission price

Use coupon code HOLIDAY16 to redeem online only.

www.winterwalkoflights.com Offer only valid online for Monday-Thursday, non-holiday visit. Valid November 21 - January 5, 2017. Cannot be combined with other offers.

Visit www.winterwalkoflights.com to redeem. Expires January 5, 2017.

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WORKSHOP:

10 AM­11:15 AM VRPS Members* $30­By 10/14/16 $35­By 10/31/16 $40­By 11/18/16 *Non­VRPS Members Add $5

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Frying Pan Farm Park Visitors Center 2739 West Ox Road.

Herndon VA, 20171

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER

VRPS Preferred Vendors ACTIVE Network - 2016 Exhibitor All Recreation - 2016 Exhibitor American Ramp Company - 2016 Exhibitor Anchor Audio - 2016 Exhibitor Aquatic Council, LLC Aquatic Facility Design Bedford Technology - 2016 Exhibitor Blair Brothers Bliss Products and Services - 2016 Exhibitor BSN Sports - 2016 Exhibitor CHA Consulting, Inc. Court One Cunningham Recreation/GameTime - 2016 Exhibitor Discount Playground Supply- 2016 Exhibitor Dixie Youth Sports - 2016 Exhibitor Fitness Resource - 2016 Exhibitor Franklin Sports, Inc. Gale Associates, Inc. - 2016 Exhibitor Glasdon Inc. - 2016 Exhibitor Gold Medal Products - 2016 Exhibitor Harper and Company - 2016 Exhibitor Kings Dominion - 2016 Exhibitor Kompan - 2016 Exhibitor Land Planning and Design Associates - 2016 Exhibitor Landscape Supply, Inc. Luck Ecosystems - 2016 Exhibitor Mateflex - 2016 Exhibitor Maximum Solutions, Inc. - 2016 Exhibitor MaxPlayFit - 2016 Exhibitor

Mid-Atlantic Products, Inc. Most Dependable Fountains - 2016 Exhibitor Musco Sports Lighting, LLC - 2016 Exhibitor MyRec.com- 2016 Exhibitor National Pools of Roanoke - 2016 Exhibitor Piedmont Virginia ASA - 2016 Exhibitor Pioneer Athletics - 2016 Exhibitor Playground Specialists, Inc.- 2016 Exhibitor Play-Well TEKnologies - 2016 Exhibitor R.J. Thomas Manufacturing Company ReCPro Software - 2016 Exhibitor SCORE - 2016 Exhibitor Shoco, Inc.- 2016 Exhibitor Site Concepts - 2016 Exhibitor Smith Midland Corp - 2016 Exhibitor Smith Turf - 2016 Exhibitor sofSURFACES - 2016 Exhibitor Southern Playground - 2016 Exhibitor Sparks@Play - 2016 Exhibitor SportMaster - 2016 Exhibitor SSCI - 2016 Exhibitor Stageline Mobile Stage - 2016 Exhibitor Time Technologies - 2016 Exhibitor Timmons Group - 2016 Exhibitor USTA Mid-Atlantic - 2016 Exhibitor Vermont Systems - 2016 Exhibitor Virginia Playground Services Waverly Lawn and Garden

2016 VRPS Annual Conference ! !

! !

!

!

! !

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Thank You! www.vrps.com

VRPS

For all your support in making 2016 another terrific year!

SEE YOU THIS SPRING Opening March 25, 2017 kingsdominion.com

More Fun, More Laughs, More Thrills Planet Snoopy Expansion Coming Spring 2017 For up-to-date Park information including hours, go to: kingsdominion.com © 2016 Peanuts Worldwide LLC, Peanuts.com ©2016 Cedar Fair, L.P. KD16-564

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