Spring 2013 VRPS Magazine

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

Spring 2013

Virginia Senior Games in Newport News - Join Us! May 15 - 18, 2013

Tennis Swimming

Pinochle

Cycling and Athlete’s Party at CitySPRING Center 2013

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Pickleball Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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Fun Card VRPS price:

67

$

*

Pay for a day, Play all Spring & summer.

Born to Soar There’s fun for the whole family at Busch Gardens. Brave the twisting & turning roller coaster Verbolten®. Take your little ones to Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™. Get up close to amazing animals.

Enjoy delicious food, shows and more. It’s a place where you’ll reconnect and come away feeling exhilarated.

Find exclusive VRPS ticket savings at the VRPS Central Office

*VRPS savings not available at park’s front gate. Fun Card valid March 17 - Sept. 2, 2013 on regular operating days. Based on $70 regular admission. Prices and products are subject to change without notice.

Offer expires Sept. 2, 2013. TM/© Sesame Workshop. All rights reserved. © 2013 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Volume 59 Winter/Spring 2013

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 Part-Time Assistants Karen Florey Nancy Turnage Office Manager Marlene Bresee 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.

Mission

Contents Features

Departments

8 News from the City of Norfolk

4 Message from the President

Norfolk Opens New Community Gym with Net Cutting Ceremony

9 News from the City of Norfolk

Local Clebrities Help Norfolk

Celebrate Healthy Youth Day

10 News from Fairfax County Park Authority 2013 US Amateur Public Links

Championship

17 News from Gloucester County

Gloucester County’s Newest Park

Has Something for Everyone

5 2013 VRPS Board, Key Leaders and Staff 6 News from Herndon

VRPS Profile - Thomas Shoenauer 7 VRPS 2013 Calendar of Events 12 News from VRPS

2013 VRPS Conference in James

City County - Register Early and Save!

13 VRPS Member Fall Conference

14 VRPS Member Fall 20 News from City of

Salem Conference Registration 2013

Establishing a Youth Sports Draft

Procedure

15 VRPS Senior Resource Group

22 News from the City of Newport 16 Join VRPS “Leaf-

News Peeping & Lobsters:

Making History: Welcome 2013 Maine’s Coast in Virginia Senior Games Autumn” 19 News from James City County

NRPA Gold Medal Winner

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

You and Member Engagement Katey Legg, CPRP

President, Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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t’s all about ME! And by that, I really mean it’s all about you. ME – Member Engagement; it’s what keeps any association sustainable and functional.

VRPS is no different. Without its members, VRPS lacks purpose.

Your support of and involvement in VRPS is what keeps us relevant. In September, we gathered at our Annual Conference to refresh, rejuvenate and reenergize. At that time, I asked for your help. Promote the benefits of VRPS to colleagues and employees. Become a volunteer, no matter how much time you have to give. Everyone has a talent to share, and VRPS benefits from the skills of its members. In addition, help us reach out to the members that sit on the sidelines as well as non-members.

Our membership has not only changed, but gotten smaller. So it’s time to ask the tough questions, listen to the answers, and respond accordingly. In order to remain significant, we need to know what you want.

Many of you responded to a survey last fall, and we received some excellent feedback and suggestions. That information was just the tip of the iceberg – we know you have more to tell us and we want to hear

So it’s time to ask the tough questions, listen to the answers, and respond accordingly. it. Engaging our members in the future growth of the Society will take hard work and commitment. This may seem like a daunting task, but together we are more than capable of meeting the challenges that lie ahead.

Our major focus areas this year include growing our membership and increasing member involvement and engagement.

Within those focus areas my goal is to increase professional membership from 766 to 900, and student membership from 67 to 100. In addition, we will be working on a plan to sustain us in the future. One major goal is to pay off the VRPS building by the end of 2013. Under the direction of Foundation President Greg Sager and 2012 President Cindy Roeder, the balance was reduced by $65,000 in one year! The outstanding debt is just over $46,500, and

once this is paid off, VRPS will have an additional $25,000/year to invest in member services.

There are some wonderful opportunities coming up so please join me in supporting these workshops, trainings and events. The Management Conference has a full schedule packed with exceptional speakers from around the country. The Athletic Fields workshops are coming back to four locations across Virginia, and a spring NPSI course will be held in Leesburg. In addition, the Virginia Senior Games, hosted by the City of Newport News, will be held in May. Volunteers and participants are needed!

And of course, planning for the 2013 Annual Conference, under the direction of Arlana Fauntleroy, is well underway. And looking ahead, the LTI Committee for 2014, spearheaded by Jane Shelhorse and Nancy Ellis, invites you to “Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow, Inspire Forever.”

If you have a suggestion, concern, or idea please feel free to share it with me or the Board as a whole at board@vrps.com. As you can see, there’s a lot going on in 2013 and I’m looking forward to an exciting year.

See you soon!

Visit www.vrps.com or call VRPS Office at 804-730-9447 or email vrps@vrps.com for volunteer opportunities.

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Katey Legg, CPRP Art Thatcher, CPRP Marcy Durrer, CPRP Ed Hamilton,Ph.D. Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Katey Legg, CPRP Lisa Cooke, CPRP, AFO Cindy Roeder Cindy Messinger,CPRP Art Thatcher, CPRP Kathy Williams, CTRS Marcy Durrer, CPRP Michael McCarty, CPRP Mandi Smith, CTRS Ed Hamilton, Ph.D Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP Hugo Morrison Karen Lussier, CPRP Maggie Mace, CPRP, AFO Erik Dart

Gloucester Parks, Rec & Tourism Norfolk Rec, Parks & Open Space Hanover County Parks & Rec Roanoke College Virginia Rec & Park Society Gloucester Parks, Rec & Tourism Clarke Co. Parks & Recreation Herndon Parks & Recreation Fairfax County Park Authority Norfolk Rec, Parks & Open Space Virginia Beach Parks & Rec Hanover County Parks & Rec City of Fairfax Parks & Rec Rockingham County Rec Roanoke College Virginia Rec. & Park Society Henrico Division of Rec & Parks Newport News Parks, Rec & Tourism City of Fairfax Parks & Rec Lynchburg Parks & Rec Harrisonburg Parks & Rec

804-693-1270 klegg@gloucesterva.info 757-441-2400 x 263 art.thatcher@norfolk.gov 804-365-4697 mgdurrer@hanovercounty.gov 540-375-2409 hamilton@roanoke.edu 804-730-9447 jim@vrps.com 804-693-1270 klegg@gloucesterva.info 540-955-5140 lcooke@clarkecounty.gov 703-435-6800 x 2123 cindy.roeder@herndon-va.gov 703-969-2026 cynthia.messinger@fairfaxcounty.gov 757-441-2400 x 263 art.thatcher@norfolk.gov 757-474-8877 kdwillia@vbgov.com 804-365-4697 mgdurrer@hanovercounty.gov 703-385-7853 mmccarty@fairfaxva.gov 540-564-3163 asmith@rockinghamcountyva.gov 540-375-2409 hamilton@roanoke.edu 804-730-9447 jim@vrps.com 804-290-0305 rei30@co.henrico.va.us 757-247-8603 hmorrison@nngov.com 703-591-3689 karen.lussier@fairfaxva.gov 434-455-582 maggie.mace@lynchburgva.gov 540-433-9168 x 118 erikd@harrisonburgva.gov

Aquatics Cultural Diversity Athletics Seniors Outdoors Therapeutic Recreation

Laura Kowalski, AFO

Reston Association

703-435-6528

pools@reston.org

Judy Jones Travis Coad

Chesterfield Parks & Rec Blacksburg Parks & Rec

804-751-4135 540-961-1133

JonesJ@chesterfield.gov tcoad@blacksburg.gov

Annual Conference Foundation Awards & Citations Hershey Track & Field LTI 2012

Management Conference

Professional Education Virginia Senior Games Legislative

CEO Office Manager Part-time Assistant Part-time Assistant

Arlana Fauntleroy, CPRP Greg Sager Kimberly Baldini, CPRP Paul W. Berryman Nancy Ellis, CPRP Jane Shelhorse, CPRP Bob Antozzi, Ed. D., CPRP Wendy Stone, CPRP Shannon Moore, CPRP Susan Lineberry Jim Spengler Art Thatcher, CPRP Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Marlene P. Bresee Karen Florey Nancy Turnage

James City Co. Parks & Rec Hanover County Parks & Rec Arlington Parks, Rec & Cultural Resources Virginia Beach Parks & Rec James City County Parks & Rec Louisa County Parks & Rec Fredericksburg Parks, Rec & Pub Facilities Fredericksburg Parks, Rec & Pub Facilities Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Newport News Parks, Rec & Tourism Alexandria Rec, Parks & Cultural Activities Norfolk Rec, Parks & Open Space Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society

757- 259-5377 804-365-4690 703-228-4742 757-496-6766 757-259-5370 540-967-4420 540-372-1086 x209 540-372-1086 x203 757-385-0420 757-926-1400 703-746-4343 757-441-2400 x 263 804-730-9447 804-730-9447 804-730-9447 804-730-9447 804-730-9447

arlana.fauntleroy@jamescitycountyva.gov rysager@co.hanover.va.us kbaldini@arlingtonva.us pberryma@vbgov.com nancy.ellis@jamescitycountyva.gov jshelhorse@louisa.org rkantozzi@fredericksburgva.gov wkstone@fredericksburgva.gov smoore@vbgov.com slineberry@nngov.com james.spengler@alexandreava.gov art.thatcher@norfolk.gov jim@vrps.com jim@vrps.com marlene@vrps.com karen@vrps.com nancy@vrps.com

VRPS Staff

Enterprise Group Chairs

Board of Directors

Executive Board Service Area Chairs

President Vice President Treasurer Lay Member Executive Director President Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Lay Member Executive Director Central Eastern Northern Southwestern Western

Resource Group Chairs

2013 vrps boards key leaders & staff

Board Liaisons Central Service Area Eastern Service Area Northern Service Area Southwestern Service Area Western Service Area Aquatics Athletics Cultural Diversty Outdoors Seniors Therapeutic Recreation LTI

Marcy Durrer Kathy Williams Mike McCarty, Cindy Roeder Mandi Smith Mandi Smith Art Thatcher, Cindy Messinger

Lisa Cooke Kathy Williams Jim Stutts, Marcy Durrer

Professional Education Virginia Senior Games Hershey Track & Field Legislation Awards & Citations Annual Conference ‘13 Foundation Management Conference ’13 Southern Region Rep

Kathy Williams, Jim Stutts Jim Stutts Cindy Roeder Art Thatcher, Jim Stutts Katey Legg Katey Legg, Jim Stutts Jim Stutts Katey Legg, Jim Stutts Lisa Cooke

Revised 2/20/13

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News from the Town of herndon

V R P S m e m b e r pr o f i l e

Thomas Shoenauer Place of work –Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Position – Recreation Services Supervisor II Education – B.S. Sport and Recreation Ma n a g e m e n t at James Madison Universtiy (’07), M.S. Sport Management at Slippery Rock University (’11) Hometown – Fairfax, VA Family – Mother Molly, Sister Ginny and 3 year old boxer mix, Cole Favorite experience on the job – Involvement with the Herndon Turkey Trot and getting to see such a wide array of enjoyment and success by our participants Toughest part of the job – Always making sure all of our partipants needs are met.

Favorite recreational activity – Lunch time Basketball Favorite book – Friday Night Lights If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be – Ireland, to see the birth place of my grandmother and oldest uncle.

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3/5/13 10am 2013 Annual Conference Meeting Williamsburg 3/13-3/15/2013 National Playground Safety Inspector Course & Exam Leesburg 3/19/13 10am 2013 Annual Conference Exhibits Committee Meeting Newport News 3/19/13 1pm Virginia Senior Games Meeting Newport News 3/20/13 2:30pm ESA Meeting Chesapeake 3/25/13 8:30am Toro Athletic Fields 301 Workshop Salem 3/26/13 8:30am Toro Athletic Fields 301 Workshop City of Fairfax 3/27/13 8:30am Toro Athletic Fields 301 Workshop Henrico 3/28/13 8:30am Toro Athletic Fields 301 Workshop Chesapeake

mAY 2013

5/7/13 10am 2013 Annual Conference Meeting Williamsburg 5/8/13 11am SWSA Meeting: contact Board for login information Conference Call 5/8/13 2:30pm ESA Meeting Virginia Beach 5/15-5/18/2013 2013 Virginia Senior Games Newport News 5/21/13 10am 2013 Annual Conference Exhibits Committee Meeting Newport News 5/21/13 1pm Virginia Senior Games Meeting Newport News

JUNE 2013

6/3-6/4/2013 TBD ESA “Back to the Basics” Training TBD 6/4/13 10am 2013 Annual Conference Meeting Williamsburg 6/18/13 10am 2013 Annual Conference Exhibits Committee Meeting Newport News 6/18/13 1pm Virginia Senior Games Meeting Newport News

JULY 2013

7/2/13 10am 2013 Annual Conference Meeting Williamsburg 7/16/13 10am 2013 Annual Conference Exhibits Committee Meeting Newport News 7/16/13 1pm Virginia Senior Games Meeting Newport News 7/18/13 10am VRPS Board Meeting VRPS Central Office 7/21-8/1/2013 2013 National Senior Games Cleveland, Ohio 7/26/13 10:30am VRPS Foundation Board Meeting VRPS Central Office

aug 2013

8/6/13 10am 2013 Annual Conference Meeting Williamsburg 8/20/13 10am 2013 Annual Conference Exhibits Committee Meeting Newport News 8/20/13 1pm Virginia Senior Games Meeting Newport News 8/29/13 10am CSA Meeting: Pole Green Community Center Hanover

SEPT 2013

9/7-9/10/2013 2013 VRPS Annual Conference Williamsburg 9/11-9/13/2013 National Playground Safety Inspector Course & Exam Williamsburg 9/15-9/21/2013 Leaf-Peeping & Lobsters: “Maine’s Coast in Autumn” Maine

OCT 2013

10/8-10/10/2013 2013 NRPA Congress and Exposition Houston, Texas 10/16/13 2:30pm ESA Meeting Isle of Wight

nov 2013

4/2/13 10am 2013 Annual Conference Meeting Williamsburg 4/16/13 10am 2013 Annual Conference Exhibits Committee Meeting Newport News 4/16/13 1pm Virginia Senior Games Meeting Newport News 4/18/13 10am VRPS Board Meeting VRPS Central Office 4/24/13 2:30pm ESA Meeting Suffolk 4/25/13 10am CSA Meeting: White Bank Park Colonial Heights 4/26/13 10:30am VRPS Foundation Board Meeting VRPS Central Office

11/20/13

dec 2013

April 2013

march 2013

VRPS 2013 Calendar of events

12/5/13 10am CSA Meeting: Deep Run Recreation Center Henrico 12/13/13 TBD ESA Holiday Social TBD

2:30pm

ESA Meeting

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Newport News

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News from the city of Norfolk

Norfolk Opens New Community Gym with Net Cutting Ceremony

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City of Norfolk leaders joined neighbors and young athletes to celebrate the opening of a new community gymnasium on January 11th. In true basketball fashion, participants cut nets to mark the occasion. The new gymnasium is a great need for Norfolk’s Ingleside neighborhood, as the adjacent elementary school and recreation center do not include gyms. Both Ingleside Elementary School and Recreation Center will utilize the $1.9 million, 8,400 square foot facility for athletic leagues, PE classes, and open recreation. The gym will be operated by the Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space (RPOS) and will also be home to the Broncos/Jaguars Youth Athletic Club, which supports youth sports in the Ingleside area.

“The Ingleside gymnasium is a perfect example of the community and the City working together for the well-being of all its residents,” says Norfolk Mayor Paul D. Fraim. “The gym will provide year-round recreation, increasing opportunities for a healthier lifestyle.”

The gym features a full-length college/high school regulation basketball court, two siderunning basketball courts, men’s and women’s restrooms and staff offices. Design of the facility was a collaborative effort between Woodard Design, P.C. and Brandon Currence

Architects. Construction was performed by North Carolina based A. R. Chesson Construction Company.

The new gymnasium supports the Healthy Norfolk Initiative and is in line with the Norfolk Recreation Master Plan’s goal to increase opportunities for recreation and wellness throughout the city.

Norfolk Vice-Mayor Anthony Burfoot cuts net.

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Visit Norfolk.gov/ RPOS to get more information on this welcome addition to the Norfolk Recreation, Parks & Open Space portfolio.

Local Celebrities Help Norfolk Celebrate

Healthy Youth Day

Rip Tide with Norfolk staff

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Norfolk youth learned a valuable lesson on the importance of leading healthy lifestyles recently at the city’s Healthy Youth Day Celebration on January 17th. A local celebration of the Virginia Healthy Youth Day, the event was open to ages five through 14 and their parents. More than 150 participants took part in nutrition lessons, active games and sports like zumba and walleyball, and celebrated health with local celebrities to include: Norfolk Councilwoman Angelia Williams; Norfolk Admirals’ hockey players and mascot Salty; Rip Tide, mascot of the Norfolk Tides minor league baseball team; athletes from Norfolk State University;

and cheerleaders from Granby High School. Area businesses also distributed healthy living, wellness and fitness resources.

The event was held in support of the Healthy Norfolk Initiative that is dedicated to creating safe, healthy, and inclusive communities.

“Healthy Youth Day is a great compliment to Norfolk’s Healthy City Initiative, where we encourage residents of all ages to make healthy choices,” stated Norfolk Councilwoman Angelia Williams. “It is my hope that the principles celebrated today spread to every day of the year.”

S ave th e D at es

VRPS Annual Conferences n 2013 – Williamsburg September 7-10 n 2014 – The Homestead December 6 – 9 n 2015 – Virginia Beach November 7 – 10

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News from fairfax county park authority

Laurel Hill Steps Up Its Game

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his summer, some of the best amateur golfers in the nation will submit their games to the test when they tee off at Laurel Hill Golf Club for the 2013 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. The United States Golf Association (USGA) runs the championship and selected the Fairfax County Park Authority course on the old Lorton prison site as the host club.

challenging test of golf. A championship like this draws competitors from publicaccess courses and speaks well of the Park Authority’s mission in public golf.”

Laurel Hill superintendent Rick Owens and his crew consider preparing for the championship the biggest test of their careers. For more than a year, they’ve been working hard to ensure the golf course meets the USGA’s highest standards.

“It is a tremendous honor for the USGA to have selected Laurel Hill Golf Club to host this national c h a m p i o n s h i p ,” said Park Authority golf director Peter Furey. “This selection speaks well for the county’s vision to transform a once desolate and underutilized property into a beautiful and

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“They want us to cut the greens shorter and make the surface firmer and faster,” Owens said. “It’s the same with fairways and approaches; they want them to be faster.” Other course enhancements include new strategically placed tees and state-of-the-art bunkers.

While the turf crews focus on the golf course, the clubhouse staff has its own championship challenges ahead. The contest is expected to draw as many as 800 hungry players, volunteers, media crews and spectators, and Laurel Hill Chef Edisson Rosales says catering for crowds of that size requires a very clear strategy.

“It has to be quick, so people can keep moving,” Rosales said. It’s quite a test when you consider there are no premade foods. “We prepare everything here from scratch, and there are other logistical challenges with a group this size,” he said. “We’ll need rental

trucks with freezers and coolers, and we have to figure out where we’re going to put 25,000 bottles of water.”

Rosales is responsible for breakfast and snacks for the six-day championship and will be assisted by his two pastry chefs and culinary students from nearby Stratford University in Woodbridge. He says the menu will include traditional hot foods as well as some regional favorites: grits and Virginia ham.

The winner of the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship has historically earned an invitation to play in the prestigious Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, and two previous competitors, George Archer and Trevor Immelman went on to win the Masters Tournament after launching their professional careers.

Volunteer opportunities are still available for the Championship. Opportunities include walking scorers, forecaddies and standard bearers. Volunteers receive a commemorative shirt and hat, as well as a complimentary meal and a free round of golf for each shift worked. So sign up to volunteer and witness some of golf ’s rising stars in action! For more information and to register to volunteer, call 703-493-8849 or e-mail Mary.Cline@ fairfaxcounty.gov.

Prepping the golf course SPRING 2013

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news from vrps

2013 VRPS Conference in James City County!

Register Early & Save!

Get ready, Get set! You’re invited to the

59 Annual Virginia Recreation and Park Society Conference in James City County!

The Conference is September 7-10, so save this date and come share in unforgettable and cutting-edge educational, historical and entertaining social experiences. We welcome you to James City County, the site of America’s first permanent English-speaking settlement. In May 1607, 104 men and boys sailed ashore to explore. Since then, we’ve been rooted in our history and growing opportunities for a brand new world. th

In addition to an exciting conference, James City County is also filled with favorites – so arrive early or stay late! You and your family can take in miles of shopping at the outlet malls and the Williamsburg Pottery, enjoy the thrills and chills at Busch Gardens, and discover your roots in Historic Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg. For recreation, we’ve got premiere hiking and biking trails, the treetop adventure Go Ape, spectacular waterfront parks and we’re the site of the

nation’s earliest known free black settlement, just to name a few!

Register now and take advantage of last year’s rates! The VRPS member full conference registration is only $250, non-member full registration is $300 and daily rates are discounted by $10! To get these rates, register online by July 5. After then, 2013 rates apply. The registration form appears on page 14.

The Conference will be held at the Williamsburg Hotel and Conference Center, formerly the Williamsburg Marriott. VRPS has secured a block of rooms at an affordable $109/night single/double plus state and local taxes (currently 10%). This rate is good through Friday, August 16, 2013 or until the group block is filled…so call today!

You can reserve by calling 757-220-2500 or online at www.thewilliamsburghotelcc. com. Online, enter your group arrival date, select “Book Now” and the Group Code, 309129. The hotel is at 50 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185, conveniently located three miles southeast of downtown Williamsburg and the historic area and one mile east of Busch Gardens.

Call for Proposals

We invite you to assist in the continued professional development of our members, associates and other related professionals by presenting an educational session during the conference. Our educational program offering will represent the diversity of our profession by ensuring we offer programs for everyone, from students to seasoned professionals. If presenting a session is not for you, perhaps you have recently attended training or listened to a speaker you feel would benefit the members of our society.

Please feel free to contact Nancy Elllis, nancy. ellis@jamescitycountyva.gov or 757-2595412 or Beth Wood-Whitley, bwhitley@ vbgov.com or 757-385-0443 .

Come Volunteer!

The 2013 Conference Committee needs you! Volunteers are needed to assist with all activities. If you can help, contact Volunteer Coordinator LaTanya Turner at 757-3575951or lturner@isleofwightus.net.

VRPS Conference Committee

The Committee is planning for an outstanding experience, and a preliminary schedule is appears (form attached). On the team:

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Conference Chair – Arlana Fauntleroy (JCC) Admin. Support – Joan Etchberger (JCC) Conference Liaisons – Carla Brittle (JCC) & John Carnifax (JCC) Audio Visual Chair – Kathy Irby (JCC) & Team Kenisha Sumner (Newport News Parks & Recreation) & Robbie Belch (JCC) Conference Coordination & Logistics CoChairs – Kelley Herbert (JCC) & LaTanya Turner (Isle of Wight) Education Co-Chairs – Nancy Ellis (JCC) and Beth Wood-Whitley (Virginia Beach) & Team Carol Steele (Gloucester), Billy Moore (Gloucester), Blythe Russian (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority), Dan Smith (JCC) & Marlie Smith (JCC) Exhibits & Sponsorships Chair Mike Nealer & Team Kevin Ritchie (York County), James Scruggs (York County) & John Carnifax (JCC) Marketing Chair – Veda McMullen (JCC) Graphics Chair – Sam Pallo (Fairfax County) Special Events & Activities Chair – Angie Sims (JCC) Special Institutes & Initiatives: AFO/NPSI Chair - Jerrod Hurr; Golf Tournament Chair – Clifton Jones (Portsmouth) & Team Margaret Thorne (Portsmouth) Student Liaison Chair – Jessica Rhea (Portsmouth Naval Hospital) VRPS Executive Director – Jim Stutts Office Manager – Marlene Breese 2013 President – Katey Legg

Mark your calendars… and see you in September!

VRPS Conference Schedule 2013

Up to 1.1 CEU’s and Counting! *Schedule Subject to Change

Saturday, September 7 12-5pm Registration 9am-5pm Pre-Institutes & Off- Sites (Educational & Recre ational) 1-5pm VRPS Golf Tournament 5:30pm Bus Shuttles begin 6-8pm Welcome Social Meet and Greet (hosted by JCC P&R)

Sunday, September 8 7am-5pm Registration 8:30-9:45am Educational Sessions 10-11:15am Educational Sessions 11:15am-12:30pm Lunch on your own 12:30-1:45pm Educational Sessions 2-3:15pm Educational Sessions 3:30-5pm Conference Welcome/ Business Meeting (featured Keynote Speaker) 5-7:30pm Exhibit Hall Opening & Dine-Around 7:45pm Bus Shuttles begin 8-11:30pm Conference Social at a James City County venue

10-11:15am Educational Sessions 11:15am-2:15pm VRPS Expo: featuring Luncheon, Silent Auction, Interactive Exhibit Booths, Raffles, Games and the Taste of Williamsburg 2:30-3:45pm Educational Sessions 4-5:15pm Educational Sessions 5:30-6pm Service Area Meetings 6:30-7pm Awards Reception 7-9pm Awards Banquet 9:30pm-12am Conference Social at Host Hotel (hosted by Service Areas)

Tuesday, September 10 7:30-11:30am Registration 8-8:30am Resource Group Meetings 8:30-9:45am Educational Sessions 10-11:15am Educational Sessions 11:30am-12:45pm Educational Sessions NPSI: Wednesday-Friday, September 11-13, James City County Recreation Center

Monday, September 9 7am-5pm Registration 8am-2:15pm Exhibit Hall Expo 8:30-9:45am Educational Sessions 9:45-10:45am Director’s Forum

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News from the vrps senior resource group

VRPS SENIOR RESOURCE GROUP

T Standing (L to R): Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP, Lisa Cooke, CPRP, AFO, Craig Williams, Jennifer Collins, CPRP, Karen Brutsche, and June Snead Seated (L to R): Bobbi Hutchko, Judy Jones and Aaron Clay.

he VRPS-Senior Resource Group (SRG) met recently to induct the new SRG Board of Directors and Members-atLarge. VRPS President, Katey Legg, CPRP, conducted the ceremony.

Complete Park and Playground Solutions from the Company You Trust Sport/Fitness Equipment Playground Equipment Surfacing Products Shelters & Shade Custom Themes Custom Design Site Amenities Water Play Bleachers

800.438.2780

www.cunninghamrec.com

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News from vrps

Join VRPS for

“Leaf-Peeping & Lobsters:

Maine’s Coast in Autumn”

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RPS and its Board of Directors are once again sponsoring a wonderful travel opportunity in September of this year. “Leaf-Peeping & Lobsters: Maine’s Coast in Autumn” is being co-planned by Clarke County Parks & Recreation and Shenandoah County Parks & Recreation.

The impetus for this excursion was to fundraise for future VRPS endeavors whether it for long-range planning, agency development, or mortgage pay-down.

The trip to Maine is open to the general public, so any parks and recreation agency can promote the trip to its clientele if they so choose. VRPS is promoting the trip through their Facebook page and weekly e-newsletters, and several local departments are handing out flyers, posting the information to their websites, and distributing info at various meetings and events. If you would like to promote this trip within your agency, contact one of the departments listed below for flyers, photos, and other information you can use online or in your print materials.

The trip will run September 15-21 and registration is open now. Local transportation

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will be provided from Woodstock and Berryville as well as a possible pick-up in the Northern Virginia area. The group’s first stop will be Portland, Maine including a guided tour of this historic seacoast town along with a visit to the Portland Head Lighthouse and the Old Port Exchange. The group will visit Kennebunkport including a drive along Ocean Avenue and a visit to the Olmsteaddesigned grounds of the Franciscan Monastery.

The group will stop at Ellsworth for the Great Maine Lumberjack Show, stop in Scarborough for a visit with “Lenny” the Chocolate Moose at Len Libby’s, a wellknown chocolate emporium, and then venture to Bar Harbor for a visit to Acadia National Park which encompasses more than 35,000 acres on the Schoodic Peninsula.

Within the park, you’ll have a guided tour, a “Hearty Hiker’s” boxed lunch, and time on your own for hiking, photos, bird-watching, etc. During the tour, other stops/admissions include the Maine Maritime Museum and the Bar Harbor Oceanarium.

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Pamela J. Sheets, CPRP, CPSI Shenandoah County Parks & Recreation

Included for your registration fees are six nights’ accommodations, welcome reception, six breakfasts, one lunch, and four dinners to include two lobster dinner choices, along with your deluxe motorcoach transportation, standard taxes, meal gratuities, and baggage handling. Shopping and some meals will be on-your-own. A $250 deposit will hold your reservation and final payments are due July 30. If you’re interested in travel insurance, it should be purchased at time of deposit/initial registration. The trip fees are $1,209/person for double-occupancy (+ $119/person travel insurance), $1,549/ person for single-occupancy (+$171/person travel insurance). Please contact one of the departments listed below to get pricing for triple-occupancy.

To get more information, please contact: Pam Sheets, Shenandoah County Parks & Recreation (SCPR), 540-459-6777, or Lisa Cooke, Clarke County Parks & Recreation, 540-955-5140. Details are also available by visiting the VRPS website at http://www. vrps.com/Services/TravelTours.aspx or at Shenandoah County Parks & Recreation’s website at www.scpr.info . Won’t you consider traveling with us for your “LeafPeeping & Lobsters” vacation?

news from gloucester county

Gloucester County’s Newest Park Has Something for Everyone

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ith a heavily used park at both the northern and southern ends of Gloucester County, there was a need for a park situated mid-county and a facility that could accommodate more activities, including theatrical performances and gardens. Arline Lanciano, a Gloucester resident of 58 years and lover of nature and history, became the first part of the solution. In 2001, Mrs. Lanciano donated 100 acres to Gloucester County to be used as a park. Shortly thereafter, she donated over $85,000 to begin the process of growing a park. The vision was to create a park with both active and passive recreational pursuits, welcoming citizens of all ages, abilities and interests.

The master plan was created with athletic fields, memorial gardens, walking trails, a performance barn, amphitheater and more.

For over ten years, the park has evolved and grown through the support of generous donors and volunteers. Over $2,000,000 in construction has occurred, with less than $40,000 of County funds. This is in large

part to one volunteer, Chris Clifford. Mr. Clifford, a local contractor, has donated over $1 million in in-kind labor to this park. He is the recipient of the 2007 VRPS Distinguished Volunteer, 2010 NRPA National Humanitarian and 2011 Cox Conserves Hero Awards.

In addition to Mr. Clifford, numerous groups and individuals have supported the park through community work days, fundraising, and monetary donations.

Woodville Park officially opened on June 30, 2012. While the Grand Opening ceremony scheduled for that day was canceled due to storm damage, a dedication ceremony was held on September 22, 2012. Woodville Park offers a raised boardwalk through

a memorial garden, community garden, two soccer fields, a sand soccer court and a two-acre pond. An accessible walkway around the pond is under construction, as is a Wedding Garden made possible by a recent donation. Also in progress are two football and three additional soccer fields.

Gloucester Youth Football lost their playing space at Page Middle School when a tornado destroyed the property in 2011. They will relocate to Woodville Park next year.

Thanks to the generous support of citizens like Mrs. Lanciano (who sadly passed away in 2009) and Mr. Clifford, not to mention the numerous individuals and groups, Woodville Park is Gloucester County’s largest park and offers multiple recreational opportunities. Woodville Park is not only a draw for Gloucester residents but will meet recreational needs for the region. A soccer tournament was held last summer and another is planned for this spring. These attract as many as 70 teams throughout Virginia. With fifty more areas to develop, the future of the park looks bright.

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News from the city of danville

Library Parks Team Up to Bring Little Free Libraries to Southside Virginia

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n December 18, Danville Public Library opened the first Little Free Library along Danville Parks and Recreation’s Riverwalk trail system, highlighting collaboration between the city’s recreation and library departments. By February, nine other units will be opened, the majority of which will be located within parks and along the paved walking trail.

The Little Free Library program began in Wisconsin in 2009 in order to “promote literacy and the love of reading.” Each Little Free Library acts as a free book exchange and offers patrons the option of taking a book from the unit and leaving one in its stead, borrowing a book for a short time and returning it or simply taking a book. The units typically resemble a large bird house and hold an array of donated literature from children’s books to the Twilight saga.

“Little Free Libraries are a great collaboration between the Libraries and Parks and Recreation and shows how matching services to community needs can be achieved,” said Parks and Recreation Director Bill Sgrinia.

No stranger to collaborative efforts, Danville Public Library system has been a part of the Parks and Recreation Department for the last two years.

Library Director Shelly Janosko echoed Sgrinia’s sentiments.

Parks maintenance will install all of the units in their various locations while the library will stock each box with the initial collection. The entire project was made possible by a Danville Regional Foundation “Make it Happen!” grant. Once they are installed, all of the libraries will be pinpointed on a Google map displayed at www.littlefreelibraries.org.

“The library is incredibly excited about the opportunity to share this Little Free Library project with the City of Danville,” said Janosko.

“It’s a great feeling to know that we can promote the importance of literacy, share our love of reading and carry out such a sense of community with this single project.”

The libraries are not only the first of their kind in the City of Danville, but are also new to Southside Virginia. Danville Parks and Recreation is proud to play host to the units. On an annual basis thousands of city residents, visitors and outdoor enthusiasts patronize the 11 parks and 8-mile walking trail in the City of Danville. The Little Free Libraries offer just one more amenity within the park system and while they mark a community service, the libraries are also one more way to attract more and more visitors to the great outdoors.

“Parks and Recreation and Public Libraries fit well in the same department,” said Sgrinia. “At the core, both services are rooted in people and lifelong learning.”

Little Free Library project

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In Danville, each of the 10 units have been adopted by various agencies such as the Kiwanis Club, the Historical Society and Epiphany School. Each adopting agency has vowed to maintain the collections in the library as well as the upkeep of the Little Free Library itself.

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News from james city county

James City County Wins Gold Medal Award

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ames City County is the recipient of the 2012 Gold Medal Award that recognizes the County as the best managed park and recreation system in the nation in its population category. The award was presented by the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration during their annual conference in October.

gan in 1966, James City County’s win is the first win for Virginia in this class. The County is only the seventh Virginia department to ever win the award.

The Gold Medal Award honors communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development and agency recognition. Each agency is judged on its ability to address the needs of those it serves through the collective energies of citizens, staff, and elected officials.

During a November 2012 James City County Board of Supervisors (BOS) Meet- The award was presented to Parks and Recreation by l-r: Rhonda Parker, head judge ing, the Supervi- Gold Medal Awards Head Judge/City of Durham, NC Parks and Recreation Director; Carla Brittle, James City County Resource Management Administrator; John Carnifax, sors, the County James City County Parks and Recreation Director; and Joe Crookham, Gold Medal Parks and Rec- Awards Conference Sponsor/President, Musco Lighting, LLC. reation Advisory A panel of five park and recreation proCommission, County Administration and fessionals reviewed and judged all applicaParks and Recreation staff accepted the tion materials. James City County won in award on behalf of the community: the Class III category for populations of 50,001-100,000.

Since the Gold Medal Award Program be-

2012 Award Recipients: Class I (population over 250,000)-Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation Department, Charlotte, NC; Class II (population 100,001250,000)-Rockford Park District, IL; Class III (population 50,001-100,000)-James City County; Class IV (population 25,001-50,000)-Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation Department, CO; Class V (population less than 25,000)-Durango Parks and Recreation Department, Durango, CO. L-R: Doug Powell, Assistant County Administrator; Robert Middaugh, County Administrator; John McGlennon, BOS; Mary Jones, BOS; Seth Benton, Parks Administrator; Scott Van Voorhees, Commissioner; Arlana Fauntleroy, Recreation Services Administrator; John Carnifax (holding award), Parks and Recreation Director; Jim Icenhour, BOS; Craig Metcalfe, Commissioner; Linda Wallace-Cody, Commissioner; Jay Lipscomb, Commissioner; Nancy Ellis, Administration Administrator; Carla Brittle, Centers Administrator; Veda McMullen, Communications Specialist; Wilford Kale, BOS; and Mike Hand, Commissioner.

The NRPA is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance the quality of life for all people.

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News from the city of salem

Establishing a Youth Sports Draft Procedure By: Jed Roberts CPRP – City of Salem Parks and Recreation

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itting in class during elementary school; the clock couldn’t tick fast enough for the recess bell to ring so the next game of basketball, baseball or football could start.

Knowing our recess time was limited; games had to start quickly, time was not wasted picking teams. Using schoolyard recess protocol, the best two athletes were chosen as “captains” and they proceeded to pick kids in order of their ability until the last kid was picked. Teams were even, games were competitive and everyone had a good time. Fast forward a few hours later to that evening in our “organized” youth sports leagues, games didn’t always seem so fair……Amazingly all the best players Dad’s coached on one team; which lead to some teams being stacked; creating lopsided scores and not fun games.

Experiences like these lead to unhappy participants that may choose other venues for recreation. According to Michael Pfahl, executive director of the National Youth Sports Coaches Association, “The number one reason (why they quit) is that it stopped being fun.” With figures like these, it’s time we rethink how we present youth sports to kids. (Kendrick). It should be the priority of the athletic/recreation department to help ensure that participants are receiving a positive experience. Through establishing a draft procedure, recreation professionals can help eliminate the “stacking” of youth

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need to ensure that their youth sports leagues are benefiting from having balanced teams and do not allow volunteers coaches from preventing this. The American Youth Soccer Association (AYSO) is a firm believer in having balanced teams.

The need to win at all costs from coaches will result in any effort to gain a competitive edge.

People would rather win then face good healthy competition. teams and help to ensure that participants will have an equal opportunity for fair play and participation time.

Unfortunately, many youth sports leagues run across this problem. Overzealous parents want to form all-star teams during the regular season. The need to win at all costs from coaches will result in any effort to gain a competitive edge. People would rather win then face good healthy competition. Many leagues have some type of draft procedure in place, but coaches generally find ways to manipulate the system for their team’s sake (and at the expense of all other teams in the league). Park and Recreation professionals

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“Each year we form new teams as evenly balanced as possible because it’s more fun and a better learning experience when teams of similar ability play. It allows for each player to gain the experience of a wide variety of teammates of different skill levels.” (AYSO) In an effort to increase participation and enjoyment in their youth sports program, the City of Salem instituted a new city wide draft for all of their youth sports leagues. Before the draft was established, participants/teams were divided up amongst the four elementary schools located within city limits. Depending on the number of participants from each school, teams faced unequal number of players on a team along with unequal talent distribution amongst the teams. The decision to proceed with the city wide draft procedure was met with some hesitation from community members, but as the process was laid out and experienced, there has been great support throughout.

Prior to the start of each youth athletic season, the Salem Parks and Recreation De-

partment will hold a league wide evaluation per age division. At these evaluations, players are viewed and ranked by staff members.

The ability of using staff members provides unbiased evaluation of participants. For example, in a youth basketball evaluation, players are ranked on their dribbling, shooting and passing ability. Each player is scored based upon their perceived ability level.

Once the evaluations are completed; scores are added (scores/rankings are only viewed by staff members) and the players are group into three separate categories (categories are divided up based upon the skill levels, i.e.

A,B, C groups).

When the draft begins, each category will be drafted separately to ensure that the

skill level is evenly divided up amongst the teams. The goal is to evenly distribute the skill level in the league. By drafting the players in separate categories allows for equal talent distribution amongst the teams; but, also gives our volunteers coaches some input on whom is on their team. The idea was poised of doing a blind draft, but this system allows coaches to help identify possible assistant coaches and steer clear of any past personal problems from players/parents in the draft.

Through the establishment of a proper draft procedure, Parks and Recreation Departments should see many positive outcomes that the City of Salem has benefited from.

Departments will notice that participants

will be able to see an increase in their playing time during games as the roster sizes can be better managed. A competitive balance can be created across the league. Through ensuring that teams are not “stacked”, kids can benefit from the healthy competition and help them enjoy their athletic experience.

References AYSO’s Six Philosophies (2013). “Balanced Teams”. American Youth Soccer Organization. Retrieved at: http://www.ayso.org/ aboutayso/ayso_philosophies.aspx Kendrick, C. (2012). “Why Most Kids Quit Sports”. Family Education. Retrieved at: http://life.familyeducation.com/sports/ behavior/29512.html#ixzz2Ip4W4v2Y

IllumInatIng Generations You’re not just buying lights. You’re buying an affordable system that reduces energy and maintenance costs year after year. That means while decreasing wasted energy, you’ll save money and help protect the environment for his future.

To learn more visit: www.musco.com/generations Local area representatives: Steve Wiley 800/825-6030 (toll free) 804/836-6785 (mobile) steve.wiley@musco.com

Joe Forche 800/825-6030 (toll free) 804/385-8950 (mobile) joe.forche@musco.com

For Your Budget For The Environment ©2013 Musco Sports Lighting, LLC · ADVA13-1

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News from the city of Newport news

making history:

Welcome 2013 Virgina Senior Games Written by Susan Lineberry Chair, Virginia Senior Games

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he City of Newport News is thrilled to host the 2013 Virginia Senior Games, and we are happy to welcome athletes, their families, and friends.

Newport News has a unique place in American History, and a special place in the hearts of generations of athletes young, and young at heart.

by Newport News. Swimmers will warm up in one end of our competition-sized, 50-meter pool and then compete in the other end . . . and the brand new Denbigh Community Center holds two, full-sized gymnasiums and a full-time, full-service concession area. We‘re rolling out the welcome mat!

Our popular, well-loved facilities are nestled among a few of these notable places . . . the 5K and 10K Road Races, for instance, will wind through an historic Civil War site, at the Battle of Dam Number One. Archery and Horseshoes will take place in Newport News Park, the largest municipal park east of the Mississippi River! Cyclists will compete in the beautiful City Center at Oyster Point area, surrounding a spectacular, five-acre fountain, site of the City’s “Hollydazzle” annual event. And, the sprawling campus of Christopher Newport University is the site for Track & Field events. If you haven’t visited Newport News lately, you’ll be amazed at how we’ve grown-come see for yourself!

Please join us for what we hope will be another notable, historic event in Newport News-the 2013 Virginia Senior Gamesand we’re hoping you’ll make a little his-

State-of-the-Art standards are also set

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tory of your own by competing! Everyone 50 years of age and older qualifies, and all athletes are invited to attend the Friday night Athlete’s Party celebrating the fads, fashions, and excitement from the decades you remember. Please check www.virginiaseniorgames.org<http://www.virginiaseniorgames.org/> for the latest information, and use the NEW convenient online registration system to make the commitment and start training now-we‘d love to show Virginia’s best athletes everything we have to offer in Newport News!

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society 6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike Suite 109 Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Prsrtd Std U.S. POSTAGE PAID Richmond, VA Permit #320

Spring Savings Days Tickets!

Valid April 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28; May 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 and 27, 2013

Park & Recreation Days Tickets!

Valid June 28 - August 4, 2013

only

32

$

00

Ages 3 & above Children ages 2 & under admitted FREE.

For Additional Information Contact:

NEW!

The Virginia Recreation and Park Society at 804-730-9447

For up-to-date Park information go to:

www.kingsdominion.com

Park Opens March 29, 2013. WaterWorks Opens May 25, 2013 KD13-206 © 2013 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Intimidator™ 305 takes its name from Dale Earnhardt, “the Intimidator” © 2013 Cedar Fair, L.P. © 2013 Peanuts Worldwide LLC, Peanuts.com

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KD13-206 VRPS Spring Ad-Callie.indd 1

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2/20/13 8:04 AM