November 2015 VRPS Magazine

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

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d n a . . s . r e n n i w e . th . . e ar VRPS Recognizes Excellence with 2015 Awards

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Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Volume 68 Fall 2015

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 Service 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.

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.

Features & Department 4

Message from the President We are VRPS Because of You!

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2015 VRPS Board, Key Leaders and Staff

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VRPS Winter 2015/16 Calendar of Events

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News from Suffolk Parks & Recreation Member Profile: Emily Upton

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News from VRPS Where Does Strategic Planning Take You?

9 News from the Town of Herndon

Town of Herndon Fills a Key Post, Deputy Director Parks & Recreation

News from Rockingham County

Groundbreaking a 65 Acre Park!

10 News from Isle of Wight

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Mary W. Wells Senior

Center at Nike Park 12 2015 VRPS Annual Conference

Recognizing Excellence in 2014 17

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News from Orange County OCPR Hosts 4th Annual Liberty Ride News from Elkton Elkton Downtown Revitalization Corporation Recognizes the Elkton Area Community Center

19 News from Danville Parks & Recreation

VRPS Going Green with Maintenance

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A message from the president

We ARE VRPS Because of You!

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I continue to be amazed by

s the weather gets cooler and the leaves begin to fall, it’s finally starting to sink in that I am on the “downswing” of my term as VRPS President. I have to be honest, I’m not sure if I grasped exactly how quickly this year was going to go by, how ambitious my goals were and how many more things I wish I had time to accomplish!

the diversity in our profession, inspired by the ideas and plans for the future of parks and recreation, and encouraged by the passion of our members.

When talking to many past VRPS Presidents who have mentored and supported me through this experience, I tried to listen and take in all of their advice. Everything from “take it one day at a time” to “remember, the members are what makes VRPS who we are” and everything between. I thank each and every one of them who shared their wisdom and encouraged patience. And to every member who welcomed me

at a meeting, conference or workshop, thanks to you as well. We are VRPS, because of you!

While the experience of being VRPS President has been amazingly rewarding and sometimes challenging, it has been more educational that I could have even imagined! I continue to be amazed by the diversity in our profession, inspired by the ideas and plans for the future of parks and recreation, and encouraged by the passion of our members.

Marcy Durrer, CPRP

President, Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Past Presidents, current Board Members and future leaders of VRPS all hold one thing in common – passion and pride in our profession.

Despite local challenges, changing demographics, increased workloads and ne w exp e ctations, V R P S members stand tall, as proud parks and recreation professionals.

As my term as your VRPS President and term on the Board of Directors draws to a close, I am looking for ward to new opportunities to g et involved in the societ y. Our organization is a strong passionate group and I could not imagine being in this profession without contributing something to VRPS. Please join me in 2016, participate in a webinar, volunteer with VRPS, encourag e someone to become a member, attend a Service Area meeting, or ask how you can support the initiatives of VRPS President-Elect, Margaret Thorne.

I know I will!

Become a champion for VRPS! Visit www.vrps.com or call the VRPS Office at 804-730-9447 or email vrps@vrps.com for volunteer opportunities.

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VRPS Staff

Enterprise Group Chairs

Resource Group Chairs

Service Area Chairs

Board of Directors

Executive Board

2015 vrps boards key leaders & staff President Marcy Durrer, CPRP Vice President Margaret Thorne Treasurer LaTanya Turner Lay Member Rita Miller Executive Director Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE President Marcy Durrer, CPRP Board Member Margaret Thorne Board Member Katey Legg, CPRP Board Member Michael Kalvort, CPRE Board Member LaTanya Turner Board Member Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP Board Member Blythe Russian Board Member Bill Sgrinia, CPRP Board Member Kim Turner, CTRS, CPRP Lay Member Rita Miller Executive Director Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Central Ryan Peters Eastern Mark Furlo, CPRP, CPSI Northern Ryan Brookes Southwestern Western Claire Richardson, CPRP Aquatics Jimmy Lyon, AFO Cultural Diversity Athletics Seniors Aaron Clay Outdoors Therapeutic Recreation Annual Conference Kathy Williams, CTRS

Shannon Moore, CPRP Foundation Greg Sager Awards & Citations Kim Baldini, CPRP

Hanover County Parks & Rec City of Portsmouth Isle of Wight Parks & Rec VA Dept. of Health Virginia Rec & Park Society Hanover County Parks & Rec City of Portsmouth Gloucester Parks, Rec & Tourism Virginia Beach Parks & Rec Isle of Wight Parks & Rec Hopewell Rec & Parks Northern VIrgina Reg. Park Authority Danville Parks, Rec. & Tourism New Kent Co. Parks & Rec VA Department of Health Virginia Rec. & Park Society Henrico Division of Rec & Parks Isle of Wight Co. Parks & Rec McLean Community Center

804-365-4697 mgdurrer@hanovercounty.gov 757-393-5143x4264 thornem@portsmouthva.gov 757-357-5951 lturner@isleofwightus.net 804-864-7897 rita.miller@vdh.virginia.gov 804-730-9447 jim@vrps.com 804-365-4697 mgdurrer@hanovercounty.gov 757-393-5143x4264 thornem@portsmouthva.gov 804-693-1270 klegg@gloucesterva.info 757-385-1122 mkalvort@vbgov.com 757-357-5951 lturner@isleofwightus.net 804-541-2353 areidmiller@hopewellva.gov 703-359-4624 x221 brussian@nvrpa.org 434-799-5200 sgrinia@ci.danville.va.us 804-966-8502 kcturner@newkent-va.us 804-864-7897 rita.miller@vdh.virginia.gov 804-730-9447 jim@vrps.com 804-262-4924 x239 pet67@co.henrico.va.us 757-357-6703 mfurlo@isleofwightus.net 571-382-0238 ryan.brookes@fairfaxcounty.gov

Staunton Parks & Rec Fauquier Co. Parks & Rec

540-332-9168 571-277-4360

richardsonca@ci.staunton.va.us jimmy.lyon@fauquiercounty.gov

Hopewell Community Center

804-541-2353

aclay@hopewellva.gov

Virginia Beach Parks & Rec Virginia Beach Parks & Rec Hanover County Parks & Rec Arlington Co. Dept. of Parks & Rec

757-474-8877 757-385-0420 804-365-4690 703-228-4742

kdwillia@vbgov.com smoore@vbgov.com rgsager@hanovercounty.gov kbaldini@arlingtonva.us

LTI 2016

Management Conference Professional Education Virginia Senior Games

Legislative

Newport News Parks Rec & Tourism Colonial Heights Rec & Parks Suffolk Parks & Rec Virginia Beach Parks & Rec Newport News Parks, Rec & Tourism Newport News Parks, Rec & Tourism Virginia Rec & Park Society GreenPlay LLC

757-926-1419 804-520-9392 757-514-7251 757-385-0420 757-591-4892 757-926-1414 804-730-9447 757-592-3103

khamill@nngov.com spruillm@colonialheightsva.gov lwatson@suffolkva.us smoore@vbgov.com jsykes@nngov.com kmyers@nngov.com jim@vrps.com art@greenplayllc.com

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

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

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

Kristen Hamill, CPRP Matt Spruill, CPRP Lakita Watson, CPRP Shannon Moore, CPRP Jeff Sykes Kevin Myers Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Art Thatcher, CPRP, AFO, MPA

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

Board Liaisons Central

Eastern Northern Southwestern Western RESOURCE GROUPS Aquatics

Athletics Cultural Diversity Outdoors Seniors Therapeutic Recreation

Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP Michael Kalvort, CPRE Blythe Russian; Kim Turner CTRS, CPRP Bill Sgrinia, CPRP Katey Legg, CPRP Blythe Russian Marcy Durrer, CPRP; Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Marcy Durrer, CPRP Aaron Reidmiller, CPRP

COMMITTEES LTI 2016

Annual Conference 2015 Annual Conference 2016 Management Conference 2015 Management Conference 2017 Virginia Senior Games 2015 Awards & Citations Foundation Legislation

Professional Education

Michael Kalvort, CPRE Michael Kalvort, CPRE Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Jim Stutts CPRP, CAE Kim Baldini, CPRP Jim Stutts CPRP, CAE Jim Stutts CPRP, CAE; Art Thatcher CPRP, AFO, MPA Marcy Durrer, CPRP Revised 10/15/15

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February 2016

january 2016

December 2015

november 2015

VRPS winter 2015/16 Calendar of events Wed, 11/11/15

Central Office Closed – Veterans Day

Fri, 11/13/15

“Roadmap for the Future” Webinar

1pm

Mon, 11/16/15

2016 LTI Early, Online Registration Deadline

10am

LTI Committee Meeting

Thurs, 11/19/15

10am

VRPS Board of Directors Quarterly Meeting

Thurs, 11/26 – Fri 11/27/15

Central Office Closed – Thanksgiving Holiday

Mon, 11/30/15

2016 LTI Scholarship Deadline

Thurs, 12/3/15

10am

Central Service Area Meeting

1pm

2016 Annual Conference Meeting

Wed, 12/9/15

10am

2016 Leadership Orientation

Thurs, 12/24 – Fri 12/25/15

Central Office Closed – Christmas Holiday

Fri, 1/1/16

Central Office Closed - New Years Day

Thurs, 1/7/16

2016 Annual Conference Meeting

1pm

Fri, 1/15/16

Central Office Closed - Lee Jackson Day

Mon, 1/18/16

Central Office Closed - Martin Luther King Day

Thurs, 1/21/16

10am

VRPS Board of Directors Quarterly Meeting

Fri, 1/29/16

10am

VRPS Annual Business Meeting

10:05am

VRPS Foundation Board Meeting

Thurs, 2/4/16

1pm

2016 Annual Conference Meeting

Mon, 2/15/16

Central Office Closed - Presidents Day

March 2016

Thurs, 3/3/16 Jesse A. Reynolds Memorial Scholarship Deadline

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Mon, 3/21/16

Athletic Fields - Salem

Tues, 3/22/16

Athletic Fields - Chesapeake

Wed, 3/23/16

Athletic Fields - Henrico

Wed, 3/24/16

Athletic Fields - Loudoun

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news from suffolk parks & Recreation department M ember

P rofile

Emily Upton

Place of work: City of Suffolk Parks and Recreation Department Position: Special Events Coordinator Education: Bachelors in Human Nutrition, Food and Exercise from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) Professional memberships: NRPA, VRPS Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia Family: A navy-brat from a big family, married to Brandon, a local firefighter, and fur-mom to our dog, Hunter Favorite experience on the job: Walking Santa in to the Grand Illumination, our Annual Tree Lighting event. The excitement of all the kids was incredible!

Toughest part of the job: The unpredictability of weather!

Favorite recreational activity: Bike riding at the beach Favorite book: Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be: Ireland

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News from vrps

Where does strategic planning

take you?

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By Marcy G. Durrer, MS, CPRP – Recreation Program Director, Hanover County Parks and Recreation

n the case of the 2015 VRPS Board of Directors, it has taken us on a journey that has been reassuring, stimulating, informational and invigorating! Throughout the year, you have heard that we have been working on developing a plan for the future of VRPS. This strategic planning process has been balanced with equal doses of research, facilitated meetings, and analysis of data.

The draft Roadmap for the Future of VRPS was initially revealed to the membership at the VRPS Annual Conference with an introduction at the VRPS Annual Business Meeting, then followed by two opportunities to participate in educational sessions. A webinar, presenting the same background, data and document, is also available at vrps.com.

Your VRPS Board of Directors is seeking your gift of feedback on the draft Roadmap for the Future of VRPS.

This is a guideline for the future of VRPS, our professional member organization. It cannot be accepted and embraced without the input of our members. Many years ago, I attended a training session about teamwork and developing team dynamics.

One “nugget” that has stayed with me since that time is that feedback is a gift. Like with all gifts, we have a choice when we receive it … we can embrace it and find a way to apply/use it or we can thank the person who gave it to us and put it away and ignore it.

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Your VRPS Board of Directors is seeking your gift of feedback on the draft Roadmap for the Future of VRPS. While this document provides the framework for the future, specific goals and objectives will be set each year by the PresidentElect. Please accept this invitation to be an active part of shaping the future of your professional organization, as we are looking forward to receiving your gift of feedback.

In order to deliver the final version of the Roadmap for the Future of VRPS to Margaret Thorne, President-Elect, by the end of this calendar year, please send your gift of feedback no later than Friday, December 11.

Please consider any of the following ways to provide feedback: Email Marcy Durrer, VRPS President directly at mgdurrer@hanovercounty. govVRPS Board at board@ vrps.com

Call Marcy Durrer at (804) 365-4697

Mail (yes, with a stamp and all!)

Marcy Durrer 13017 Taylor Complex Lane Ashland VA 23005

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News from town of herndon

TOWN OF HERNDON FILLS A KEY POST Deputy Director, Parks & Recreation

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he Town of Herndon has promoted an internal candidate to a key position. Cynthia Hoftiezer, a member of the Parks & Recreation Department’s leadership team since 1996, has been named the department’s deputy director. She replaces Ann Marie Heiser, who resigned in July. Hoftiezer had been serving as recreation project coordinator, responsible for managing the department’s budget and accreditation processes as well as special projects such as departmental strategic planning and renovation of the Herndon Community Center.

Previously, as the department’s manager of recreation services, she had oversight of community events, sports leagues, performing arts programs and recreational classes. She holds a bachelor’s degree

in Communications from Stephens College and a master’s degree in Public Park and Recreation Administration from Indiana University.

“Cynthia knows our processes, our programs and our people,” said Cindy Roeder, Director, Parks & Recreation and the official to whom Hoftiezer reports.

“Her operations and analytical skills have long been an asset to the department. I look forward to her increased contribution in this central role.”

The Town of Herndon was incorporated by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia on January 14, 1879. Located in western Fairfax County, Herndon is the 3rd largest town

Cynthia Hoftiezer in the Commonwealth and is home to more than 23,000 citizens. Businesses located within the Town of Herndon range from high tech enterprises and major corporations to entrepreneuriallyowned establishments. Business Week Magazine has named Herndon one of the nation’s “Best Affordable Suburbs,” Money Magazine has ranked Herndon among its “Best Places for the Rich and Single,” and CNNMoney.com has named Herndon one of the “Best Places to Live in America.” Visit the town online at www.herndon-va.gov.

News from rockingham County acquire the property was a goal to protect this area as green space.

Groundbreaking a 65 Acre Park!

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n April 26, 2013 the Rockingham Board of Supervisors authorized an exchange agreement to swap

the original Albert Long 6 acre park for 75 acres. The Board’s intent is to develop 65 acres as a park. The Board’s decision to

The county, along with the Timmons Group, Recreation Commission, community and staff have developed a master plan of the park. It will include 4 multi-purpose fields, a clover ball diamond, a mile long walking trail, amphitheater, 3 playgrounds, fitness station, shelters, benches, water features, and open space. The county authorized 2.6 million for beginning construction phase on the park. On September 23, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to include county officials and friends.

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News from isle of wight county depatment of parks & Recreation

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the

Mary W. Wells Senior Center at Nike Park

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By Mark Furlo, Director of Parks and Recreation, Isle of Wight County

sle of Wight County Department of Parks and Recreation held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mary W.

new Recreation Center was planned to include all of the current programing held in the former army missile base buildings along with a host of new offerings. Many of the major maintenance projects that were needed to preserve the aging buildings were neglected in anticipation of the new state

BEFORE

forcing the Recreation Center project to be placed on hold along with many other Capital Projects planned in Isle of Wight.

In 2014, the Department was in a position to take consolidate funds left over from completed or stalled capital projects and redirect those dollars towards renovations at Nike Park.

The Mary W. Wells Senior Center was one of the former missile base buildings that was desperately in need of attention.

The Department worked with certified designer Shirley Confino-Rheder, an internationally recognized author, expert and invited

Wells Senior Center at Nike Park on Tuesday, September 8, 2015.

The Center was converted from a 1950’s era Nike Ajax Missile Base building. It originally opened in 1996 and was named in memory of Mary Wells, the County’s long time Agriculture Extension Agent.

Mrs. Wells started the first organized senior program in the County 18 years prior to the Center’s opening.

In 2009 a brand new Recreation Center was slated to be built at Nike Park. The 10

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of the art recreation center. That very same year, International Paper, located in the Southern part of Isle of Wight County, shut down their paper mill.

This was a huge hit to the local tax base,

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work in progress

speaker on the subjects of Universal Design, the Americans with Disabilities Act and its Accessibility Guidelines. The renovation focused on creating a warm inviting space that was accessible and free from hazard.

The renovations were extensive. The bathrooms were torn down and rebuilt to meet and exceed all ADA regulations.

The dated faux wood paneling was replaced with brightly painted dry wall covered with fun and whimsical decals.

The flooring was replaced with slip resistant tile and carpet. The kitchen cabinets and appliances were updated to accommodate the Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia’s meal program as

AFTER! well as future cooking classes. One of the major highlights of the renovation was the addition of a brand new computer lab that would enable the seniors to learn basic computer skills or hone more

advanced abilities. Most of the work was done by Isle of Wight County’s Building Maintenance staff, which extended the renovation timeline but allowed the Department to stretch the total renovation dollars while staying under the $150,000 project budget.

The Department has received nothing but rave reviews from the Senior Group who attend the center and guests who have visited. They all agree the renovated space is beautiful as well as functional.

They are very excited to be back in their building with the advanced renovations!

For more information on this project, you may contact Mark Furlo, Director of Isle of Wight County Parks and Recreation at mfurlo@iwus.net.

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News from vrps 2015 VRPS Annual Conference

Recognizing Excellence in 2014 Distinguished Service Lakita Watson - Suffolk Department of Parks & Recreation Katey Legg - Gloucester Parks, Recreation & Tourism

Outstanding New Professional Heather Grubb - County of Henrico Division of Recreation & Parks Jen Ewan - Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism Distinguished Private Sector Service Bama Works and LeRoi Memorial Fund - Charlottesville Parks & Recreation ARC of Williamsburg - James City County Parks & Recreation Distinguished Volunteer Service Rosemary Wilson & Dr. Petra Snowden - City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Dept.

Bob Dinse - Fairfax County Park Authority Best New Program Population 25,000 and Under

Tucker’s Tots Preschool Program, Goochland County Parks, Recreation & Facilities Population 50,001 – 100,000

The Battlefield Half Marathon, Frederick County Parks & Recreation Population Greater than 100,000

S.O.S. Students on the Swim, City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation

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Best New Special Event Population 25,000 and Under

Children’s Farmers Market, Staunton Parks & Recreation Population 25,001 – 50,000

Community Holiday Light Show, Danville Parks & Recreation Population 50,001 – 100,000

Explore Park Open House, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism Population Greater than 100,000

Pirate Fest at Lake Fairfax Park, Fairfax County Park Authority Best New Facility (Bricks and Mortar) Agriculture Education Building, Isle of Wight Parks & Recreation Best New Facility (Parks, Playground, Greenways and Trails) Population 25,001 – 50,000

Nike Park Skate Park, Isle of Wight Parks & Recreation Population 50,001 – 100,000

Philpott Marina, Henry County Parks & Recreation Population Greater than 100,000

Twin Hickory Park, Henrico County Division of Parks, Recreation and Facilities Best New Renovation/Addition (Bricks and Mortar) Population 25,000 and Under

Central High School Gymnasium, Goochland County Parks, Recreation & Facilities Population Greater than 100,000

Oak Marr RECenter, Fairfax County Park Authority Best New Renovation/Addition (Parks, Playgrounds, Greenways, and Trails) Population 25,000 and Under

Appomattox River Trail System – Phase 3, Colonial Heights Recreation & Parks Population 25,001 – 50,000

Potomac Crossing Park, Town of Leesburg Parks & Recreation Population Greater than 100,000

Lake Lawson Natural Area Restoration Area, City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation FALL 2015

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News from vrps Best New Environmental Sustainability Population 25,001 – 50,000

Back to Nature Pleasant Grove Park, Fluvanna County Parks & Recreation Population Greater than 100,000

Urban Forest Management Plan, City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Best Promotional Effort Traditional Population 25,000 and Under

City of Waynesboro Newsletter, Waynesboro Parks & Recreation Population 25,001 – 50,000

Danville in Motion Rack Cards, Danville Parks & Recreation Population 50,001 – 100,000

Explore Recreation Coloring Book, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism Population Greater than 100,000

NOVA Parks Facilities Guide and Directory, NOVA Parks Best Promotional Effort Traditional Population 25,000 and Under

CAC Car, Town of Christiansburg/Christiansburg Aquatic Center Population 25,001 – 50,000

Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Mobile App, Charlottesville Parks & Recreation Population 50,001 – 100,000

Get Rec’d Campaign, James City County Parks & Recreation Population Greater than 100,000

Splashdown Waterpark Website, Prince William County Parks & Recreation

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The premiere award, VRPS recognition of an individual who has demonstrated consistent and/or outstanding commitment by furthering the goals of VRPS, contributing to the profession and serving the community.

Greg Sager, 2015 VRPS Fellows Award The premiere award, VRPS recognition of an individual who has demonstrated consistent and/or outstanding commitment by furthering the goals of VRPS, contributing to the profession and serving the community.

Greg Sager

Greg has been an active member of VRPS since 1986. His professional career began with Henrico County Parks and Recreation in 1986, as a Recreation Assistant. Over the next ten years, he advanced in Henrico to a Recreation Specialist and then Senior Adult Recreation Coordinator. After working Westmoreland County, Chesterfield County and Stafford, Greg is now the Director of Parks and Recreation in Hanover

County, where he resides with his wife Ivy and three children, Anna, Shea and Todd.

Greg’s dedication to VRPS and years in leadership positions speak directly to his professional commitment. His roles and leadership includes the following: Virginia Senior Games Steering Committee (1987 – 1992), Senior Section Chair (1993), Central District Chair (1996), Board of Trustees, 2nd Vice President (1998), Board of Trustees, 1st Vice President (1999), Board of Trustees, President Elect (2000), Leadership Training Institute (2000, 2002 – 2004), Board of Directors, President (2001), VRPS Foundation Board (2004 – present) and VRPS Foundation, President (2009 – present).

VRPS is excited and honored to name Greg Sager the 2015 VRPS Fellows Award recipient. Congratulations on this commendable accomplishment and recognition.

VRPS Fellows Award Recipients 1964 Myrtle Patterson City of Lynchburg

Don Wingo City of Norfolk

Lucy Patterson City of Norfolk

Charles “Pappy” Nixon City of Newport News 1965 Jesse Reynolds City of Richmond

Howard Mast City of Suffolk 1966 Nan Crow City of Charlottesville 1967 Cecil Gilkerson City of Harrisonburg

Bill Castleberry 1968 Mary Schwartz McGuire Veterans Hospital 1969 Ralph Wilson 1971 Calvin Schilling V.A. Hospital, Salem 1973 Leon Curtis

V.A. Hospital, Salem 1974 Marion Hormachea VCU 1975 Ronald Reynolds Campbell County Don Hull Accomack County 1976 James Greiner City of Portsmouth 1977 William Garman City of Chesapeake 1979 Fred Williams City of Richmond 1981 Ellett McGeorge Henrico County 1982 Darrell Shell Roanoke County 1983 Joe Hensley City of Alexandria Michael Wise VCU

1984 1985 1986 1988 1989 1990 1991 1993 1995 1996 1997 1999 2001 2002 2003 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

John Gilstrap Lakey Logan Ned Cheely, Jr. Susan Walston Muriel Barbour Tish Lindsey Tom Blekicki Eldon James, Jr. Roger Pollard Ned Cheely, III C. William Boyce Charles Hester Annie Thornton Robert Antozzi Douglas Kennedy Michael Poplawskii Cindy Curtis Darrell Crittendon Tom Clarke Beth Wood-Whitley Cindy Jo Daniel Carol Steele Sean Gleason FALL 2015

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City of Danville City of Harrisonburg City of Virginia Beach City of Virginia Beach McGuire Veterans Hospital City of Danville Henrico County King George County City of Alexandria James City County City of Virginia Beach City of Petersburg City of Richmond City of Fredericksburg Virginia Wesleyan College Newport News City of Virginia Beach City of Norfolk City of Roanoke City of Virginia Beach County of Henrico Gloucester County City of Colonial Heights

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1-800- QUIT NOW 1-800-784-8669 V I R G I N I A

QUITNOW.NET/VIRGINIA

QUIT NOW AD REV1 Thursday, July 18, 2013 11:17:38 AM

888-419-0001 www.AllRec.com

All-inclusive dedication to play

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News from Orange County

OCPR Hosts 4th Annual Liberty Ride

By Tim Moubray – Director, Orange County Parks and Recreation

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range County Parks and Recreation hosted the 4th Annual Liberty Ride on September 19, 2015. This event is a horseback trail ride in conjunction with Constitution Day and The Taste of Freedom Wine Festival at Montpelier. The approximately seven mile ride included a parade through the wine festival and up to the mansion. There were 45 participants from across the state, 19 in-County, 26 out-of-County. Special guests included Orange County Board of Supervisors member, Jim White, and State

Senator, Bryce Reeves (and son, Jack).

One of the big draws to this event for equestrians is the opportunity to ride their horses on the Montpelier grounds and up to the mansion.

Montpelier was the home to the 4th President of the United States, James Madison. History was made on these grounds as our forefathers, Madison, Jefferson, Monroe, and others, all rode their horses on these same trails and up to that same mansion.

The Liberty Ride benefits the Orange County Parks and Recreation Foundation (501c3), and is designed to raise awareness and funds for future trail development. The event raised $1940 this year and brought the total to over $5000 in all. For more information about the event, contact OCPR at 540-672-5435 or check out the website at www.orangecountyva.gov/parksandrecreation To see pictures from the event, check out the OCPR Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ocprva

What’s new in your county or town?

Let VRPS spread the word about all your hard work!

Email us at vrps@vrps.com and appear in our next magazine.

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News from Elkton

Elkton Downtown Revitalization Corporation Recognizes the Elkton Area Community Center

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he Elkton Area Community Center –Stonewall District, located at 20593 Blue & Gold Drive, received the September 2015 Community Enhancement Award and plaque.

The Elkton Downtown Revitalization Corporation has designed the award to recognize buildings which have had significant improvements made to the property. The EDRC recognized the EACC for the most improved beautification of an existing property.

Many events are held at the EACC. Recently, the center partnered with the Elkton Ruritans on their rib-eye steak dinner, from which the proceeds were used to build a barbeque pit behind the center in memory of Ruritan Chancellor Lough.

Allison Morris, administrator, and Diane Johnson, Director of Parks & Recreation, have tirelessly promoted the EACC and the many new programs being offered.

It is amazing to see what is being done day-to-day for the extended community with a part-time staff and local volunteers.

To those who take advantage of the many classes being offered, or who participate in the recreation programs or follow their own exercise regimen, as the EACC information guide states, it is a place “Where community comes together.”

From the initial conversations and subsequent formulation of ideas, to the extensive building renovations and upgrades completed at this property, we owe a great debt of gratitude to the forward thinking members of our community who brought us such a state-of-the-art facility. The Elkton Area Community Center –Stonewall District is one of the most successful projects in our town’s history. We are proud to have it here.

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News from Danville parks and recreation

DANVILLE GOING GREEN WITH MAINTENANCE

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By Russell Carter, CMP, Communications Specialist – Danville Parks and Recreation

anville Parks and Recreation Parks Maintenance crews continually find ways to re-use and repurpose and river flood deposits are no exception.

Within a few hours on the first sunny day after the recent rain events, the crew began scraping and clearing the Riverwalk Trail for use and 9 miles were reopened by lunch time on that day. The soil can be used as top dressing on green spaces and ball fields. Of course, mud and silt deposits aren’t a big story, what the big story here is the fact that the maintenance division works tirelessly to reduce the Parks and Recreation Department’s carbon footprint and take care of the city’s resources and has made that a part of day-to-day operations.

“We always look for ways to improve our operations and take care of the environment at the same time,” said Parks Maintenance supervisor Randee Brown during a recent presentation. “Most people think we just mow grass and line ball fields, but we really take what we do seriously. We are proud of the things we have been able to accomplish, the money we have been able to save and the condition our parks are in year round.”

In 2008, Brown and company took a seemingly small step toward a greener

division by simply re-routing a few trucks.

“We basically had one truck and crew handling one task at a time and multiple trucks visiting the same site” Brown said. “What we Randee Brown did was outfitted the trucks, trailers well-used areas. When there’s runoff or and crews to handle all the tasks needed flooding, the Grow Zones help us keep at one site to reduce driving time and the river clean.” emissions. It was a logical move that really worked well.”

In a unified effort to use fewer chemicals, the division has assigned an area in The maintenance division also began to Ballou Park to act as a compost site for add additional landscaped areas to reduce grass clippings, leaves and plant material. mowing, which in turn provided new The compost is used to build up soil habitats for wildlife such as birds and profiles instead of chemical fertilizers, and butterflies, reduced wear on equipment sometimes as backfill or soil amendment and drastically reduce the emissions put off for landscape areas. Crews have also been by lawnmowers, which according to some instructed to mow according to Best studies can in one hour put off as much Management Practices in order to reduce pollution as a 100-mile car trip. weed infestations which also reduce the use of chemical controls. Mowing heights and “Grow Zones” were also identified in frequency as well as attention to condition some areas along the Dan River which not of blades are part of everyday protocols only saved on emissions, but also among now during the season. other things act as a filter to catch trash run off from the parks or neighboring areas “ A lot of small changes add up to before it makes it into the river. an pretty big impact on the size of our carbon footprint, not to mention “It’s pretty simple,” Brown said. “We being responsible with our budget and let the tall grass and weeds grow along environment” the grow zones while maintaining the

FALL 2015

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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FALL 2015