Summer 2011 VRPS Magazine

Summer 2011

Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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Contents Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Volume 54 Summer 2011

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 Administrative Assistant Bernadette Cornelius Part-Time Assistant Karen Florey Office Manager Marlene Bresee Editor Amy-Jo Hendrix, CPRP Send Articles to:ahendrix@viennava.gov or Amy-Jo 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.

Features

Departments

4 LTI 2012

4 Message from the President

6 Athletic Fields 101 Workshop... A Big Success!

5 2011 VRPS Board, Key Leaders and Staff

8 Mark Your Calendar for the 2012 Conference 11 Ride the Tide to Success Schedule of Events

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News from Northern Service Area: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!

10 News from Augusta County & City of 17 Members Profile: Arlana Waynesboro: Park Fauntleroy & Cliff Jones to Park Half Marathon 18 News from Christiansburg: What a Facility!

19 News from Gloucester County: Chris Clifford Honored 20 News from Shenandoah County: From Mountains to Salt Water 22 News From Norfolk & Annual Conference: Ride the Tide to Success

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.

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A message from the president

Planning Ahead for 2012 Darrell R. Crittendon

President, Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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here is a lot going on in the upcoming months and I encourage you to take part in some rewarding VRPS events.

Please support this worthwhile training for your

The VRPS Board is looking for any and all ideas on

summer camp employees and camp leaders.

revenue enhancement. If you have any new or innovative ideas for revenue generation please share them

The VRPS 2012 Annual Conference Commit-

The Eastern Service Area “Back to the Basics” Summer Survival Training will be held in June.

tee is off to a great start! Under the leadership of Vice President Cindy Roeder and Annual Conference

Now is the time to consider sending your future leaders to VRPS’ Leadership Training Institute. The 2012 institute is just a year away.

There are two opportunities for you to take part in this training, in Chesapeake and Newport News.

LTI 2012

Leadership Training Institute, (LTI) 2012 will be held in the mountains of the beautiful Wintergreen Resort on April 22-24, 2012.

It is my pleasure to serve as Chair for the 20112012 Leadership Training Institute. The board is working diligently preparing exciting sessions, interactive games and social networking that will enhance your professional skills and growth. I encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful professional opportunity.

LTI began in 1985 and this will be the 15th class since the 27 years of inception and to date, ap4

Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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with the Central Office.

Committee

Now is the time to consider sending your future leaders to VRPS’ Leadership Training Institute.

Co-Chairs

Arlana

The 2012 institute is just a year away. Give your

Fauntleroy

with

future leaders the opportunity to “Engage, Ex-

James City County

plore, Elevate” at the Wintergreen Conference

and Marcy Dur-

Center. Leadership Training Institute - It is where

rer with Hanover

leaders are made.

County, the committee is making

With all the great events coming up, don’t forget

preparations

for

about the 2011 VRPS Annual Conference. Held

the 2012 Confer-

in Virginia’s port city, you won’t want to miss this

ence to be held at

year’s event, packed with over 60 educational ses-

the

Wintergreen

sions, nationally renowned speakers and a free wel-

Conference Center. There are still lots of commit-

come social. Register today to “Ride the Tide to

tee members spaces to be filled, so please contact a

Success.” I look forward to seeing you all in Norfolk

co-chair to volunteer.

in September.

proximately 600 professionals have attended LTI. I would like to extend a personal invitation to each of you in joining me and the LTI board as we “Engage, Explore, Elevate” at the 2012 Leadership Training Institute. If you are interested in attending and need further information, please feel free to contact me or any of the board members.

The fees for the 2012 Institute are: “Early Bird” registration, member $525.00, non-member $575.00. Early bird fees are in effect until January 31, 2012.

After “Early Bird” member $550.00 & non-member $600.00

2011-2012 Leadership Training Institute Board Margaret G. Thorne, Chair, Portsmouth, Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services

Marcy G. Durrer, CPRP, Vice Chair, Hanover Co. Parks &

Recreation

Tameka D. Williams, CYSA Secretary, Suffolk Parks & Recreation

Shawn Hopson, Treasurer, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation

Members At Large: Blythe Russian, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, Jane Shelhorse, CPRP, Louisa Co. Parks & Recreation Bryan Price, Danville Parks, Recreation & Tourism Sara Lu Christian, CPRP, Amherst Co. Recreation & Parks, Sheri D. Conrad, CPRP, Loundoun Co. Parks, Recreation & Community Services Brad Flynn, AFO, Hopewell Recreation & Parks Jason Jones, Suffolks Parks & Recreation

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VRPS Staff

Enterprise Group Chairs

Resource Group Chairs

Service Area Chairs

Board of Directors

Executive Board

2011 vrps boards key leaders & staff President Vice President Treasurer Lay Member Executive Director

Darrell Crittendon Cindy Roeder Keith Rotzoll, CPRP Ed Hamilton Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE

City of Norfolk Rec, Parks & Open Space Herndon Parks & Recreation Prince George Co. Parks & Rec Roanoke College Virginia Rec. & Park Society

757-441-2400 darrell.crittendon@norfolk.gov 703-435-6800 x 2123 cindy.roeder@herndon-va.gov 804-733-2646 krotzoll@princegeorgeva.org 540-375-2409 hamilton@roanoke.edu 804-730-9447 jim@vrps.com

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

Darrell Crittendon Lakita Frazier, CPRP Cindy Roeder Pamela Sheets, CPRP Lisa Cooke, CPRP, AFO Keith Rotzoll, CPRP Michael Clark, CPRP, AFO Katey Legg, CPRP Art Thatcher, CPRP Ed Hamilton Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Kelly Smith Tamara Brown Laura Marquardt, CPRP Mark Moore, CPRP Thomas Jones, CPRP

City of Norfolk Rec, Parks & Open Space Suffolk Parks & Recreation Herndon Parks & Recreation Shenandoah Co. Parks & Recreation Clarke Co. Parks & Recreation Prince George Co. Parks & Rec Roanoke Parks & Recreation Gloucester Co. Parks, Rec & Tourism Youth, Education & Family Services Roanoke College Virginia Rec. & Park Society Chesterfield Co. Parks & Recreation Suffolk Parks & Recreation Fairfax County Park Authority Pittsylvania Co. Parks & Rec. Shenandoah Co. Parks & Recreation

757-441-2400 darrell.crittendon@norfolk.gov 757-514-7251 l frazier@suffolkva.us 703-435-6800 x 2123 cindy.roeder@herndon-va.gov 540-984-3030 psheets@shenandoahcountyva.us 540-955-5140 lcooke@clarkecounty.gov 804-733-2646 krotzoll@princegeorgeva.org 540-853-1198 michael.clark@roanokeva.gov 804-693-1270 klegg@gloucesterva.info 757-727-6348 athatcher@hampton.gov 540-375-2409 hamilton@roanoke.

804-730-9447 jim@vrps.com 804-751-4134 smithkelly@chesterfield.gov 757-514-4501 tbrown@suffolkva.us 703-866-0566 laura.marquardt@fairfaxcounty.gov 434-432-7736 mark.moore@pittgov.org 540-984-3030 tjones@shenandoahcountyva.us

Aquatics Cultural Diversity

Athletics Seniors

Outdoors Therapeutic Recreation

Ralph Baird, AFO Charles Hester, CPRP Alan Mills, CF Paul Wilmoth Daniel Ronquillo, CPRP. ADC Judy Jones Jason Bookheimer

Alexandria Rec, Parks & Cultural Affairs 703-746-5435 Richmond Parks, Rec & Community Facilities 804-646-6067 Virginia Commonwealth University 804-827-9346 Chesterfield Co. Parks & Recreation 804-748-1130 CJW Medical Center 804-323-8960 Chesterfield Co. Parks & Recreation 804-748-1623 Danville Parks, Rec & Tourism 434-799-5215

Ralph.Baird@alexandriava.gov charles.hester@richmondgov.com asmills@vcu.edu wilmothp@chesterfield.gov daniel117@comcast.net jonesj@chesterfield.gov bookhjl@ci.danville.va.us

Annual Conference Foundation Awards & Citations

Hershey Track & Field LTI 2012 Management Conference Professional Education Virginia Senior Games Legislative Picnic

Deborah Morton Greg Sager Dean Crane, CPRP Melida McKee, CPRP, AFO Paul W. Berryman Margaret Thorne Lakita Frazier, CPRP Shannon Moore, CPRP Jennifer Snead Art Thatcher, CPRP Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE

City of Norfolk Rec, Parks & Open Space Hanover County Parks & Recreation Blacksburg Parks & Recreation Roanoke Parks & Recreation Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Portsmouth Parks, Rec & Leisure Services Suffolk Parks & Recreation Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Henrico Division of Rec & Parks Hampton Parks & Recreation Virginia Rec & Park Society

757- 441-2400x245 804- 365-4690 540-961-1135 x132 540-853-6865 757-496-6766 757-393-8481 x4107 757-514-7251 757-385-0420 804-501-5114 757-728-3220 804-730-9447

deborah.morton@norfolk.gov rgsager@co.hanover.va.us dcrane@blacksburg.gov melida.mckee@roanokeva.gov pberryma@vbgov.com thornem@portsmouthva.gov lfrazier@suffolkva.us smoore@vbgov.com sne02@co.henrico.va.us athatcher@hampton.gov jim@vrps.comDecember 10

Executive Director Office Manager Administrative Assistant Part-time Assistant

Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Marlene P. Bresee Bernadette Cornelius Karen Florey

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

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

jim@vrps.com marlene@vrps.com berni@vrps.com karen@vrps.com

Board Liaisons

Central Service Area Eastern Service Area Northern Service Area Southwestern Service Area Western Service Area Aquatics Athletics Cultural Diversity Outdoors: Seniors Therapeutic Recreation

Keith Rotzoll Katey Legg Cindy Roeder Michael Clark Lisa Cooke Art Thatcher Lakita Frazier Darrell Crittendon Michael Clark Lisa Cooke Katey Legg

LTI Professional Education Virginia Senior Games Hershey Track & Field Legislation Awards & Citations Annual Conference ’11 Foundation Management Conference ’11

Cindy Roeder Keith Rotzoll Jim Stutts/Lisa Cooke Lakita Frazier Art Thatcher Darrell Crittendon Darrell Crittendon Jim Stutts Jim Stutts

Revised 6/1/11

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News from VRPS

Athletic Fields 101 Workshops‌

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Big Success!

n March, 2011, VRPS introduced a new series

of field maintenance experience including 17 years

Implementation Team. They saw a need for train-

of workshops that reached out to members

as the Athletics Field Manager at the University of

ing in the area of parks with particular emphasis

and non-members alike with a unique type

Notre Dame. Special thanks to Jeff Clarke with Turf

on maintenance personnel. With this workshop

of programming. Toro, Turf Equipment & Supply

Equipment & Supply Company, and Dan McGro-

series, the Society was able to reach more broadly

Company and Smith Turf & Irrigation partnered

ry, John Crane and Dave Melton with Smith Turf &

into the profession to serve an unmet need and al-

Over 200 parks and maintenance personnel participated in the (4) workshops held at various locations in Virginia. with VRPS to offer an affordable, fun and educa-

mendous efforts of Brad Veach,

tional traveling workshop for athletic field, irriga-

Director of Winchester Parks

tion and turf maintenance personnel across the

and Recreation Department

State of Virginia. Over 200 parks and maintenance

and Michael Poplawski, Direc-

personnel participated in the (4) workshops held

tor of Newport News Parks,

at various locations in Virginia. Dale Getz, Certi-

Recreation & Tourism. Both of

fied Sports Field Manager with the Toro Company,

these individuals are also mem-

presented to each group. Mr. Getz has many years

bers of the VRPS Strategic Plan

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Irrigation.

low VRPS to serve a broader audience. This initiative has as its roots, the Education Initiative in the

This came

program

2007-2010 Strategic Plan. Education remains a

about

key need within the society and a driver for mem-

from the tre-

bership growth potential.

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Thank you to the following localities and individuals for hosting the workshops: n Loudoun County Parks, Recreation & Community Services (Diane Ryburn) n Roanoke County Parks, Recreation & Tourism (Marcus Ordonez-formerly with; Greg Martin and David Weir; Michael Clark-Roanoke Parks & Recreation) n Hanover County Parks & Recreation (Greg Sager and Marcy Durrer) n Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism ( Michael Nealer and Michael Poplawski)

Thank you to all who attended these valuable workshops. New park maintenance-related workshops are being planned in the coming year. Be looking for more information on the Society’s webpage vrps@vrps.com

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News from northern Service Area

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!

By Laura Marquardt, CPRP

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n April 21, 2011 56 delegates

demands of people’s fast paced lifestyles in

from across the state attended

today’s day and age, focusing on how we

the Northern Service Area Spring

can adapt the delivery of our programs and

Workshop held at the Stacy C Sherwood

services from a convenience standpoint is

Community Center in the City of Fairfax.

essential.

What an incredible opportunity this was for Parks and Recreation professionals in Vir-

On behalf of the VRPS Northern Service

ginia to see some of the top national presenters in

ation. Throughout the day the presentations really

Area Board, thank you to all who attended, our spon-

this field. We were so honored and thrilled to have

challenged attendees to think about what we do and

sors which included Virginia Playground Services,

Tom Lovell, Administrator of Parks and Recreation

the importance of the services we provide, as well as

GameTime, Hughes Group Architects, The Sign

in Lee’s Summit Missouri, Carrie Haupert, Executive

the positive impact our services have on the com-

Shop and Millennium Pool Service for their generous

Director of the Bloomingdale Park District in Illi-

munities we serve. What would the world be like

support and contributions, the City of Fairfax Parks

nois, Michael Pfahl, former Director of Recreation

without Parks and Recreation? Determining a way

and Recreation Department for hosting this event at

for the City of Vandalia Ohio and Dave Noble, for-

to communicate the importance of our profession

their beautiful new facility and most importantly to

mer Executive Director of Lake Metroparks in Ohio

and quantify what we do so Parks and Recreation

our wonderful presenters for a very educational, in-

travel here to share their knowledge and expertise

is viewed as essential of a service as fire, police and

formative and successful workshop!

in the field as well as their thoughts on the future

education will be crucial for the future success of

trends that will affect the delivery of parks and recre-

our profession. In addition to meet the needs and

We hope to hold similar workshops in the future!

Mark Your Calendar for the 2012 Conference

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September with strong leadership setting the tone and direction. We are nual Conference. We are headed to Wintergreen Conferfortunate that two such leaders with conference planning ex9-11, perience ence Center in Nelson County, September 9 -11, so mark have agreed to co-chair the event- Arlana Fauntleroy of your calendars now. One of the exciting parts about this opportunity is it 2012 James City County and Marcy Durrer of Hanover County. But they xciting plans are already taking shape for the 2012 An-

enables us to really reenergize as individuals and as a profession in a setting

that lends itself to dynamic interactions, creative thinking and energized solutions.

need your help! Opportunities to volunteer in all aspects of the confer-

ence planning are available, including education, marketing, sponsorship, socials & events, registration and exhibitors. Wintergreen provides multiple op-

Wintergreen’s website boasts “spanning 11,000 acres on the eastern slopes of

portunities to do things differently than a traditional hotel/conference center

the Blue Ridge Mountains…our spacious condominiums are surrounded by

might, take advantage of all the outdoor resources available on the mountain

winding trails, cascading streams and lush forests. The ultimate conference

and reach folks in market segments we’ve left out in the past.

spot, Wintergreen is peaceful and refreshing, with an endless variety of activities.” Wintergreen is approximately 90 minutes west of Richmond, two hours

Get involved and encourage a few of your co-workers to join us. Being a

from Roanoke, and just under three hours from the northern Virginia area.

part of the conference planning team is one of the most rewarding experiences VRPS offers. Now is the time to really shape something new and

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One of the key ingredients to this conference’s success will be a dynamic team

creative for our colleagues, peers and staff, so let Marcy or Arlana know your

of professionals from across the state actively engaged in the planning process,

thoughts and ideas.

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News from Augusta County & City of waynesboro Third Annual Park to Park Half Marathon

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The Park to Park Half Marathon is a true testament to local departments working together

to embody the principles of recreation and community. An idea of Dwayne Jones, Director of Waynesboro Parks

year, the Park to Park Half Marathon has grown

drink, and the satisfaction of knowing that a por-

and Recreation, the Park to Park Half Marathon was

substantially. Race organizers Dwayne Jones, Ben

tion of their race fee will help out a great non-profit:

birthed after many runs on the rural roads of Augus-

Lancaster (Waynesboro Parks and Recreation) and

Therapeutic Adventures. A local organization that

ta County. Coincidentally, after some research, the

Jessie Purcell (Augusta County Parks and Recre-

facilitates and promotes all types of recreational ex-

distance from Waynesboro’s Ridgeview Park to Au-

ation) have worked to make the race appealing to

periences for the disabled.

gusta County’s Stuarts Draft Park was exactly 13.1

all different types of runners. From the beginners

miles, the distance of a half marathon. Once Augus-

to the more seasoned, all enjoy the course consist-

The 2011 race held on Saturday, April 30, was the

ta County Parks and Recreation was on board, the

ing of rolling hills, mountain views and serene river

best race yet—with 466 runners registered and run-

Park to Park Half

crossings. Runners can expect professional

ners from as far as Honolulu, Hawaii. A special treat

Marathon was up

chip timing, a performance wicking t-shirt,

this year, was a group consisting of twelve Augusta

and running.

a finishers medal and hat, fully stocked

County teachers pushing Dustin, a freshman from

Now in its third

aid stations, post race party with food and

Fort Defiance High School, and a sufferer of cystic fibrosis. Named after their

A special treat this year, was a group consisting of twelve Augusta County teachers pushing Dustin, a freshman from Fort Defiance High School, and a sufferer of cystic fibrosis. Named after their inspiration, Team Dustin finished the race in just over three hours.

inspiration, Team Dustin finished the race in just over three hours. Community involvement, like Team Dustin, is the lifeblood of the Park to Park Half Marathon. This race would not be possible without the 50+ volunteers, including Boy and Girl Scout troops, local businesses and students.

The recreation departments of Waynesboro and Augusta County have begun preparations for the 4th Annual Park to Park Half Marathon. Set for April 28, 2012, the fourth year will sure be one to remember.

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Members profile

Arlana Fauntleroy

Arlana Fauntleroy, CPRP

Cliff Jones

Clifton Jones, Recreation Supervisor/Athletics 3 ½ years

Place of work: James City County Parks and Recreation

Place of work: City of Portsmouth

Position: Recreation Operations Coordinator: Youth, Teen, and Therapeutic and Inclusion Programs and Services Education: Old Dominion University: Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management, Minor: Sports Management; Master of Public

Education: B.S. Degree in Technology, Norfolk State University, Norfolk VA Professional Memberships: VRPS member for 3 ½ years/ Hampton Roads Athletic Resource Committee Member

Administration

Hometown: Norfolk

Professional memberships: National Recreation and Park Association, Vir-

Family: Wife Pam/ Daughter, Junior at Hampton University/Son, Senior at

ginia Recreation and Park Society, LERN, Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society for

Tallwood High, VA Beach

Public Affairs and Administration, NAPW: National Association of Profes-

Favorite experience on the job: Portsmouth Channel TV taping for the open-

sional Women, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

ing of the community pool. Had to get in the water and swim to the edge

Hometown: Williamsburg, Va

and say the pool is open. First of all, couldn’t swim to the other side because

Family: Single, No children yet!, Mother and Father in Williamsburg, Three sisters and one brother

of being out of breath and when it was time to say the pool is open I could barely talk. That was too funny and I had fun doing the tape as it took many times to do to get it right.

Favorite experience on the job: 1) Positively contributing and impacting the lives of others, including team members and citizens. 2) Talking and collaborat-

Toughest part of the job: working with rude and unruly people

ing with others to produce masterpieces in processes, programs, and services.

Favorite recreational activity: Table Tennis

Toughest part of the job: Igniting motivation in uninterested or capable staff

Favorite Book: God Father

to reach their unrealized potential.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be: Brazil

Favorite recreational activity: Shopping if this counts, Walking outside through a park on a sunny day, Watching and attending NBA Basketball Games Favorite book: Not much of a reader….I love to experience live or create my own story!

If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be: Europe Summer 2011

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News from Christiansburg

What a Facility!

64,000 square feet dedicated to Aquatics!

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By Terry Caldwell, AFO Director of Aquatics he Town of Christiansburg in Southwest

the fast success of this facility.

Virginia opened a new state-of-the-art

The Hokies’ men’s and women’s

aquatic facility in July of 2010. And “wow”

swimming and diving teams

did the Town invest in aquatic recreation, not only

not only practice at the CAC, but now call it home.

Across from the competitive pool, through the glass

for the citizens but competitive swimmers along the

The 50-meter Olympic-style pool supports 2-6 foot

doors adorns a beach entry leisure pool with a triple

east coast. With strong con-

bulkheads, a Colorado score-

loop two-story water slide, spray features and dump-

viction and sincere dedica-

board with video surrounded

ing fountain of water buckets. This popular area is a

tion to his community, for-

by diving boards and a 10-me-

hit for children’s birthday parties which are booked

mer Town Manager Lance

ter platform. The aquatic cen-

months in advance. The spa-like atmosphere of the

Terpenny had a vision; to

ter not only serves as host to

heated therapy pool is an ideal amenity for physical

build an aquatic facility,

the Hokies’ home meets, but

therapy programs and rehabilitation.

build it first class and fill it

has taken the lead in Virginia

with swimmers! It is with

for hosting age group champi-

With modern day technology we can manage the air

great honor and due respect

onships. Balcony seating for

flow, give comfortable temperatures and swimmers

1,000 spectators creates a welcoming environment

can breathe as if they were outdoors. Separate pump

for all visitors.

rooms for each pool support UV disinfection and

to have the opportunity in representing this center.

A joint venture between the Town of Christiansburg

give unique opportunities in pinpointing mainte-

and Virginia Tech has been an influential factor in

nance solutions. The competitive pool alone supports over one million gallons of water!

The facility tops off with wet classrooms, locker facilities, multi-purpose rooms, huge outdoor patio, kitchen, cardio rooms, family changing areas and private lounge and locker rooms for the Hokies’.

Yearly memberships are reasonably priced and daily passes are also available. A strong emphasis was made in keeping the facility affordable for all citizens. The center is open 95 hours per week, making customer service a number one priority. The difference in recreation today is we must operate like a private business, keeping old customers, adding new and program like never before! The old cliché “Build it and they will come” was an obvious positive insight

by Mr. Terpenny and the Town of Christiansburg.

During your next visit to Southwest Virginia, stop for a tour and we will show you aquatic recreation first class!

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News from Gloucester County

Chris Clifford is Virginia’s 2011 Cox Conserves Hero

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ox Communications, in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL), announced that Chris Clifford is Virginia’s

2011 Cox Conserves Hero. Sponsored in Virginia

by Casey Auto Group, Cox Conserves Heroes honors individuals who are creating, preserving or enhancing outdoor places for everyone to enjoy.

Clifford was nominated for the program, selected

“My focus for this project is the future generation of kids,” said Clifford. “Can we keep the kids outdoors and playing sports? That’s the long-term goal.”

new fields and park amenities to enjoy. He helped construct fifteen athletic fields at local schools and parks, as well as a park entrance road and a wildlife habitat pond.

“My focus for this project is the future generation of kids,” said Clifford. “Can we keep the kids outdoors and playing sports? That’s the long-term goal.”

Chris Clifford was a recipient of the 2007 VRPS

as a finalist by local environmental leaders and ultimately named as the Hero after receiving the most

Park Partners, Inc. to receive the $5,000 award.

Distinguished Volunteer Award and 2010 NRPA

votes in an online public poll. Clifford has selected

Due to Clifford’s efforts, Gloucester residents have

National Humanitarian Award.

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society

19 6/3/11 12:07 PM

From mount ains t o salt water:

News from shenandoah county

The Virginia DeLorme Geocaching Challenge

By Pamela J. Sheets, CPRP, Director Shenandoah County Parks & Recreation

O

kay, by now,

sponsibilities that come

you have all

up from time to time.

heard about

Needless to say, I didn’t

geocaching—the hob-

meet my goal.

by of pursuing hidden items using latitude and longitude and a GPS unit. The “trea-

However, here is the April ’10 –6 – A view of an inlet near Windmill Point (near Kilmarnock), along Windmill Point Road, just off of Route 3

sure” can vary from a

thing about me; I’m a planner.

In order to

meet my personal geo-

tiny nano cache the size of your pinky tip to a large

the log book in the container, and log the find on

caching challenge the next year and maximize the

plastic storage bin cache and the contents can range

the Virginia DeLorme Challenge page on geocach-

free time I did have, I would piggy-back geocaching

from children’s toys to books to CDs to batteries

ing.com. Once you complete all grids, and your

treks with other things. If I was going somewhere

to first aid kits to travel bugs to cache-in-trash-out

finds are verified, you are sent the coordinates for

for a meeting or conference or passing through an

bags, and much more! And as everyone knows, as a

the final cache site which requires one more trek;

area where I needed a grid, you can guarantee that

person moves from a newbie to an advanced partici-

depending on where you live, this could be a short

I had my GPS, DeLorme atlas, and some cache

pant in their respective sport or hobby, the trick to

or not-so-short trip. There are 63 grids for the state

info. with me in the car. Several times in 2010,

keeping things fresh and fun are challenges! Hence,

of Virginia; for several years, only 62 of the 63 grids

I left the VRPS Board meetings in Mechanicsville

my participation in the Virginia Geocaching Chal-

had caches; finally, a cacher added a cache near the

and headed off on a grid run. In fact, in April,

lenge was my way of keeping things interesting.

Lawrenceville, VA area making the challenge 63 for

2010, I left the VRPS office, and headed to Tap-

63 grids.

pahannock. From there, I went to Kilmarnock

I became a member of geocaching.com on April

(Windmill Point), down to Newport News, and

21, 2001—eight months after the site launch, 10

I launched my challenge on January 21, 2009 with

months after the first worldwide geocache was

the goal of com-

next morning after watching a lovely

placed, and about the time that the government

pleting the series

sunrise at the beach, I completed my

released selective availability on satellites, allowing

by December 31

VA Beach cache at the Atlantic Wild-

GPS units to receive a 3D signal (not a movie 3D!),

of that same year.

fowl Heritage Museum, and headed

narrowing the search field and accuracy of GPS

What was I think-

north. On that day, I visited Chin-

units. I enjoy the outdoors, hiking into remote

ing? Not only do

coteague, the Cape Charles area, and

areas and experiencing breathtaking scenery, and

I geocache, I work

then returned south to Suffolk and

geocaching allows me to add some adventure into

in a busy parks and

then west to Franklin, Emporia, Law-

my outdoor jaunts.

recreation depart-

renceville, South Hill, South Boston

over to Virginia Beach for an evening of rest. The

ment with eve-

(are you tired yet?), Danville, Mar-

The DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer is published for all

ning and weekend

tinsville, and then north for home.

50 states. These maps are a favorite among travelers

responsibilities,

That trip alone was 2 full days, 17

and outdoorsmen as they provide not only highway

manage a home

grids, and 1,067 miles, and the last

and trail information, but topographical, park, for-

and pets, play ten-

three caches were done in the dark

est, and water information too. Each state is broken

nis and disc golf,

as it was way past sunset! Whenever

into grids, and the challenge is to find one cache on

travel, and handle

every grid. You must physically find the cache, sign

all those other re-

20

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Waterfall near Healing Springs, along Route 220

possible, I would try to pick caches that were in local, county, or state

Summer 2011

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6/3/11 12:07 PM

stay in Bristol, VA. Once I completed all 63 grids and submitted my cache listings, I received the coordinates to the final cache location.

Don’t you

know that I crisscrossed that location

Final VA grid map with all grids complete (in light gray)

about three times in the year and a half I

An interesting wayside sign where I enjoyed a picnic lunch, a cache find, and a history lesson.

was doing this challenge either for meetings, cache

Lorme Challenge or the PA DeLorme Challenge

runs, or conferences? I did make a special one-day

or even the Virginia County Challenge. There are

trip to locate the cache, sign the log, and complete

even some great geotrails out there now where you

my in-the-woods victory dance in August, 2010!

can cache from historic site to historic site or along

All cachers have one! Just ask them!

newly-built greenway or blueway trails. Try the Star Spangled Banner Geotrail that covers Maryland,

All in all, this was a great adventure. I got to spend

Virginia, and Washington DC: http://friendsof-

parks so that I could check out facilities and park

some time with family, enjoying picnic lunches

chesapeakegateways.org/projects/ssb_geotrail/

designs; in some cases though, I chose caches that

along the way, and I can say that I have traveled

the Allegheny GeoTrail in Pennsylvania: http://

were close to the main road so that I could maxi-

to all the nooks and crannies of Virginia from the

www.alleghenygeotrail.com/. No matter your sport

mize my time.

small towns to the larger cities and enjoyed every

or hobby, just get outside and enjoy the adventure

stop I made—battlefields, historic waysides, old

along the way!

The following month, some of my family members

drive-in

joined me as we were heading to the western Vir-

museums, local and

ginia mountains and the roads where the caches

county parks, court-

were located were not built for my little sports car.

house square street

We needed the 4WD and high clearance! On this

benches,

trip was the dreaded Grid 64. Every cacher who

lots, fire departments,

has done this challenge knows about the dreaded

schools, and many

Grid 64. This is a grid that is split into two parts;

more

you have only ONE cache choice on the smaller

locations.

portion, and only about three caches on the other

nessed fantastic vistas,

portion. They’re medium-challenge caches, so if

survived

you miss one, you better have a back-up plan. I

downpours and se-

missed a cache on the larger portion of Grid 64

vere lightning, ticks,

in 2009 and couldn’t access the other caches due

mosquitoes, sleep de-

to muddy roads; therefore, we were tackling the

privation, and a few

smaller grid and the ONLY cache on this trip in

family disagreements

May, 2010. Upon entering the cache area, we read

on routes, speed, and

the bear instructions, hiked with caution, watched

driving habits!

or

theatres,

parking

interesting We wittorrential

the skies for impending lightning and thunder, tried to enjoy a picnic lunch with air thick with

If

mosquitoes, and then hit the road to tackle the

about a geocaching

next cache listing almost two hours away. This trip

adventure, give the

also included the southwest corner of the state in-

Virginia

cluding the smaller towns of Floyd, Galax, Hiltons,

Challenge a try. And

Jonesville, Ewing, Big Stone Gap, Pound, Vansant,

then once you con-

Richlands, Tazewell, and more. We covered 1,230

quer it, you can move

miles over two days with a well-earned overnight

to the MD/DE De-

you’re

thinking

DeLorme

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society

21 6/3/11 12:07 PM

News from Norfolk & Annual conference

Ride the Tide to Success

By LaDonna Gardner, Bureau Manager,

City of Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space

B

ased on a true story… these five magical

surfboard with her left arm in the water, a 14 foot

her life because of it. Rather than settling for status

words are usually all the marketing it takes

tiger shark ripped her arm off just below her shoul-

quo, however, Bethany held onto her vision despite

to sell me a movie ticket to opening night.

der. If the bite was two inches higher, the attack

the odds and she succeeded.

My latest excursion was to see Soul Surfer, a movie

would have been fatal. Bethany had lost over 60%

inspired by Bethany Meilani Hamilton, a 21 year old

of her blood, but she made it to the hospital just in

What decisions do you make that keep you in the

who began competitive surfing at the age of eight.

time. It was a combination of her calmness and her

status quo? Do you have a vision and line up your

It was her dream to become a professional surfer.

friends’ resolve that spared her life.

decisions to reach that goal?

against 15 year old girls and was eventually sponsored

Less than one month after the shark attack, Bethany

This is a true story. At last year’s VRPS Annual

by Rip Curl--- The Ultimate Surfing Company.

was permitted to get back in the water and she want-

Conference, I was stationed at the display for the

ed back on a surfboard. I

City of Norfolk, this year’s conference host city. I

don’t know about you, but

had the opportunity to speak with many people

if she never wanted sand

and a common question was--- “What is happening

between her toes again,

now?” I encouraged them to visit the trade show

I wouldn’t have blamed

exhibits to gather product information and network

her. Despite her horrific

with the vendors, to which most responded, “I don’t

experience, Bethany’s pas-

make purchasing decisions, so that wouldn’t interest

sion for surfing was greater

me.” Do I hear status quo, anyone?

By the time she was ten, Bethany was placing first

What decisions do you make that keep you in the status quo? Do you have a vision and line up your decisions to reach that goal?

than her fear of the dangers lurking below the

Learning about products, services and networking

ocean’s surface. She didn’t

with the vendors who sell them, isn’t exclusive to

meet with success her first

directors. Directors make the final decisions, but

As with all “Based on a True Story” movies, there

time on the board or her second or even third, but

usually these decisions are based on input from oth-

is a common story thread of the main character’s

with the help of family and friends, she kept trying

ers. So when you attend this year’s conference, go

triumph over tragedy and Soul Surfer carries on that

until she figured out how to find balance with only

to the Exhibit Expo and learn about new trends and

tradition. But if we look deeper, there is more to

one arm and a customized surfboard. Bethany is now

be prepared to make suggestions to improve your

these stories than just tragedy and the ultimate tri-

surfing competitively and has learned to surf on regu-

department’s operations.

umph. They are about having dreams and a vision

lar competitive short-boards.

for something that on the surface seems almost un-

What better way to get ahead, than to be a step

obtainable and having an unrelenting passion and

There is a proverb that states that where there is no

ahead. Get a vision for your future and make the

perseverance to not quit until that impossibility is

vision, the people perish. I believe this is true, but

decision to arm yourself with knowledge needed

grasped.

it doesn’t have to be in the sense that a person has

to take you there. Be like Bethany Hamilton and

physically died. In the case of Bethany Hamilton,

“Ride the Tide to Success” to the Exhibit Expo at

Bethany Meilani Hamilton does just that and more

no one would think it wrong for her to have given

the 2011 VRPS Annual Conference in Norfolk.

to reach her dream. It came with sacrifice, pain,

up surfing after losing her arm. It would have been

Who knows, maybe one day you will be making the

struggle, commitment, hope and, most of all, vi-

an acceptable decision on the surface. Most would

purchasing decisions!

sion. You see, on the morning of October 31, 2003,

not have seen this as the death of her vision. Many

Bethany went to Tunnels Beach, Kauai to surf with

would have said that her life took an unfortunate

For more information about Bethany Hamilton, go

her friends and their father. While lying on the

turn and she would have to make other decisions for

to www.bethanyhamilton.com.

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Virginia Senior Games

Gold medal Sponsors

event Sponsors

www.virginiaseniorgames.org

Summer 2011

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Virginia Recreation & Park Society

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

VRPS Summer 6_11.indd 24

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