Fall 2011 VRPS Magazine

Virginia Parks & Recreation

Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Fall 2011

LTI 2012

Leesburg Parks & Rec

Takes Flight!

Engage Explore Elevate April 22-24, 2012 Wintergreen Resort

Montgomery County

Tries Hard!

Virginia Beach

Splash Mob!

Make us your new holiday tradition There’s no better place to celebrate than Christmas Town. Stop by our new Polar Pathway experience. Take in our new show in Ireland, and then stroll through the glow of five million twinkling lights. Put us on your list for memories that will last a lifetime.

Open select dates Nov. 25 - Dec. 31*

Discount Christmas Town tickets available at VRPS Central Office *Select evenings and hours. See christmastown.com for operating schedule. Operating schedule is subject to change. Christmas Town is a separate-ticketed event not included with pass membership or Here’s To The Heroes. © 2011 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contents Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Volume 55 Fall 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

10 Transitioning from a Place 4 Message from the President of Familiarity to a New Work Place 5 2011 VRPS Board, Key Leaders and Staff 12 Digital ConnectorsÂŽ What They Can Do for 6 News from the LTI Your Teens Board 14 Leesburg Parks and 8 VRPS 2011 Calendar Recreation Takes Flight of Events 9 News from the City of Virginia Beach 16 News from Montgomery County 18 News from McClean 19 News from the City of Norfolk 21 News from Durham NC 22 News from the City of Fairfax

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 Societyis 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

Accomplishments During a Challenging Time

D

ear VRPS Nation,

I have thoroughly enjoyed my second term of office as your President. While 2011 presented many financial challenges, we had members who did not succumb and became more creative and innovative in their ways of providing training opportunities for our membership that were affordable and accessible; and in the gen-

I have received rewards that have kept me energized and enthused about Parks & Recreation. eration of new ideas for additional revenue streams for the Society.

As 2011 winds down I can say that the Board of Directors and I are extremely proud of the following accomplishments that we were able to achieve this year: n The creation of new scholarship opportunities for the VRPS Foundation. n The creation of reasonably priced, oneday workshops on athletic field maintenance that were strategically placed

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throughout the state to provide opportunities for maximized attendance from all service areas. n Securing comments from the VRPS membership for incorporation into Virginia’s Blueprint for Healthy Communities Strategic Plan. n Securing sites for the next three annual conferences; Wintergreen (2012), James City County (2013), Virginia Beach (2014). n Maintaining fiscal integrity during a challenging financial environment. n Producing an exceptional conference in the City of Norfolk after a 25 year absence.

Darrell R. Crittendon

President, Virginia Recreation & Park Society

nual Conference, Senior Games, Hershey Track & Field, Management Conference, LTI, and ticket sales, in addition to addressing any inquiries and requests for data from our 800 plus members. My hat is off to them and I do not know how they do it.

Congratulations to our incoming President, Cindy Roeder, a data-driven leader with a great personality. She will do great things as the Society’s President in 2012.

I will always have great memories from my first term as VRPS President in 2003 and also from my current term. They have been life changing experiences and I have received rewards that have kept me energized and enthused about Parks & Recreation.

n Expanding our member communication efforts through social media.

Thank you again for an amazing 2011 and I look forward to seeing you all again soon!

n Reducing the Central Office’s mortgage balance to $125,000.00, from the $400,000 it was four years ago.

Sincerely,

In closing I want to say that your professional society is what you make it; what you put into it is what you will get in return. The Central Office staff is committed to you as the Society’s members and while their resources have diminished somewhat over the years, they continue to rise to the challenge to provide the An-

Darrell R. Crittendon 2011 VRPS President City of Norfolk Director of Recreation, Parks & Open Space

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 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 Aquatics Cultural Diversity

Athletics Seniors

Outdoors Therapeutic Recreation Annual Conference Foundation Awards & Citations

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

Executive Director Administrative Assistant Office Manager Part-time Assistant

Darrell Crittendon Cindy Roeder Keith Rotzoll, CPRP Ed Hamilton Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE 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 Davis Tamara Brown Laura McCarty Mark Moore, CPRP Thomas Jones Ralph Baird, AFO Charles Hester, CPRP Alan Mills, CF Paul Wilmoth Daniel Ronquillo, CPRP. ADC Judy Jones Jason Bookheimer

City of Norfolk Rec, Parks & Open Space 757-441-2400 darrell.crittendon@norfolk.gov Herndon Parks & Recreation 703-435-6800 x 2123 cindy.roeder@herndon-va.gov Prince George Co. Parks & Rec 804-733-2646 krotzoll@princegeorgeva.org Roanoke College 540-375-2409 hamilton@roanoke.edu Virginia Rec. & Park Society 804-730-9447 jim@vrps.com City of Norfolk Rec, Parks & Open Space 757-441-2400 darrell.crittendon@norfolk.gov Suffolk Parks & Recreation 757-514-7251 l frazier@suffolkva.us Herndon Parks & Recreation 703-435-6800 x 2123 cindy.roeder@herndon-va.gov Shenandoah Co. Parks & Recreation 540-984-3030 psheets@shenandoahcountyva.us Clarke Co. Parks & Recreation 540-955-5140 lcooke@clarkecounty.gov Prince George Co. Parks & Rec 804-733-2646 krotzoll@princegeorgeva.org Roanoke Parks & Recreation 540-853-1198 michael.clark@roanokeva.gov Gloucester Co. Parks, Rec & Tourism 804-693-1270 klegg@gloucesterva.info City of Norfolk Rec. & Open Space 757-441-2400 x 263 athatcher1@verizon.net Roanoke College 540-375-2409 hamilton@roanoke.edu Virginia Rec. & Park Society 804-730-9447 jim@vrps.com Chesterfield Co. Parks & Recreation 804-751-4134 daviske@chesterfield.gov Suffolk Parks & Recreation 757-514-4501 tbrown@suffolkva.us Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority 703-359-4614 lmarquardt@nvrpa.org Pittsylvania Co. Parks, Rec 434-432-7736 mark.moore@pittgov.org Winchester Parks & Recreation 540-662-4946 x 11 gjones@ci.winchester.va.us Alexandria Rec, Parks & Cultural Affairs 703-746-5435 Ralph.Baird@alexandriava.gov Richmond Parks, Rec & Community Facilities 804-646-6067 charles.hester@richmondgov.com Virginia Commonwealth University 804-827-9346 asmills@vcu.edu Chesterfield Co. Parks & Recreation 804-748-1130 wilmothp@chesterfield.gov CJW Medical Center 804-323-8960 daniel117@comcast.net Chesterfield Co. Parks & Recreation 804-748-1623 jonesj@chesterfield.gov Danville Parks, Rec & Tourism 434-799-5215 bookhjl@ci.danville.va.us

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

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 City of Norfolk Rec. & Open Space Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society Virginia Rec & Park Society 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 757-441-2400 x 263 804-730-9447 804-730-9447 804-730-9447 804-730-9447 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 athatcher1@verizon.net jim@vrps.com jim@vrps.com berni@vrps.com marlene@vrps.com karen@vrps.com

Board Liaisons Central Service Area LTI Eastern Service Area Professional Education Northern Service Area Virginia Senior Games Michael Clark Hershey Track & Field Western Service Area Legislation Aquatics Awards & Citations Athletics

Keith Rotzoll Cindy Roeder Katey Legg Keith Rotzoll Cindy Roeder Keith RotzollSouthwestern Service Area Lakita Frazier Lisa Cooke Art Thatcher Art Thatcher Darrell Crittendon Lakita Frazier

Annual Conference ’11 Cultural Diversity Foundation Outdoors: Management Conference ’11 Seniors Therapeutic Recreation

Darrell Crittendon Darrell Crittendon Jim Stutts Michael Clark Jim Stutts Lisa Cooke Katey Legg

Revised 11/7/11 Fall 2011

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News from VRPS

News from the LTI Board

Margaret G. Thorne Chair, VRPS Leadership Training Institute Board

Can you believe that the 2012 Leadership Training Institute is April 22-24? The LTI board is excited as we are preparing another

outstanding institute for new and old professionals. I am encouraging you to take advantage of this awesome training opportunity that will be held in the beautiful mountains of the Wintergreen Resort.

We are offering exciting sessions, interactive games and social networking that will enhance your professional skills and growth. The 2012 institute will offer sessions for all professional levels. My hope is that you will take advantage of this wonderful educational opportunity.

The fees for the 2012 institute are as follows: “Early Bird” registration fees, member $525.00, non-member $575.00.

“Early Bird” fees are in effect until February 29, 2012. So take advantage of this awesome and affordable opportunity and join us as we “Engage, Explore, Elevate” at LTI 2012.

Contact me or any of the LTI board members for further information or visit www.vrps.com and click on Eduacation and Event tab. I look forward to sharing this great mountain experience with you in 2012.

2011-2012 Leadership Training Institute Board Marcy Durer, Vice Chair Tameka D. Williams, Secretary Shawn Hopson, Treasurer Members at Large: Leigh Davenport, Blythe Russian, Jane Shelhorse. Bryan Price, Sara Lu Christian, Sheri Conrad, Brad Flynn & Jason Jones 6

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Eastern Henrico Recreation Center VRPS Central Office TBD Logan’s Roadhouse Fairfax Charlottesville Henrico Harrisonburg Bowling Alley Harrisonburg Bowling Alley

Annual Conference Planning Meeting Virginia Senor Games Meeting VRPS Board Meeting Foundation Annual Membership & Board Meeting Virginia Parks & Recreation Magazine

Charlottesville Henrico VRPS Central Office VRPS Central Office Submission Deadline

Virginia Senor Games Meeting Annual Conference Planning Meeting NPSI - Course & Exam

Henrico Charlottesville Newport News

Annual Conference Planning Meeting Virginia Senor Games Meeting NRPA Legislative Forum

Charlottesville Henrico

april 2012

10th 10am 11th 10am 15th 19th 10am 20th 10am

Annual Conference Planning Meeting Virginia Senor Games Meeting President’s Newsletter VRPS Board Meeting Foundation Board Meeting

Charlottesville Henrico Submission Deadline VRPS Central Office VRPS Central Office

8th 10am 10th – 13th 15th

Annual Conference Planning Meeting Virginia Senior Games Event Virginia Parks & Recreation Magazine

Charlottesville Greater Richmond Area Submission Deadline

12th 10am 13th 10am

10th 10am 15th 19th 10am 20th 10am

Annual Conference Planning Meeting Virginia Senior Games Meeting

Charlottesville Henrico

Annual Conference Planning Meeting President’s Newsletter VRPS Board Meeting Foundation Board Meeting

Charlottesville Submission Deadline VRPS Central Office VRPS Central Office

14th

10am

Annual Conference Planning Meeting

Charlottesville

8th - 11th 10am 15th

Annual Conference President’s Newsletter

Wintergreen Submission Deadline

26th

Foundation Board Meeting

VRPS Central Office

nov sept aug 2012 2012 2012

july 2012

june 2012

march 2012

feb 2012

jan 2012

DEC 2011

Central Service Area Holiday Social Senior Resource Group Eastern Service Area Holiday Social Northern Service Area Holiday Social Annual Conference Planning Meeting Virginia Senor Games Meeting Western Service Area Meeting Western Service Area Meeting

may 2012

VRPS Calendar of events 1st 10am -12 Noon 2nd 10am -1pm 2nd 10am – 2pm 6th 12 Noon -3pm 13th 14th 10am TBD 10am - 1:00pm TBD 10am - 1:00pm 10th 11th 10am 19th 10am 20th 10am 30th

8th 10am 14th 10am 29th - March 2nd

13th 10am 14th 10am 27th – 29th

10am

This is a qualifying year for the 2013 National Senior Games to be held in Cleveland, OH. Spread the news to to your athletes!

Pickleball and th 50M Sprint have been added to the National Games and athletes will now be able to compete and qualify in Virginia for these events.

More informaiton on registration will be available the first of January 2012.

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News from Virginia Beach Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation’s

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Splash Mob

Michelle Walz, Recreation Specialist I, leads swimmers in the Hokey Pokey.

n 1985, the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) declared July is Parks and Recreation month. This year, NRPA challenged local parks and recreation agencies to celebrate by recording flash mobs that demonstrate the benefits of parks and recreation. Never able to resist a challenge, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation’s aquatic unit staff organized not one, not two, but three different “splash” mobs, using a favorite: the hokey pokey. Everyone from adults in a water fitness class to summer campers to staff participated in the fun. Check out the video at http://youtu.be/zSfOci0OmgI -- it will put a smile on your face.

A CALL FOR POTENTIAL SPEAKERS The 2012 Education Committee is seeking speakers for the 2012 VRPS Conference in Wintergreen September 8-11.

If you are interested in providing a session please email

Kate Trask at ktrask@leesburgva.gov OR Amy-Jo Hendrix at ahendrix@viennava.gov With your name email, phone, organization, and topic.

We will forward a session proposal as soon as they become available.

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News from norfolk

Transitioning W

hen I was in college, one of my professors told us that a good manager transitions slowly into an organization. He stated a good manager takes a year to learn the culture of the organization and all its subcultures, in the second year, they begin to insert their style on the organization and by the third year the manager is fully integrated into the organization and its culture and they will thrive. That is the theory; in real life I have never had the luxury of that kind of time.

Transitioning and all that goes along with it has been the story of my career.

I started my career as Recreation Coordinator with the City of Poquoson in 1984. When I was hired, the City Manager opened the top drawer of his desk, pulled out a set of keys, walked over to the window, pointed an old house across the street from City Hall and said “There’s your office, now go do what you do best, make me a recreation de-

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from a Place of Familiarity to a New Work Place as a Manager Administrator Art Thatcher, CPRP, Bureau Manager of Recreation & Human Development, Norfolk Recreation, Parks & Open Space

partment.” As I walked out the door I thought to myself what happened to that one year to learn the organization and all that my professor had taught me. Well that was theory and this was practice.

Each step in my career has had differing circumstances; however, the one constant has always been, there is no luxury of time to learn the organization. Each transition has the common element of “go do what you do best” and do it now; and the quickest way to do that is to go see what’s happening.

With each new place I have been, my priority is to go meet the staff and see what they think, what they are doing and what do they need to do it better. I also go meet the customers to see what we’re doing right, what could make us better and if there is something new or different we need to do. Those of you that know me know I’m pretty extraverted. I have no problem walking up to people, extending

my hand, introducing myself and having a nice conversation with them. It is all about relationship building and those relationships are what make places familiar.

So, here I go again, the beginning of October I am now working with the City of Norfolk as their Bureau Manager of Recreation and Human Development.

Like everyone else, we are in a period of economic downturn and all the challenges that go along with that; once again, practice not theory. No luxury of time to ease into the job, just “go do what I do best.” I’ve started meeting people and learning what they do and boy do

we have some great people working for Recreation, Parks & Open Space. I’m learning more and meeting new people each day. Like all of my previous transitions, this one has energized me, awakened my spirit and confirmed that this profession is vital to any community’s health and well-being.

Each transition has the common element of “go do what you do best” and do it now; and the quickest way to do that is to go see what’s happening.

Art Thatcher, CPRP

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News from norfolk

Digital Connectors®: What They Can Do for Your Teens

By LaDonna Gardner, Bureau Manager, City of Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space

A

As a senior in high school, I was enrolled in a class called Special Topics. It was a class created for about 15 students who excelled in math to the point that there were no higher math classes available for us. I love numbers and I loved this class.

I am convinced my love for the class was because I got to explore math on a higher level.

The first semester went as expected--working on math projects using all we had learned up to that point in our school career. However, after Christmas break, the class returned to a surprise. One lone computer had been purchased for the school and our class was to be the first to use it. The year was 1979, long before the bells-and-whistles that come with computers today. This computer did… nothing! It had to be programmed to do even the simplest of tasks or special effects.

We knew nothing about computers and unfortunately our teacher was right there with us. The computer came with a manual of predetermined programs and we had to enter the data. Working with a partner, we were each assigned a task. My partner had to enter the necessary data to make a cannon roll across the bottom of the screen, then turn the barrel upward and when the fuse was lit, a dashed line 12

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would progress to the top of the screen where the word “bang” would appear. I was tasked with making a “stick man” who was to walk across the bottom of the screen and light the cannon’s fuse. The screen background was gray and the figures were a collection of dashes and other keyboard style symbols joined together to represent these images--- think smiley face--- colon with right parenthesis.

Somehow when finished, we managed to make the cannon roll to the bottom middle of the screen, the man walked to meet it, the top of the man’s head, shaped like the back of the cannon with a fuse on top, opened up like the lid on a German beer stein. The cannon ball (dashed line) came out of his head and progressed upward and exploded the word “Bang” at the top of the screen. We had no idea how this was accomplished, but we got an “A” for the assignment. We were never quite certain if the teacher thought we did it on purpose, but she seemed impressed with our creativity. That was my first and last experience with a computer until my second job in 1988 where there was one computer shared by the entire facility staff with only Word Perfect and Lotus 1-2-3 programs.

Fast forward to 2011 and so much has changed. Almost every individual in an office environment has their own computer.

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Computers are available to almost anyone.

Schools are equipped with computer labs; some even have computers in the classrooms. Libraries and recreation centers provide labs for the general public. These machines already come with programming that will do more than most will ever know how to use. Computers are everywhere and the world as we know it today cannot function without them. Work success is dependent on an individual’s ability to navigate the digital age.

Going to school today and not learning to use a computer is unheard of, but some things remain on the fringe and continue to affect the work place. The honing of leadership skills, teamwork, goal setting, civicmindedness and much more make for a wellrounded workforce and these attributes are rarely taught in an academic setting so highly pressured to achieve Standards of Learning scores.

This summer the City of Norfolk Department of Recreation, Parks & Open Space introduced a pilot program that brought all these attributes and digital learning together in one setting. With the aid of One Economy, Inc., the Digital Connectors® Camp was offered for the first time to 20 teens in rising grades 9-12.

In the Greater Broad Creek community, the City of Norfolk has pledged to “fo-

cus on innovative practices, education, and technology approaches aimed at the development of both children and adults.” With support from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), One Economy, Inc. is currently working with community, corporate and political leaders in Norfolk and the surrounding areas to expand broadband internet access and opportunities for the young and mature citizens within the City and throughout the region.

This effort is accomplished by training the participants (Digital Connectors®) to serve their community by: n Performing community-changing service projects; n Assisting underserved communities by teaching basic computer skills; n Training area residents in computer and Internet use; and n Promoting technology in the community.

Digital Connectors® receive long-lasting benefits by: n Increasing their computer and Internet knowledge; n Gaining skills to succeed in high school, college and the workforce; n Learning entrepreneurship and life skills; n Becoming young leaders in the community; and n Learning constructive use of their leisure time.

Digital Connectors® prepares students for success in the 21st Century workplace.

It is a youth development network for ongoing professional support through a Digital Connectors® curriculum based on Twelve Core Competencies:

use their cell phones properly.

1. Leadership & Diversity 2. Personal Development 3. Workforce Development 4. Financial Literacy 5. Community Mapping 6. Digital Literacy 7. Hardware & Networks 8. Software & Programming 9. Media Production & Civic Journalism 10. Environment & Sustainability 11. Service & Global Engagement 12. Teaching & Facilitating: Youth receive training to go into the community and train others on technology.

The Digital Connectors® Camp was delivered as a free four (4) week program from July 25-August 19, 2011 at the Norview Community Center in the facility’s computer lab and media library. Field trips were planned to local colleges and businesses. Other field trips included destinations such as for Humanity, Goodwill and Union Mission where the Digital Connectors® provided community service. They also hosted senior adults who came to the camp to learn computer skills and even how to

The Digital Connectors® were officially certified at the end of the program and celebrated their accomplishments with their families during with a graduation ceremony. To keep the Digital Connectors® engaged throughout the program, they were promised incentives as long as they met the criteria for the program--- successful completion of each module and 40 hours of community service, a combination of group and individual service projects. At graduation, they were awarded an official Digital Connector® t-shirt, backpack, lanyard and wristband flash drive as well as a digital flip camera and a $200 American Express® gift card.

Alumni Enterprises supports Digital Connector® graduates with career pathways, entrepreneurial opportunities and continued technology-based community service opportunities. The Digital Connectors® will remain engaged in the Digital Connector® program through continued community service projects and opportunities to teach the skills they learned to individuals of all ages throughout the community.

Programs such as Digital Connectors® prepare teens for successful college experiences and workforce opportunities beyond the wildest dreams of teens just three decades earlier. Technology opportunities have certainly come a long way in just a little more than 30 years from a teen experiencing the availability of only one computer to an entire school to computers being available in so many venues with the provision of skilled instruction and caring adult mentors. For more information about One Economy, Inc. and the Digital Connector® program, go to http://www.one-economy.com/ what-we-do/digital-connectors.

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news from leesburg

Leesburg Parks and Recreation

Takes Flight

By Kate Trask, Deputy Director, Town of Leesburg Parks and Recreation and Rachel Goodwin Town of Leesburg Parks and Recreation

T

The staff of the Town of Leesburg’s Parks and Recreation never guessed that one day they would be organizing an airshow. That’s exactly what they were busy with this past spring and summer leading up to the 2nd Annual Leesburg Airshow that was held on Saturday, October 1st. The staff was called to assist the volunteer airshow commit-

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tee when, in March, the Airport Director position became vacant. The parks and recreation event staff was brought to the table to coordinate the many facets of the event. The event staff was chosen due to their experience with multiple townwide events of various sizes and scopes.

With a large volunteer committee, that included airport commission members, former military pilots, avid leisure pilots, airport personnel and friends of the airport, the event staff had tremendous support and access to many aviation resources. Quickly learning the ins and outs

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of the airport and the desires of the Airshow committee, the event staff began to organize the show.

The Airshow brought a unique opportunity to the Town’s event staff. Most town-produced events had small groups that lent volunteer support to events; be it day of logistics or event promotions.

The Airshow committee was more or less an advisory committee with an executive committee, sub-committees, airport tenant representatives, and a slew of volunteers for event day support. Volunteers played key roles in soliciting over $50,000 in sponsorships, recruiting aircraft displays and performances, organizing FAA paperwork, and organizing the VIP reception.

Despite windy and rainy conditions, the free event drew more than 2,200 spectators to the Leesburg Executive Airport.

The Airshow provided a wonderful opportunity for the community to explore the world of aviation. The static display area

featured many unique, experimental and antique aircraft, including classic ‘warbirds’ from the1940’s such as the SNJ T-6 Texan. Also on display was the Flagship Detroit, a DC-3 airliner from American Airlines built in 1937. This aircraft is currently the oldest flying DC-3 in the world. The event exhibitors also showcased the many facets of general aviation, such as flight training, corporate transportation, and emergency rescue operations. These vendors and exhibitors offered a unique perspective on how a regional airport serves its community.

A classic car show was also part of the event, showcasing vintage vehicles from the 1940’s through the newest 2011 editions. But the true highlight of the event began when the skies above Leesburg came alive with skydiving and aerobatic performances. The air show featured local and national acts, including a rare exhibition by a C-7 Caribou with two military sky divers wowing the crowd. Other air performances included a J3 Piper Cub, R 22 helicopter, and an Extra 300. The show was narrated

by nationally acclaimed airshow announcer Danny Clisham.

While still in its infancy, this event is primed to be a large part of the Town of Leesburg’s fall event schedule for years to come. “The Airshow offers us a great opportunity

to showcase the Leesburg Executive Airport to local aviation businesses, highlighting the first-class facilities and aviation services available at the airport,” said Kaj Dentler, Acting Director of the Leesburg Executive

A classic car show was also part of the event...

But the true highlight of the event began when the skies above Leesburg came alive with skydiving and aerobatic performances.

Airport. “It is also a way to introduce the non-flying public to the many different aspects of general aviation.” Major sponsors of the 2011 Leesburg Airshow are ProJet Aviation, Raytheon, Loudoun County Economic Development, and Leesburg Today. Plans are already underway for an October 2012 event. Please visit www.leesburgairshow.com for more details and photos from the 2011 show and for information about the 2012 plans.

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News from montgomery county

“We ain’t got much, but we try hard”

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ontgomery County, located in southwestern Virginia, is home to over 94,000 residents in its 285 square miles. Two of the state’s largest towns – Blacksburg and Christiansburg – are located within the county. Some localities in the state that have a similar population serve their recreation needs with a budget upwards of $5 million.

Montgomery County Parks and Recreation (MCPR) serves its citizens on a budget of $790,018.

“It is very difficult to find funding for Parks and Recreation programs you truly believe should be funded properly,” said Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Director Mitchell Haugh. “That is what I love – a challenge! We ain’t got much, but we try hard.”

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Despite funding, MCPR pushes forward with admirable enthusiasm, commitment and a passion for what they do. They serve an estimated 32,000 people yearly with seven full time employees, over 200 volunteers, 16 seasonal staff, four summer camp staff and 32 part time staff.

“Teamwork is what makes our department stand out against other departments,” Haugh said. “I am not saying other departments do not have teamwork, but they do have plenty of staff to accomplish even the simplest of tasks. We don’t. For example, if we host a tournament, it takes the entire department to facilitate it.”

They burn the candle at both ends daily – and love every minute of it. MCPR is dedicated to the community. The variety of programs they offer provide educational and emotional growth and promote social, cultural and moral well-being. They know

Fall 2011

it’s important for the community to have access to quality, inexpensive recreational activities – especially during times where other recreation may not be afforded.

“One thing that betters our community and helps our department is being able to fill a niche – especially with my programs,” said Parks and Outdoor Education Supervisor Brad Buchanan. “Some of the things I offer our citizens are not offered elsewhere in our area. This keeps participants focused and keeps the programs successful and top notch.”

Along with hosting outdoor programs such as mountain biking, rock climbing and kayaking, Buchanan works to make sure community members know about green space and parks to explore and enjoy. He believes the natural resources in southwestern Virginia serve as an opportunity for

those who live here to revel in the beauty of the outdoors. Parks and Recreation cares for and promotes six parks, three trails, a disc golf course and public boat launch.

Of course, the beauty can always be enhanced with a little friendly athletic competition! Team play brings people together and gets them active.

“We take great pride in our programs,” said Athletics Supervisor Chris Slusher. “As with most recreation professionals, we are experts at doing more with less. The community we serve supports us greatly.

They know times are tough, but they really appreciate seeing a ball field freshly groomed, new football helmets, cool sports jerseys, quality program offerings and a staff that is always there and willing to listen.”

ernment offices. The staff focuses on what they do have – an activity center they are able to offer several classroom-type programs at and an outdoor pool.

“My main focus is only spending money when necessary,” said Aquatics and Community Programs Supervisor Josh Sharitz. “Responsibility is key when you have a tiny budget. We do all of our training inhouse and do most repairs to the pool and our facility in-house, too. We learn as much as possible about our equipment so that we are not always relying on outside organizations to fix things.”

The pool averages over 200 visitors daily and around

Having fewer employees has its advantages.

People who participate in programs are able to get to know each supervisor on a personal level and are encouraged to share how they feel about the service. With a small budget, the staff wants to assure they are spending their funds on programs that are well-received, used and appreciated by the public.

Not having an official indoor recreational facility is sometimes frustrating, but it encourages people to work together to find space for activities at schools and local gov-

20,000 per season.

provide our active adult community with opportunities to socialize, go places and do something fun!”

This past season, over 200 registrations were returned for senior, outdoor and community programs on the first day citizens were able to register. This was the largest number returned in the first day of registration to date.

Director Mitchell Haugh is thankful for

With a small budget, the staff wants to assure they are spending their funds on programs that are well-received, used and appreciated by the public.

Seniors & Tours Supervisor Kemvia Adams-Bush recognizes the loyalty of her participants and its importance to her thriving programs.

“They are always eager to know what kind of tour, trip or activity we’re doing next,” Adams-Bush said. “It’s neat to be able to

his dedicated, fun-loving staff. “We are here for the quality of life the citizens of Montgomery County deserve,” Haugh said. “Whether we have a million dollars to provide that or much less, we strive to make the quality of our service priceless.”

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News from Mclean

McLean Community Center

Wins Two Awards from the Virginia Recreation and Park Society

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he McLean Community Center won two Virginia Recreation and Park Society Awards at the organization’s annual conference, which was held Sept. 17-20, in Norfolk, Va. The Center won Best Promotional Effort Circular, Flyer or Poster for the Old Firehouse Teen Center’s Friday Night Dance Postcards and Best Promotional Effort Specialty or Apparel Piece for the Alden Theatre’s Summer Sunday Concerts in the Park Fan. The center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.

MCC Executive Director George Sachs was presented with two plaques at the awards ceremony on Monday, Sept. 19. Both of the winning publications were designed by MCC’s Graphic Artist Hussain Mohammed. Mohammed was recognized at the September 27 meeting of the MCC Governing Board.

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Fall 2011

News from the city of norfolk

Welcome New Staff Members

Shawn Krawetzki,

Landscape Architect III, Division of Open Space Planning & Development

Shawn joins RPOS from Durham, North Carolina, where he served as a registered landscape architect for a private firm. Shawn holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from The Ohio State University. He has successfully managed and completed multiple projects of various scales and phases to include municipal parks, LEED facilities, university greenways, corporate campuses, multi-use developments, recreational facilities, public dog parks, municipal complexes, and state buildings, and has design experience encompassing master planning, design development and construction documentation. Shawn fills a vacancy left by Dean Bowles, who was promoted to the RPOS Bureau Manager of Parks & Urban Forestry. Shawn will be a tremendous asset to the RPOS team.

Patrick Dale,

GIS Technician III, Division of Open Space Planning & Development Patrick is a recent graduate of Old Dominion University, where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Geography. He served as a volunteer for RPOS from January to May of this year and was instrumental in the planning and execution of the City’s First Annual Bike Month event.

During that time, Patrick also trained with IT staff to learn the city’s GIS system and was able to assist RPOS with developing and constructing maps of facilities and proximities to schools, developing signage and mapping for the Elizabeth River Trail and mapping for ADA curb ramps. Patrick is a current City of Norfolk resident who is an active member of his community and volunteers his time with his civic league, Habitat for Humanity and the biking and trails communities. He has already shown a great amount of dedication and commitment to RPOS and the City and we welcome him to the official City of Norfolk team.

Pete Allen,

Senior Recreation Supervisor II, Division of Athletics Demetrius “Pete” Allen is a graduate of Granby High School and the University of Virginia. Allen was a four year starter and a member of the 1995 ACC Football Championship team. Following graduation, he signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons. He also played in the CFL and NFL Europe before rupturing both Achilles tendons. Allen is a former teacher and coach with Norfolk Public Schools. He is also the founder of the Hampton Roads Sports Academy, an academic and athletic program for middle school student-athletes. RPOS is very excited to welcome Pete to our Athletics Division.

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Fall 2011

News from durham, nc

Durham Named Playful City

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honda Parker retired superintendent with City of Newport News and now Director with the City of Durham, NC shares some of her experiences in Durham.

For the third year in a row, Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) has been recognized

by KaBOOM! Inc. as a Playful City USA for

its efforts to increase play opportunities for children. The City of Durham was selected because of its outstanding dedication to play and its joint-use agreement with Durham Public Schools to enable public access to additional

play spaces. The Board of Education and City Council adopted the agreement, which will go into effect this fall. Durham has benefited greatly from DPR’s relationship with KaBOOM! Inc. The community was the recipient of a playground (communitybuilt) in 2010 and the department has received a great deal of technical support from the agency.

“We are excited about receiving this designation again this year,” said Rhonda Parker, director of DPR. “Not only does it mean that we are doing a great job providing opportunities for our youth to play, but it makes us eligible to receive funding for outdoor recreation.”

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News from City of fairfax

City of Fairfax Receives $20,000 Lexus Grant for New Nature Based Play Equipment

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hibits by GameTime, Play Trails offered a variety of Play Pods that teach children and families how various creatures, plants and insects contribute to the environment. These Play Pods are scattered among a trail and families discover them as they walk and play along a trail. The new playground equipment will be installed within the next couple of months and a ground breaking ceremony will be held.

hanks to two caring City residents, Walt and Charlie Potock who saw an opportunity with Pohanka Lexus in Chantilly, children in the City will have some wonderful new play equipment to enjoy.

Walt and Charlie acted quickly when Pohanka Lexus, a dealership where they bought their most recent vehicle, shared some interesting news about ways they contribute to communities. This began the partnership that involved city parks and recreation staff who sold Pohanka Lexus on the concept to contribute to the City of Fairfax for much needed and innovative play equipment at the City’s most used and beloved park, Van Dyck Park.

tions have as their mission “to support organizations that build, shape and improve children’s lives”. Walt and Charlie knew this and knew the city’s needs matched Lexus’ mission.

As a result of the Potock’s actions and the generosity of Pohanka Lexus and the overall Lexus organization, Van Dyck Park will receive much needed improvements.

The $20,000 grant was awarded through the Legacy for Fairfax Program and is funded by two sources; $10,000 from Pohanka Lexus Chantilly and a matching $10,000 grant from The Lexus’ Pursuit of Potential Dealer Matching Funds Program. Both of these organiza-

What makes the play equipment so unique and exciting is that it focuses on connecting children with the natural environment. The play equipment engages children and families to use the park’s trails by ultimately making the trails playful. Through a new line of hands-on ex-

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The City is privileged to have resident and business support to make the world, and specifically the City of Fairfax, a place that improves children’s’ lives.

Legacy for Fairfax Program The Legacy for Fairfax Program was established in 2009 as a means for individuals and businesses to help shape and improve the parks and recreation system through donations. The $20,000 grant is part of almost half a million dollars in contributions to the Legacy for Fairfax Program for the Sherwood Community Center and parks since its establishment. If you or your company is interested in contributing in large or small ways to the City Parks and Recreation Department through the Legacy for Fairfax Program, visit www.legacyforfairfax.org for more information or call 703.385.7858.

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