A Perspective from the Awards Committee

by Mark Furlo, CPRP

Director, Portsmouth Parks, Recreation, & Leisure Services

VRPS 2016 Awards Committee
Immediate Past Chair, VRPS Eastern Service Area

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Awards and Citations Committee. Awards and Citations is a Committee of the VRPS Board of Directors. The work of the committee culminates at the Awards Banquet at the Annual Conference where we showcase our best and brightest!  This year marks the third year I have had the honor of serving. I first served in 2007, again in 2014, and now 2016. The Chair or Co-Chairs are appointed by the President of the Board every year. The rest of the Committee is comprised of one representative from each of the Service Areas and Resource Groups. The Service Areas and Resource Group are allowed to determine the manner in which they select their representative. In the Eastern Service Area, the area of my representation, the Immediate Past Chairs represents the Service Area on the Committee. Over the past ten years, I have seen a lot of change in how the Committee operates to make the process easier.

My first year on the Committee in 2007, agencies were required to mail multiple paper copies of their applications, descriptions, CDs with photos, and promotional items to the VRPS central office. From there, the VRPS staff had to split all the materials into large boxes and distributed throughout the state to each committee member to review. Now all committee members are emailed one excel spreadsheet that contain the descriptions and links to the PDFs for supporting documentation. Saving time and resources.

While some things changed, many remain constant, the most important thing that remains constant? The NOMINEES, the wonderfully creative, and innovative programs, facilities, and promotional efforts, and the dedicated volunteers, and professionals that show the excellent work they are doing. My favorite part of serving on the Committee is reading through all of the inspiring submissions. Another constant is the tremendous volume of materials that has to be reviewed by the Committee. About 100 applications were submitted for awards this year. It takes a very dedicated group of people to read through the applications for awards. Every Committee member that I have served with has taken this responsibility very seriously. Members understand the time and effort that each Department puts into the preparation of these awards.

The Committee gathers at the VRPS central office before the annual conference every year. They examine each category and discuss the merits of each application. Winners are selected by a majority vote of the committee and in cases of ties the Chair casts the tie breaking vote. Sometimes there is a clear choice for an award, but more often tough decisions have to be made regarding winners. At times, the committee chooses not to give an award in a category even if there were submissions. If in the opinion of the Committee, the application does not demonstrate significant elements of the criteria an award will not be given.

As someone who has been a part of an agency that has won VRPS Awards and someone that has served on the selection committee, I offer the following advice when submitting for awards:

• Carefully put together a team to work on the applications at minimum the team should include:
• Someone that is familiar with the subject being submitted
• Someone that can tell a story and writes well (not good)
• Someone that can proofread for grammar
• Someone that manages time well and can keep people on task
• Make sure the individual, program, or facility meet all of the eligibility requirements
• Show how the individual, program, or facility demonstrated the selection criteria
• Tell a story in your narrative that will help it stand out among the others

Remember the judges are your peers, we are people, and we sometimes make mistakes. We do our best to evaluate the submissions based on the criteria, but the evaluation is the opinion of the judges. If your program doesn’t win a VRPS award it does not take away from the merit of your project or the  individual you submitted, nor does it take away the love and appreciation your community has for your recreation center, pool, trail, staff persons, or volunteer. Good luck and I look forward to reading about new programs and recreation centers, should I be given the opportunity to serve again.

VRPS Annual Awards: Recognizing Excellence in 2015

President’s Awards

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

2016 Annual Conference Committee

·         Doug Blount (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism):  Co-Chair

·         John Shaner (Salem Parks and Recreation):  Co-Chair

·         Dean Crane, CPRP (Blacksburg Parks and Recreation)

·         Marcia Dougherty (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism)

·         Jim Farmer (Botetourt County Parks and Recreation Department)

·         Allen Hayes (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism)

·         Brian Laws, CPRP (Fairfax County Park Authority)

·         Arlain Martin (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism)

·         Melida McKee, CPRP (Roanoke Parks and Recreation)

·         Alex North (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism)

·         Scott Ramsburg (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism)

·         Wendi Schultz (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism)

·         Dr. Susan Van Patten (Radford University)

·         David Weir, CPRP (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism)

·         Maureen Wilson (Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism)

2016 Leadership Training Institute Committee

·         Kristen Hamill, CPRP (Newport News Parks, Recreation and Tourism):  Co-Chair

·         Matt Spruill, CPRP (Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks):  Co-Chair

·         Terry Caldwell, CPRP, AFO (Christiansburg Aquatic Center)

·         Nancy Ellis, CPRP (James City County Parks and Recreation)

·         Kat Fish (Prince William County Parks and Recreation)

·         Brian Gannon, CPRP, AFO (Reston Community Center)

·         Michael Kalvort, CPRE (Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation)

·         Derek Stamey, CPRP (Goochland County Parks and Recreation)

·         Amy Woodson, CPRP (Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation)

Marcy Durrer, CPRP (Hanover County Parks and Recreation)

Dr. Susan Van Patten (Radford University)     

To see the following list, complete with photos, click here.

  

Fellows Award

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

Distinguished Service

·         Benita Ripley, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation

Outstanding New Professional

·         Alicia Engels, Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks

·         Lindsay Blankenship, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Distinguished Private Sector Service

·         Landscape Supply Inc., Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism

·         Enrichmond, Richmond Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities

Distinguished Volunteer Service

·         Catherine Ledec, Fairfax County Park Authority

·         Charley O’Hara, Falls Church Recreation and Parks

Best New Program

·         Population Under 25,000 and Under

o   Heroes Camp, Hopewell Recreation and Parks

·         Population 25,001 – 50,000

o   Roverwalk, Danville Parks and Recreation

·         Population 50,001 – 100,000

o   RCC Rides, Reston Community Center

·         Population Greater than 100,000

o   Footgolf at Pinecrest Golf Course, Fairfax County Park Authority

Best New Special Event

·         Population 25,000 and Under

o   Irish Road Bowling, Staunton Parks and Recreation

·         Population 50,001 – 100,000

o   A Christmas Past at the Fishburn Mansion Open House, Roanoke Parks and Recreation

·         Population Greater than 100,000

o   Miss Abilities Chesapeake, Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Best New Facility (Bricks and Mortar)

·         Population 50,001 – 100,000

o   Whaleyville Community Center, Suffolk Parks and Recreation

·         Population Greater than 100,000

o   Bow Creek Recreation Center, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation

Best New Facility (Parks, Playground, Greenways and Trails)

·         Population 25,000 and Under

o   Second Avenue/Park Road Improvement Project, Radford Parks and Recreation Department

·         Population 25,001 – 50,000

o   Danville Art Trail, Danville Parks and Recreation

·         Population 50,001 – 100,000

o   Jamestown Beach Event Park, James City County Parks and Recreation

·         Population Greater than 100,000

o   Elizabeth River Park, Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Best New Renovation/Addition (Bricks and Mortar)

·         Population 25,000 and Under

o   Shepherd Stadium Dugouts, Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks

·         Population 25,001 – 50,000

o   Ballou Recreation Center Upgrade, Danville Parks and Recreation

·         Population 50,001 – 100,000

o   Miller Center, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation

·         Population Greater than 100,000

o   Spring Hill RECenter, Fairfax County Park Authority

Best New Renovation/Addition (Parks, Playgrounds, Greenways & Trails)

·         Population 25,000 and Under

o   Crystal Springs Recreation Area, Wytheville Parks and Recreation

·         Population 50,001-1000,000

o   Roanoke River Trail, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism

·         Population Greater than 100,000

o   Water Mine Family Swimmin' Hole, Fairfax County Park Authority

Best New Environmental Sustainability

·         Population 25,000 and Under

o   Lake Tams Renovation, Staunton Parks and Recreation

·         Population 25,001 – 50,000

o   Native Tree Walk at Ida Lee Park, Leesburg Parks and Recreation

·         Population 50,001 – 100,000

o   Neighborhood Center Teaching Gardens, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation

·         Population Greater than 100,000

o   Virginia Beach Trees for Clean Water Grant Initiative, Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation

Best Promotional Effort - Traditional

·         Population 25,000 and Under

o   Fall “History Edition” Program Guide, Goochland County Parks and Recreation

·         Population 25,001 – 50,000

o   Discount Movie Ticket Flyers, Orange County Parks and Recreation

·         Population 50,001 – 100,000

o   A Christmas Past at the Fishburn Mansion Brochure, Roanoke Parks and Recreation

o   Green Ridge Folder, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism

·         Population Greater than 100,000

o   2015 Strategic Plan Report, Fairfax County Park Authority

Best Promotional Effort - Specialty

·         Population 25,000 and Under

o   2015 Herndon Festival Digital Brochure, Herndon Parks and Recreation

·         Population 25,001 – 50,000

o   25th Annual Flower and Garden Festival Wineglass, Leesburg Parks and Recreation

·         Population 50,001 – 100,000

o   Lynchburg is for Locavores Campaign, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation

o   Roanoke County Parks App, Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism

·         Population Greater than 100,000

o   15-second Video Promotion: Annual RECenter Membership Sale, Fairfax County Park Authority

New App Used at the 2015 VRPS Annual Conference.

by Tyler Stefkovich, CPRP


* Recreation Manager,
Chesapeake Parks, Recreation, & Tourism

* 2015 VRPS Annual Conference Exhibits Co-Chair

The 2015 Virginia Recreation and Park Society Annual State Conference was the first to offer to its delegates a conference app where session schedules, announcements, advertising and social components were communicated in place of printed materials.

As we were planning for the 2015 Annual State Conference, the committee brainstormed ways we could add to the future of the VRPS organization, add a cool component to the Annual Conference and support our current VRPS president’s platform of technology development and integration. A number of us had some experience in using this type of App at other conferences we had attended and certainly deliberated about how many would welcome this type of organization technology.

In addition, we discussed the ability to “Go Green” by using less paper copies of the programs and schedule.  Katey Legg, CPRP, Recreation Superintendent in Gloucester County, led the effort in many of the development and communication projects with the Crowd Compass App company.  She stated,

“The decision to move from a printed conference book to a mobile app wasn’t made lightly.  However, the mobile app afforded VRPS all of the same options of the printed book, but also new ways to connect, the ability to make last minute changes as necessary, and even offer more exposure for sponsors."

Throughout the conference I took every opportunity to use the App while looking for ways to explore the many different features it provided.  I used the schedule feature, the notes feature, the instant messaging future and received the many announcements sent out by the conference committee.  Katey also stated, “The introduction of the mobile app to the VRPS Annual Conference was a step of progress in how VRPS communicates to it members.”  I especially liked receiving my unique registration code prior to the conference so I could play around with the app and upload educational sessions to my personal colander through the app.

I found the App user friendly and fun to use.  It was fun to see others explore the possibilities.  Fellow delegate event took pictures during education session and later uploaded them through the App for others to see.  After the conclusion of the conference I was able to later email myself all of my notes to compile into word documents

The 2016 VRPS State Conference, being held in Roanoke, will again plan to utilize the Crowd Compass App.  Scott Ramsburg, 2016 Conference Committee Member stated,

“Most conference attendees have smart phones and have come to rely on apps like this one to browse program sessions, interact with maps and communicate with fellow conference attendees."

In addition, he stated, “Surveys of the event rated the app very highly.”

Certainly the app will continue to face some challenges including possible technical difficulties, connectivity issues and individuals who do not have access to the technology in order to utilize the App.  Overall though, this is a great tool to use in order to increase communication in conjunction with other forms.  App technology is fun and ever changing to be user friendly.  We were excited to offer it last year and look forward to using it again.

 

Making Connections at VRPS Annual Conference

by Janit Llewellyn Allen


* Environmental Program Planner,
Virginia Depatment of Conservation and Recreation

* VRPS Professional Member

* 2015 Annual Conference Education Session Speaker:  "Connecting through Webinars"

The VRPS conference is a great place to make connections. Whether by listening to speakers or through conversation at one of the fun evening events, you will meet folks eager to partner with you and help you develop as a parks and recreation professional. Making these connections often lead to relationships with colleagues across the Virginia. Through VRPS contacts you may be able to accomplish something you did not think possible – a new program idea, funding for that park update, writing that article you have been meaning to get to for a while or even a promotion or new job!  

I first met Rita Miller from the Virginia Department of Health and a VRPS Board member at the VRPS offices when I was preparing for a webinar. We talked and realized our mutual interests in health and outdoor recreation could benefit both our agencies and VRPS. After getting our state agency leadership teams on board with the idea of doing a joint paper about tobacco cessation in parks, we decided to meet in Virginia Beach at the 2015 VRPS Conference. While at the conference, we had a less than formal meeting in the hotel lobby. Our casual setting drew in others including keynote speaker, Tom O’Rourke, Executive Director of Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission. There in the hotel lobby before dinner, we talked, listened and began to hammer out an outline for our paper.

Rita and I believe our partnership grew during the VRPS conference. While we work in separate agencies with vastly different missions, our combined approach and commitment to recreation and healthy lifestyles fired up by conversations at the VRPS conference is motivating us to outreach about tobacco use in parks. We hope our partnership will lead to a win-win-win-win - for the Health Department, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, for parks and recreation and most importantly for the children touched by local, regional and state parks and programs and facilities who will address tobacco cessation.    

Be on the lookout for a spring VRPS magazine article written by Rita and me. The article offers outdoor recreation professionals the opportunity to take a lead role in implementing health goals for tobacco cessation. The door is open for parks and recreation professionals to affect change and make a difference in the lives of children and families across Virginia.

Post-Keynote Speech Thoughts

by John Martin, VRPS 2012 Annual Conference Keynote Speaker

Wow.  What an inspirational retreat. The 2012 VRPS annual conference “Climb Up A Mountain of Fresh Ideas” nailed it.  The future of the Department of Recreation and Parks across America will center on the coming age shift - catering to Baby Boomers as they  double the number of seniors across America.  The cities, communities, and neighborhoods that tap into and plan for this demographic Silver Tsunami will become the most desirable places to live and play in Virginia and nationally.  Focusing on the expectations and delivering on the social, recreational, educational, and physical needs of aging Boomers will make your Department of Recreation and Parks "ageless," an organization that improves the quality of life for the entire community.

TAKE A HIKE, Will ya?

by Nancy Turnage, VRPS Central Office

Monday, September 10, 1-5:15pm is GO-time.  Annual Conference-goers, brain-weary from their educational sessions on Sunday and Monday morning, have a four-hour RECESS.  What to do, what to do ....  Here's a few ideas:

Blue Ridge Railway Trail Excursion:  1-4:30pm

This trail was built with grants from the VDOT Enhancement Grants & DCR Recreational Trails Fund.  Find out how Amherst and Nelson Counties and the nonprofit VA Blue Ridge Railway Trail Foundation worked together to build the trail.  This 7-mile hike compliments the Monday morning session presented by Bill Mechnick.  (Limit:  16; First Come - First Serve)

Tennis:  Facilities at both Devil's Knob and Stoney Creek offer 19 clay and 3 indoor deco-turf courts.

Discovery Ridge:  plunging, jumping, climbing, zipping, mini-golfing, mechanical bull riding, table gaming.

Summer Tubing:  "It's still like being on top of a ten-story building and traveling over three football fields ...."



Hiking:  Wintergreen offers spectacular Blue Ridge views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah valleys from its mountaintop.  Over 30 miles of marked trails are available for exploration winding the two mountain peaks that makeup Wintergreen:  Devil's Knob and Blackrock.  The perimeter trails circumnavigate the resort with shorter access trails available.

Sweat and Splash:  fitness center with strength and conditioning circuit and free weights, treadmills, stationary bicycles, ellipticals, indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, steam and sauna rooms.



Lake-it:  Lake Monacan, a 20-acre lake and park is staffed daily with a lifeguard.  Snack bar, paddleboats, canoes, kayaks, fishing equipment, and standard road bikes are available, as well as horseshoe pits, a sand volleyball court, a sandy beach, lounge chairs and a picnic area.

Fish-it:  Wintergreen is close proximity to some of the best fly fishing that Virginia has to offer.  Quiet valley ponds and lakes, cascading mountain streams, and the nearby James River provide a variety of angling opportunities.

Shopping:  no explanation necessary.