spring 2010 magazine

Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

Spring 2010

Virginia’s

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Spring 2010 n Virginia Recreation & Park Society 3

ContentsDepartments

5 2009 VRPS Board, Key Leaders and Staff

6 2009/10 Calendar of Events

8 Message from the President

9 Executive Director’s Message

19 New Kent Parks & Recreation

20 News From Norfolk

25 Volunteer Opportunities

Features10 Celebrate the Big 400 in Hampton during VRPS Conference

12 Members, Get Involved, and Be Our +1

13 Opportunities at the 2010 VRPS Annual Conference!

14 VRPS Registration

15 Hershey’s Track & Field Games

16 Basketball - Making a Difference During

Economic Times

22 “Recreational” Athletics: Let’s Keep it That Way!

23 Set Sail for a Healthy Hopewell

24 Senior Games Western Days

Virginia Recreation & Park Society6372 Mechanicsville Turnpike

Suite 109Mechanicsville, VA 23111

Phone: 804-730-9447Fax: 804-730-9455

[email protected]

Official Publication of the Virginia Recreation & Park Society

ExEcutiVE DiREctoRJames C. Stutts, CAE, CPRP

Administrative AssistantBernadette Cornelius

office ManagerMarlene Bresee

Part time AssistantKaren Florey

EditorAmy-Jo Hendrix, CPRP

Send Articles to:[email protected] 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.

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.

Volume 50Spring 2010

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.

4 Virginia Recreation & Park Society n Spring 2010

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Virginia Senior Games

Bronze medal Sponsor

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event Sponsors

Gold medal Sponsors


2010 VRPS BoaRdS, Key LeadeRS & Staff

Board LiaisonsCentral Service Area Keith Rotzoll Eastern Service Area Mike Morris Northern Service Area Brian Laws Southwestern Service Area Bill Sgrina/Michael Clark Western Service Area Pamela Sheets, CPRP Aquatics Brian Laws Athletics Lakita Frazier/Michael Clark Cultural Diversity Darrell Crittendon Outdoors Bill Sgrina/Michael ClarkSeniors Keith Rotzoll

President Lakita Frazer,CPRP Suffolk Parks & Rec. 757-514-7251 [email protected] President Darrell Crittendon City of Norfolk Rec., Parks & Open Space 757-441-2400 [email protected] Brian Laws, CPRP Fairfax County Park Authority 703-324-8564 [email protected] Member Ed Hamilton Roanoke College 540-375-2409 [email protected] Director Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Virginia Rec. & Park Society 804-730-9447 [email protected]

President Lakita Frazer,CPRP Suffolk Parks & Rec. 757-514-7251 [email protected] Member Michael Morris Portsmouth Pks, Rec & Leisure Serv 757-393-8481 [email protected] Member William (Bill) Sgrinia Danville Parks, Rec & Tourism 434-799-5200 [email protected] Member Pamela Sheets, CPRP Shenandoah Co. Parks & Rec. 540-984-3030 [email protected] Member Brian Laws, CPRP Fairfax County Park Authority 703-324-8564 [email protected] Member Keith Rotzoll, CPRP Prince George Co. Parks & Rec. 804-733-2646 [email protected] Member Michael Clark, CPRP, AFO Roanoke Parks & Rec. 540-853-1198 [email protected] Member Darrell Crittendon City of Norfolk Rec., Parks & Open Space 757-441-2400 [email protected] Member Art Thatcher, CPRP Hampton Parks & Rec. 757-727-6348 [email protected] Member Ed Hamilton Roanoke College 540-375-2409 [email protected] Director Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Virginia Rec. & Park Society 804-730-9447 [email protected]

Central Kimberly Turner, CTRS New Kent Co., Parks & Rec. 804-966-8501 [email protected] DeRocke Croome City of Norfolk Rec., Parks & Open Space 757-441-5834 [email protected] Cheri Danaher, CPRP Reston Community Center 703-476-4500 [email protected] Bryan Price Danville Parks, Rec. & Tourism 434-797-8848 [email protected] Ken Jacobsen Augusta Co. Parks & Rec. 540-245-5727 [email protected]

Aquatics Ralph Baird, AFO Alexandria Rec., Parks & Cultural Affairs 703-385-0420 [email protected] Diversity TBA Athletics Paul Wilmoth Chesterfield Co. Parks & Rec. 804-748-1130 [email protected] Education Shannon Moore, CPRP Virginia Beach Parks & Rec. 757-385-0420 [email protected] Lisa Cooke, CPRP Clarke Co. Parks & Rec. 540-955-5140 [email protected] Shannon Martin Clarke Co. Parks & Rec. 540-955-5143 [email protected] William (Bill) Sgrinia Danville Parks, Rec. & Tourism 434-799-5200 [email protected] Recreation TBA

Annual Conference Jim Wilson Hampton Parks & Rec. 757-727-6348 [email protected] Foundation Bob Antozzi, CPRP Fredericksburg Pks, Rec. & Public Fac 540-372-1088 [email protected] & Citations TBA Hershey Track & Field Paul W. Berryman Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation 757-496-6766 [email protected] 2010 Sharon Entsminger, CPRP Chesterfield Co. Parks and Rec 804-748-1126 [email protected] Senior Games Andy Crane Henrico Division of Rec & Parks 804-501-5156 [email protected] Picnic Art Thatcher, CPRP Hampton Parks & Recreation 757-728-3220 [email protected] Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Virginia Recreation & Park Society 804-730-9447 [email protected]

December 10 John Carnifax, CPRP James City County Parks & Rec 757-259-5361 [email protected] 10 Phil Mease, CPRP James City County Parks & Rec 757-259-4171 [email protected] 10 J. David Hart, CPRP Pulaski Parks & Facilities 540-994-8624 [email protected]

Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAE Executive Director 804-730-9447 [email protected] Cornelius Administrative Assistant 804-730-9447 [email protected] P. Bresee Office Manager 804-730-9447 [email protected]

Therapeutic Recreation Mike MorrisLTI Jim StuttsProfessional Education Jim StuttsVirginia Senior Games Keith RotzollHershey Track & Field Lakita FrazierLegislation Art ThatcherAwards & Citations Darrell CrittendonAnnual Conference ‘10 Art ThatcherFoundation Jim StuttsManagement Conference ‘11 Jim Stutts Revised 2/8/10

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VRPS Calendar of Events… please check www.vrps.com for updated calendar Revised 2/11/10

Calendar of Eventsm

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9 Northern Service Area Meeting Northern VA Regional Park Authority 10 AM10 Ticket Luncheon Belmont Recreation Center Henrico, VA 11 AM

1 Central Service Area Quarterly Meeting Henrico Parks & Rec. 10 AM13 Western Service Area & Senior Augusta Co. Government Center, Verona, VA 10:30 AM-12:15 PM Resource Group Workshop/ Meeting 13 Northern Service Area Meeting Northern VA Regional Park Authority 10 AM15 May issue of President’s Newsletter Submission Deadline 15 VRPS Board Meeting VRPS Central office 10 AM18-20 Leadership Training Institute –LTI 2010 Wintergreen TBA

6-9 Virginia Senior Games Greater Richmond Area TBA11 Northern Service Area Meeting Northern VA Regional Park Authority TBA15 Summer issue of Virginia Parks & Recreation Magazine Submission Deadline

8 Northern Service Area Meeting Northern VA Regional Park Authority 10 AM22 Western Service Area Golf Dept. Gypsy Hill Golf Course, Staunton TBA Challenge Outing

13 Northern Service Area Meeting Northern VA Regional Park Authority 10 AM15 VRPS Board Meeting VRPS Central office 10 AM15 August issue of President’s Newsletter Submission Deadline 23 Senior Resource Group & Eastern TBA TBA Service Area Joint Workshop

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5 Central Service Area Quarterly Meeting VRPS Central office 10 AM10 Northern Service Area Meeting Northern VA Regional Park Authority 10 AM

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7 Western Service Area Meeting Shenandoah Co. Parks & Recreation 10 AM-12:30 PM11-14 VRPS 56th Annual Conference Hampton TBA15 october issue of President’s Newsletter Submission Deadline 15-17 National Playground Safety institute (NPSi) Hampton TBA

12 Northern Service Area Meeting Northern VA Regional Park Authority 10 AM15 Senior Resource Group Meeting Deep Run Recreation Center, Henrico, VA 11 AM15 Fall issue of Virginia Parks & Recreation Magazine Submission Deadline 21 Western Service Area Meeting Harrisonburg Parks & Recreation 10 AM-12 PM

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5 Senior Resource Group Workshop Deep Run Recreation Center, Henrico, VA 8:30 AM 9 Northern Service Area Meeting Northern VA Regional Park Authority 10 AM18 VRPS Board Meeting VRPS Central office 10 AM

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2 Central Service Area Quarterly Meeting New Kent Co. Parks & Recreation TBA10 Senior Resource Group Meeting Augusta Co. Government Center, Verona, VA 11 AM14 Northern Service Area Meeting Northern VA Regional Park Authority 10 AM


2 0 1 0 Virginia Senior

gameSm a Y 6 - 9 , 2 0 1 0

IN THEGREATER RICHMOND AREA

a N N O U N C I N G T H E

HOSTED BY: Hanover County

Parks & Recreation DepartmentCounty of Henrico

Division of Recreation & ParksChesterfield County

Parks & Recreation DepartmentCity of Richmond

Parks, Recreation & Community FacilitiesNew Kent County Parks & Recreation

Prince George County Parks & Recreation

Louisa County Parks & RecreationGoochland County Parks & Recreation

Richmond Sports Backers

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A messAge from the president

Celebrating the FutureLakita Fraser, CPRP

PresidentVirginia Recreation & Park Society

As I start this year as your Presi-dent, I approach this honor with enthusiasm and anticipation.

This year’s annual conference will be held in Hampton, Virginia September 11 -14, 2010. Our theme “Celebrating People, Parks and Programs”, embodies my vision for this upcoming year.

People: Our citizens and our members As parks and recreation profes-sionals, it is imperative that we support each other through our professional organization, VRPS. Over the next year, I look for-ward to getting out and about this beautiful state and meeting as many of you as possible for two reasons. First, I want to know what VRPS can do for you. Second, I will be asking for your support through fundraising, hosting train-ings, and donating to the Foundation.

Parks: Our parks and open spaces. As good stewards of our environ-

ment, this year we are forming two addi-tional resource groups: Park Services and Outdoor Programming. It is my goal to engage our park rangers, ground mainte-nance and outdoor program staff in our conferences and training opportunities.

Programs: Our daily ac-tivities and special events. The Athletic Re-source Group is up and running! I would like to take this time to thank to all those

that have worked hard on this effort. I am counting on this group to spearhead op-portunities that will be beneficial to our communities as well as our Society. At this year’s annual conference, in collaboration with the Virginia Festivals and Events As-

sociation, there will be a track for our pro-fessionals that plan and implement special events.

So as you see, by Celebrating People, Parks and Programs, we will connect all of our backgrounds, talents, and experiences that make up our profession. Lastly, it is im-perative that we continue to recruit new members, retain the current, and reconnect with those, for whatever the reason, that are

no longer participating. I look forward to serving you over this next year!

“If bread is the first necessity of life, recre-ation is a close second.” Edward Bellamy, Writer (1850-1898)

A

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P e o P l e , P a r k s a n d P r o g r a m s

...we will connect all of our backgrounds, talents, and experiences that make up our profession.

Visit www.vrps.com or call VRPS office at 804-730-9447

or email [email protected] for volunteer opportunities.


A messAge from the executive director

Call on a Friend

Jim Stutts, CPRP, CAEExecutive Director

A

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Associations by defi-nition, serve as a place for those with

a common intent to come to-gether. Certainly now is the time for us to take advantage of our Association/Society and stick together as we navigate these challenging times.

This year, President Lakita Frazier and the Board of Directors are very eager to keep VRPS out front, and help our members find ways to look out for each other.

If you know anything about VRPS, then you will know that at any given point in time, we have many opportunities for support.

The Leadership Orientation for all Society Leaders was held on January 27 at the Au-gusta County Parks and Recreation Office in Verona. The Strategic Planning Team also met on this same day. If you have any ques-tions, or thoughts about participating in any VRPS services, be sure and contact any Board member or leader. Each has a good under-standing of the many activities and opportu-nities available this year. (See 2010 Boards, Key Leaders & Staff list in this issue.)

For example:n President Lakita Frazier will host a summit in March so that Directors and Administra-tors will have an opportunity to discuss the budget challenges.

n The Leadership Training Institute, April 18 – 20 at Wintergreen, provides exceptional training and networking for the up and com-

ing; and there is no better time to sharpen your skills and expand your network than NOW!

n The Annual Conference committee, chaired by Jim Wilson of Hampton, is ex-tending the reach to offer a wide variety of sessions at the September 11 – 14 Confer-ence. Education tracks will include Festivals and Events, Athletics, Outdoor Recreation, Administration/Management, Aquatics, Cit-izens/Board Members, Natural Resources, Fitness/Wellness, Park/Facility Operation, Programmers, Students, Therapeutic Recre-ation and Urban Forestry.

The Conference will be scheduled to attract daily visitors, as well as a full three day reg-istration. The Conference Committee is working hard to exceed your expectations. Again, there is no better time than now to sharpen your skills and expand your net-work!

Thanks to many loyal and enthusiastic members, VRPS is reaching out to profes-sionals to encourage networking, problem solving and provide services. They include Senior Centers, Area Agencies on Aging, Outdoor Recreation professionals, Athlet-ics, Cultural Diversity, Festivals and Events, Therapeutic, Front Line Staff, Parks Staff and Urban Forestry.

WOW! All of this is happening NOW and MORE.

The VRPS Board approved funds to introduce a “new and improved” website for VRPS. We expect the kick-off to occur in March. As of this writing, we are in the transition phase, but you should begin to see improvements soon, including an on-line Membership Di-rectory, New Forums for communication, Social Networking, and many new features that are still being developed.

It’s a significant investment, but a wise one. We understand that your time is scarce, but your need to stay connected is vital. The new website should provide you with this oppor-tunity and more.

Don’t forget to contact your Service Area Chair, Resource Group Chair, Committee Chair, any Board Member or Central Office. You should expect a warm reception and an offer to lead a hand. What else would you expect from a friend!

If you know anything about VRPS, then you will know that at any given point in time, we have many opportunities for support.


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ampton, Virginia will wel-come VRPS this September

in grand fashion as the city celebrates its 400th Anniversary with events, exhibits and dedicated legacy projects. Not only is the planned conference shaping up to be stellar, the meeting falls over one of the city’s largest annual festivals and a 400th Anniversary Featured Event, Hampton Bay Days. What this means to you, the attendee, is exceptional professional devel-opment, networking with your recreation peers and absolutely incredible entertain-ment during your down time. Hampton Bay Days annually draws over a quarter of a million fun seekers. The free event, one of the largest family-friendly festivals on the entire East Coast, will showcase music by national record-ing artists. In addition to great musical entertainment, the festival presents over 75 merchandise and craft vendors, plus a Classic and Custom Car & Motorcycle Show. During the festival weekend, over 30 food vendors will also be available throughout the downtown area. Those looking for more conventional dining op-

tions can choose one of the many eclectic restaurants that line historic Queens Way.

Jamestown Settlement’s GODSPEED, a re-creation of one of the three ships that brought America’s first permanent Eng-lish colonists to Virginia, will dock in downtown during festival. The vessel will highlight Hampton’s history as a colonial seaport and fishing village, with a strong educational focus on man’s interaction with the ecology of the Bay.

Hampton Bay Days core mission is en-vironmental education. The “Kid’s Play & Learn About The Bay Education Area” offers visitors a wide variety of children’s entertainment, hands-on activities and interactive presentations that promote the conservation of the Chesapeake Bay and its natural resources and history. This year world-renowned painter, sculptor, photog-rapher, writer, SCUBA diver, and marine life conservationist, WYLAND will design the 28th annual Hampton Bay Days com-memorative poster and will present his interactive Wyland Mobile Center which helps to inform children on how pollution affects our water. Other weekend activities include the Abbitt Realty Bay Days 10K race and a fireworks display at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday evening. While you are here, visit the Virginia Air & Space Center, visitor center for NASA Langley and Langley Air Force Base, and enjoy the suspended air and space craft and 3-D IMAX films. St. John’s Episcopal Church, the fourth site of worship of Eliza-beth City parish which also dates to 1610, commemorates its anniversary this year as

Celebrate the BIG 400 in Hampton during VRPS Conference

H

Hampton Bay Days annually draws over a quarter of a million fun seekers.

This free event is one of the

largest family-friendly

festivals on the entire

East Coast.


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well. St. John’s invites you to visit, tour the church and sign their guest regis-try. There are dedicated exhibits at Hamp-ton’s cultural and fine arts attractions that recognize the invaluable contributions of the arts and photography to Hampton so-ciety. From snapshots of everyday life, to paintings and multimedia interpretations of the four centuries’ most pivotal events, Hampton lifestyle during eras in the city’s history will be captured. These exhibits include the Cheyne Photography Exhibit at Hampton History Museum, “The City of Hampton: Through the Lens of Reu-ben V. Burrell and James Van Der Zee” at Hampton University Museum and “A Place Very Pleasant to Inhabit” at the Charles H. Taylor Art Center. Hampton’s downtown waterfront dis-trict encompasses the site of the original 17th century seaport that served as port-of-entry for commercial vessels from Eu-rope, Africa and the Caribbean. Today, downtown Hampton is enhanced with cobblestone streets lined with red brick sidewalks, crepe myrtle trees and eclectic shops and eateries. It is dotted with res-taurants, pubs, art galleries, shops, marinas and waterfront parks. Inviting attractions like the Hampton Carousel, Hampton History Museum, Hampton University, Fort Monroe, Miss Hampton II harbor tours and Chesapeake Bay beaches draw visitors year-round.

The Hampton Roads Convention Center and our host hotels are located in the Col-

iseum Central district. Within walking distance you may explore Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World and the surrounding res-taurants at the Power Plant of Hampton Roads. Nearby, Peninsula Town Center, which will officially open its doors in Hampton this April, also presents national favorites and restaurants unique in South-eastern Virginia. Take time to register for the conference and reserve your hotel accommodations today. The fol-lowing Hampton lodging proper-ties will extend special rates to VRPS attendees. courtyard Hampton $80 – single/double1917 Coliseum Drive 2nd breakfast in same room $7.50. Hampton, VA 23666 • (757) 838-3300 Hilton Garden inn $80 – single/double/triple/quad1999 Power Plant Pkwy. Complimentary breakfast for up to two guests per room.Hampton, VA 23666 Group Code: VAPARK • (757) 310-6323

Celebrate the BIG 400 in Hampton during VRPS Conference

Springhill Suites $80 – single/double/triple/quad

1997 Power Plant Pkwy. Includes deluxe continental breakfast. Hampton, VA 23666 Group Code: VPR • (757) 310-6333 comfort inn Hampton $72 – single/double1916 Coliseum Drive Includes deluxe

continental breakfastHampton, VA 23666 • (757) 827-5052 The reservation cut off is Friday, August 20, 2010 or when block is full. Court-yard Hampton, Springhill Suites and Comfort Inn Hampton also have a block of rooms for NPSI.


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Members, Get Involved, and Be Our +1!

New Recruitment Programs offered for this year’s

annual Conference exhibit Hall

VRPS members this year have a new, exciting opportunity to help fill the exhibit hall with new products and services while competing for special prizes and recognition! We’re

hoping you’ll be able to help us this year by identifying poten-tial sponsors and exhibitors for the 2010 Annual Conference–we want to fill the exhibit hall with as many new and interesting ex-hibits as possible.

Every member who sends in contact information for po-tential sponsors or exhibitors (by July 1) will have their name listed in the “Members +1” section of the weekly VRPS e-update. once you’re part of the “+1 team,” if any of your contacts participate in the 2010 Annual confer-ence as a signed exhibitor or sponsor then your name will be entered once for each of them into a drawing for $100 in “VRPS Bucks,” to be awarded during the exhibit hall opening reception. “VRPS Bucks” can be used anytime before June 30, 2011 to pay for conference fees, VRPS merchandise, toward membership renewal, ticketed con-ference events–anything sold by VRPS!

You need not contact the potential exhibitor yourself–in fact, we don’t want you to do that. Just send in the name of the business, the contact name and e-mail for that business, and their phone number and address. Be sure to include your name and contact information so we can give credit where credit is due! You can e-mail the infor-mation directly [email protected], fax it to (757) 926-1460, or mail it to Exhibits & Sponsorship Committee, Attention: J. Mi-chael Nealer, c/o Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism, 700 Town Center Drive, Suite 320, Newport News, VA 23606.

Signed exhibitors will also have the opportunity this year to recruit fellow exhibitors for BIG discounts, and several booth options will be offered to vendors to help enhance booth visibility–check out the program details at www.vrps.com. This is a fabulous year to become one of our VRPS partners, and it’s a great way for members to get involved by helping produce one of the most important parts of the Annual Conference. Seeyou there, and happy recruiting!


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CEU Session Speakers: Session Proposal Forms – avail-able now. Submission Deadline is February 19, 2010. Must meet CEU criteria. Contact Kathy Williams at [email protected] or Katey Legg at [email protected]

Volunteers: Volunteers are needed in a variety of areas to in-clude: Room Hosts, CEU monitors, Special Events & General. Con-tact Nicole Dennis at [email protected] 757-896-4696.

Daily Morning Workout – walk, swim & workout all in one place – The Hampton Teen Center

The Virginia Festival & Events Association (VFEA) will be providing a great deal of insight and information to be included in the Annual Conference this year. VFEA will have representatives on the Conference Committee to help integrate their

topics into the VRPS An-nual Conference educa-tional programming.

Become a fan of VRPS: Vir-ginia Recreation & Park Society on Facebook! Conference in-formation will be posted beg inning in March. Check it out!

Leadership Training Institute

April 18-20, 2010Wintergreen Resort

2010 Theme: Changing Views

Early Bird Rates: (deadline Jan. 31, 2010)VRPS Member $525Non-Member $575

Standard Rate: (Feb. 2nd—Mar. 31, 2010)VRPS Member $550Non-Member $600

registration includes lodging, cEu’s, all meals except monday lunch, educational sessions and graduation certificate. There are Undergraduate and Graduate curriculums offered. Scholarships are available.

Application is available at www.vrps.com

Further details on applying, contact:

Tameka Dillard @ 757-514-7256, [email protected]

Bryan Price @ 434-797-8848, [email protected]

Shawn Hopson @ 757-385-2080,[email protected]

Opportunities at the 2010 VRPS Annual Conference!

"Virginia's Only Firework Production Company" Dominion Fireworks, Inc.

P.O. Box 3015 Petersburg, Virginia 23805

www.dominionfireworks.com EMAIL : [email protected]

Telephone: 877.822.7236


or the 33rd year Virginia Recreation and Parks Society is

a proud supporter of this great national program for youth. Through events held at the local, district, and state levels boys and girls age 9-14 compete in various running and field events to hopefully qualify for an all expenses paid four day experience in Hershey, Pa.

Hershey’s Track & Field Games

This process begins for them by having the opportunity to compete at a local meet held within our state. This is where we need your support by hosting a local meet in your com-munity this spring. If you haven’t hosted a meet in the past, and would like to get in-volved, then please contact the Virginia State Chair for more information. As the State Chair, Paul Berryman, a Recreation Special-ist with the City of Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation, is ready to assist you in getting started. Paul can be reached at [email protected] or contact him at (757)496-6766.

This process

begins for them

by having the

opportunity to

compete at a

local meet held

within our state.

This is where

we need your

support...

F


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Basketball Making a Difference

During Economic Times By Frank A. Davis

Photos by frank a. davisTony Smith #5 attempts shot under the tough defense of the Uptown team


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Franklin Department of Parks & Recreation basketball leagues have always been a big hit for this

small city located in the Hampton Roads area. Teams from Franklin, Southamp-ton County, Emporia, Suffolk and even down the road from North Carolina have battled yearly in the department’s basket-ball center at the General Vaughn Na-tional Guard Armory. Leagues are played during the winter and the most popular summer league. Teams have been spon-sored by businesses, local industries, fu-neral homes, churches and the major em-ployer of the area, International Paper.

Franklin like the rest of the country is going through tough times with bud-get cuts, layoffs and the news that In-ternational Paper was shutting down its Franklin Mill by the end of March 2010 and eliminate 1,100 jobs. Added to that, the armory due to budget cuts with the State of Virginia was not able to replace a furnace which has not worked for two years. The athletic staff was able to garner electric heaters to knock the chill of the many cold nights during the heart of bas-ketball season.

But with all of that, rec basketball is still making a difference in the city that has had in the past six years, two AAA state championship football teams. Roger Ow-ens an employee of I.P. has been a player/coach in the rec league for 34 years. Even though he is slated to lose his job on 31 March, Owens still coaches his team the Superstars. “ Coaching basketball gives me an outlet and it’s something that I enjoy”, remarked Owens. Strangely upon examining the rooster of the Superstars they live up to their name. Four players are former professional basketball players that now live in the Franklin area. Lam-ont Strothers was drafted in the second round of the NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors. He has also played for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Dal-

las Mavericks. Mike Britt was drafted in the second round of the NBA draft by the Washington Bullets (now Wizards) in 1983. Tony Smith played professional overseas for 10 years mostly in Spain. Lastly, Derrick Bryant played 10 years in Europe.

Local basketball fans pack the armory each week to see the Superstars and the other leagues teams consisting of want to bee’s take their shots at knocking off the super stacked team of former professional players.Many of the fans are familiar with

the basketball greats of Superstars and turn out to watch the action.

Rec’ league basketball leagues are also popular with the youth teams that also play at the armory. The department has a monopoly on basketball as it also co-sponsors a league at the J.P.King Middle School with the athletic staff of the school. The department has waived the entrance fee for youth that may have a parent that works at International Paper or others that met low income requirements.

Staff of the department are quick to ad-mit that the participation of teams and the large number of basketball fans are making a difference for this area that is faced with uncertainty with the loss of jobs that can tickle into another 2,200 when added mill suppliers and other businesses in the area.

Franklin has bounced back before after the September 1999 devastation of Hurri-cane Floyd which flood waters stood 4 to 8 feet deep in areas of downtown Franklin and many residential communities in the city and surrounding areas. The Ethnic Minority Section (now Cultural Diversi-ty Resource Group) of VRPS contributed money that was given to four families in the Franklin area that homes went under the water. Franklin also bounced back after Hurricane Isabel in September of 2003 and the 2006 nor’easter which also flooded the city again.

As the final horn sounds in all basketball games for both youth & adult leagues, the teams form lines to congratulate the win-ners. But really, everyone in the Franklin area are winners because this community has done it before and will do it again as it weathers another different storm of life. Bonding together for a moment to enjoy the game and forget about the outside problems of today. Basketball, Making a Difference.

But with all of that, rec basketball is still making a difference in the city that has had in the past six years, two AAA state championship football teams.

FTony Smith #5 lays

up a shot against Mike Ricks #44


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ew Kent Parks and Recreation is excited to engage the community in their celebration of ten years of

service. In 2000, New Kent County hired its first Parks and Recreation Director, Marci Durrer. Marci started our “scrap-book” for quality recreation and parks in the County. Charles Hester continued to add “snapshots.” Now, the memories continue.

New Kent Parks and Recreation wel-comed traditions and trends over the last decade as it was established. The Department was de-veloped, programs and events were in-troduced, the first park was built, and

more! With the transition in the current economy, the increase of childhood obe-sity, the need to create sustainable envi-ronments, increased stress levels, and a need to foster family relationships – New Kent Parks and Recreation will reposi-tion for the future. The Department has

pledged to engage their community, increase awareness of the benefits of Parks and Recre-ation, and cele-brate service thus far. New Kent Parks and Recre-ation will host a birthday celebra-tion in conjunc-tion with the 4th Annual Egg Hunt in March, Quin-ton Community Park.

Celebrating a Decade of Memories

New Kent Parks and Recreation opened its first Community park in 2007. The park has a regulation Baseball/Softball field, playground, pavilion, paved ½ mile walking path, basketball court and open space.

New Kent Parks and Recreation provides activities for toddlers through senior adults. Senior adult activities include day trips, Lunch and Learns, special events, and more!

Join the celebration - whether your De-partment is new or been around for fifty years – take time to make your own Parks and Recreation Memories!

New Kent Parks and Recreation provides tradi-tional adult leagues, like basketball, softball. In 2007, athletes of all levels came together for a Dodgeball League.

New Kent Parks and Recreation started a Youth Sports Expo in 2007. This is an annual event that showcases youth sports and athletics in the Coun-ty. Parks and Recreation provides basketball, soc-cer, horseback riding, gymnastics and more!

For more information about New Kent Parks and Recreation 2010: Celebrating a Decade of Memories, contact (804) 966-8502 or www.co.new-kent.state.va.us/parks

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he Norfolk Department of Rec-reation, Parks & Open Space celebrated the

grand opening of the new Lambert’s Point Community Center on February 10. Fol-lowing the dedication program and ribbon-cutting, the facility re-mained open until 8:30 p.m. Refreshments were served, and other programming and ac-tivities were available. The center is located at 1251 W. 42nd St.The brand-new 24,000 sq ft, $7.5 million com-

munity center is the first City of Norfolk building that was constructed according to

LEED standards. Recyclable materi-als were used where feasible, as well as energy-efficient roofing, windows, insulation and mechanical and HVAC systems.

amenities include: n 25-ft rock climbing walln Adventure room with indoor ropes course

n Art studion Game roomn Fitness roomn Computer labn Meeting rooms with commercial kitchennGymnasium with regulation-sized basketball court and men's & women's locker roomsn Rain garden bio-filtration systemn 77 on-site parking spacesn Located on HRT public transporta-tion route

News From NorfolkLambert’s Point Community Center opened February 10

ince the No-vember 12-13 nor’easter, the De-

partment of Recreation, Parks & Open Space’s Bureau of Parks & Ur-ban Forestry crews have logged 3,000+ hours in the clean-up effort, deal-ing with downed trees and debris across the city. At peak, the bureau had nearly 60 chainsaws

on the street to remove obstructions and perform other clean-up duties.

Over 560 tree-related calls were taken and investigated by the bureau. This total includes 296 confirmed fallen trees; 17 fallen or hanging large limbs; 11 split trees; 35 “leaners” in imminent danger of falling on homes or power lines; and 30 private trees cleared from rights-of-way.

Bureau of Parks & Urban Forestry records long hours during nor’easter clean-up

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his year, the City of Norfolk took part in a grant-based Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) study through the

Virginia Department of Forestry, in part-nership with the Chesapeake Bay Program. The study combined aerial photography with geographical informational systems (GIS) technology to obtain the current percentage of tree canopy coverage within Norfolk’s city limits.

UTC is defined as the layer of leaves, branches, and stems of trees that cover the ground when viewed from above. Urban tree canopy provides many benefits to com-munities, including improving water qual-ity, conserving energy, lowering city tem-peratures, reducing air pollution, enhancing property values, providing wildlife habitat, facilitating social and educational opportu-nities, and providing aesthetic benefits.

American Forests, a nonprofit conserva-tion organization that aims to protect, restore and enhance the capitol of trees and forests, advocates that U.S. cities east of the Mississippi River should have 40% tree coverage. Norfolk’s UTC is 33%.

This study provides impetus for the City of Norfolk to improve its current canopy before the next reporting opportunity in five years.

The full report is available at www.norfolk.gov/rpos/parksandurban.asp.

Norfolk receives positive results on 2009 Urban Tree Canopy report

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hether it’s decreasing or elimi-nating the minimum number of plays or minutes each child

must play, or increasing base or pitching distances, the push has been felt in many localities to absorb some of the traits of travel sports into recreational sports. Some will say, “We’re losing our best players to travel sports.” While no program wants to lose children to the “competition,” are travel sports really direct competition to recreational sports? Webster’s Dictionary defines competition as “rivalry between two or more persons or groups for an object de-sired in common.” While both programs offer the opportunity to play the sport, travel and recreation sports have very little in common; they differ greatly with how the teams are formed, player selection, cost and travel involved, to name a few.

With the increase in the number of travel teams over the years, a new travel team seems to pop up every time a parent gets disgruntled with his or her current travel team. Could it be that the influx in the number of travel teams has actually made recreational sports geared more for the rec-reational player? With the more talented players migrating from recreation to travel sports, recreational leagues can focus on providing an all-inclusive athletic program that appeals to all members of the commu-nity. For the children that don’t aspire to play travel sports and may not even aspire to play for the local middle or high school team, recreational sports provides them an opportunity to experience the thrill of competition, the enjoyment of being part

“Recreational” Athletics:

By Mark Moore, CPRP Botetourt County Parks, -Recreation and Tourism

of a team and the ability to learn the fun-damentals of a sport.

Many recreation departments across the state also deal with the challenge, “We are grooming these children to play for our middle school or high school team.” While there is benefit in this, relative to the num-ber of children in many departments’ ath-letics program that go on to play for school teams, it shouldn’t be the main focus. Take for example Botetourt, Virginia. Of the nearly 900 children in their youth basket-ball program, less than 160 play on school teams. That is less than 20% that go on to play school basketball, which means more than 80% of their children do not go on to play for their school once their recreation career is over.

Few can question the important role that sports can play in a child’s development. Children learn a multitude of important lessons through sports that are basic to leading productive adult lives in our society. Sports provide an ideal forum to teach such valuable fundamentals as ethics, abiding by the rules, winning and losing with grace, coping with success and failure, respecting authority figures, always striving to do your best, etc. These traits provide the building blocks that help young citizens of our com-munities become well-balanced adults. A study conducted by Hardiness Research of Wyoming found that by a 2:1 ratio for boys and a 3:1 ratio for girls, those who partici-pate in sports perform better in school, do not drop out, and have a better chance to attend and graduate from college.

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Few can question the important role that sports can play in a child’s development.


he John Randolph Foundation is kicking off a wellness initiative for

Hopewell.

One part of the initiative is the addition of new exercise equipment that has been added in two rooms at the Community Center that have been converted for this equipment.

The New Beginnings Program, geared toward people with chronic diseases, will have a 12 week program guiding them through practicing healthy eat-ing and exercising. The Biggest Winner Chal-lenge, which can be an individual or team chal-lenge, will donate $1 for every pound lost and $1 for every hour of exer-cise completed by regis-tered participants, up to $10,000. The great thing is that $5000 will be do-nated to Recreation and

Set Sail for a

Healthy Hopewell

T Parks and the other $5000 will be donated to Hopewell Schools from the John Ran-dolph Foundation.The John Randolph Foundation will also have various topics for a healthier you that will be held at the John Randolph Foun-dation building located at 112 N. Main Street here in Hopewell.

Please go to this website to register and see more information: www.discover-healthyu.com.


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volunteer opportunitiesWe could all benefit from your time, talents and skills!

EducationCertification Board Chair, Shannon Moore, CPRP, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation 757-385-0420, or [email protected]• Provide workshop that could be offered at different locations around the state. • Host (provide site) for statewide workshop or activity• Assist with creation of CEU (Continuing Education Units) applications for workshops

Virginia Senior GamesVirginia Senior GamesChairman, Andy Crane, Division of Recreation & Parks Henrico County 804-501-5156, or [email protected]• Assist during the event• Plan a mini event in your area to prepare athletes and heighten interest in the Virginia senior games• Advertise event in your area and recruit seniors to attend the games• Host a trip to bring seniors to the Games

VRPS Magazine• Editor: Amy-Jo Hendrix, CPRP, Town of Vienna Parks & Recreation 703-255-6357, [email protected] • Assist in layout, design and editing of magazine• Write articles and submit for consideration for magazine• Submit best practices, great tips and program ideas to be shared through magazine• Take pictures at VRPS events and submit for magazine• Send interesting pictures of your successful events for magazine

Newsletter Contact Lakita Frazier, CPRP, Suffolk Parks, Recreation (757) 514-7251 or [email protected]• Write articles and submit for consideration for newsletter• Take pictures at VRPS events and submit for newsletter• Send interesting pictures of your successful events for newsletter• Sponsor production and mailing of a newsletter at $600

WEB-SitE/E-updateContact: Bernadette Cornelius at [email protected], or 804-730-9447 • Assist with updating web-site• Take pictures at VRPS events and submit for web-site• Send interesting pictures of your successful events for web-site

MembershipContact Mike Morris, Portsmouth Parks, Recreation & Leisure Services (757) 393-8481 or [email protected]• Volunteer to work with Membership and Orientation Committee• Assist by recruiting new members• Assist with orientation of new members by making welcome calls to new members and seeing if they have questions and a particular area in which they’d like to get involved.

Service Areas/Resource Groups/Enterprise GroupsContact: Your Service Area Chair, Resource Group Chair or Enterprise Group Chair from the 2010 Boards, Key Leaders and Staff list on page 5• Assist with administrative tasks or publicity as needed • Assist with educational, special events or

fundraising• Assist with whatever special project they are working on

Hershey track and FieldContact: Paul Berryman,Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation757-496-6766, or [email protected]• Serve on state committee or assist with next year’s meet• Assist local area with hosting local and regional Hershey Track and Field meets• Publicize and promote local meet in your area

LegislationContact: Art Thatcher, CPRP, Hampton Parks & Recreation 757-728-3220 or [email protected]• Assist with annual planning and implementation of legislative float trip• Contact your representative regarding issues that affect our society

Member ticket ProgramContact: Marlene Bresee at [email protected] or 804-730-9447• Coordinate ticket program for your department (if your department participates)• Advertise ticket program to your local community groups

Miscellaneous opportunitiesVisit www.vrps.com or call VRPS Office at 804-730-9447 or email [email protected]• If you work or live near the VRPS office, please call and see if they have a special project in which you can help.

VRPS is a membership-based organization dependent on active members to carry out the work of the organization. VRPS is as good as those committed to its success.

Please consider contributing your time and talents, because the good news is you’ll meet dynamic people, enjoy a sense of accomplishment and grow stronger as a profession.


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The turf may be artifi cial.

But the ROI is real.

GrassTotal Cost (including 10-year maintenance): $1,065,000Scheduling: 40 hrs x 25 weeks x 10 years = 10,000 hrs$1,065,000 / 10,000 = $106.50Cost per hour of use for grass = $106.50

FieldTurfTotal Cost (including 10-year maintenance): $770,000Scheduling: 68 hrs x 44 weeks x 10 years = 29,920 hrs$770,000 / 29,920 = $25.74Cost per hour of use for FieldTurf = $25.74

Invest in SavingsFieldTurf has proven to be less expensive than natural grass by a 4 to 1 margin and allows organizations at all levels to save and generate millions of dollars over the life of a FieldTurf fi eld.

Invest in SafetyFieldTurf has proven to be the safest turf on earth and is the only turf product in the industry that is backed up by independent long-term testing. Ask us for the studies that prove FieldTurf is the most athlete-friendly artifi cial turf surface on the planet.

• 55% Fewer Neural Injuries• 47% Fewer Cranial / Cervical Injuries• 45% Less Time Lost to Injury (22+ days)• 38% Fewer 3rd Degree Injuries• 35% Less Time Lost to Injury (1-2 days)

Invest in theEnvironmentBy choosing FieldTurf, you’re becoming part of an environmental movement that not only saves clean drinking water, but also:

• Eliminates impact on water resources.• Eliminates the use of billions of pounds of harmful pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides and herbicides that can run off into ground water.• Eliminates fuel-powered mowing, aerating and re- seeding, saving millions of gallons of gas each year.• Eliminates grass clippings that are among the biggest landfi ll contributors to the greenhouse effect.• Can contribute toward numerous Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits.• Is not a breeding ground for the MRSA (staph) bacteria.

Find out how FieldTurf can make your investment pay off. For more information, details or studies please contact us at:

(800) 724-2969info@fi eldturf.comwww.fi eldturf.com

Largest artifi cial turf project in the world.Golden Eagle Regional Park - Sparks, NV1,400,000 sq ft

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©2010 Cedar Fair, L.P. © 2010 Dale Earnhardt, Inc PEANUTS © UFS, Inc. KD10-119

Spring SavingS DayS TickeTS!April 17, 18, 24, 25,

May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31

Only $2900 per person (ages 3 & above)

park & recreaTiOn DayS TickeTS!

Valid July 2 through August 6

Only $2900 per person (ages 3 & above)

For additional information contact:

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

WWW.vrpS.cOM

For up-to-date Park information visit WWW.kingSDOMiniOn.cOM

Virginia Recreation & Park Society6372 Mechanicsville TurnpikeSuite 109Mechanicsville, VA 23111

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spring 2010 magazine

Documents

virginia parks

field of recreation

commonwealth of virginia

park societyis

vrps boards

vrps special42

vrps conference12 members

vrps annual conference