JAMES CITY COUNTY — James City County Parks and Recreation earned seven top honors from the Virginia Recreation & Park Society during its 71st Annual Conference in Norfolk on Sept. 14-17.
Over 500 delegates, exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers from around the commonwealth gathered for the conference, which is billed as a learning exchange and provides an opportunity for recreation and park professionals to discuss areas of common interest.
Highlighting each year’s conference is a formal presentation of awards, judged by a jury of the county’s peers honoring individuals, departments and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence during the previous year, the county said.
According to the county, the society presented it with awards in the population category of 50,001-100,000 in the following categories:
Best Health and Wellness Initiative for Rhythm Revolution: Silent Fitness Drumming — a program that integrated silent disco technology with fitness drumming.
Best New DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Initiative for “Sensing for Inclusion” — Additional specialized programs, services and events were added to fill service gaps for patrons with disabilities, including sensory bags in parks and facilities and a new jogging chair.
Best New Facility (Parks, Playgrounds, Blueways, Greenways or Trails) for Freedom Park Outdoor Classroom — An outdoor learning experience for internal programming, private groups and program partners funded through a Virginia Department of Forestry Grant.
Best New Program for Freedom: The Hands That Built History Tours — A program educating about the history of America’s First Free Black Settlement and the families that lived on the property through storytelling, historical interpreters who portrayed the first free families and crafts from the time period, such as whittling and basketmaking.
Most Creative Marketing Piece for LOVE Sign Swag Pack — The sign design was scaled down to create stickers, magnets and coloring sheets. These items continue to be distributed to boost public awareness of the county’s history and landmarks.
Most Creative Marketing Strategy for “Grinchy Intentions” — A social media strategy that combined education and humor, employing videos and photos to showcase the diverse offerings of James City County Parks & Recreation and remind the public about proper park etiquette. The campaign increased social media engagement and followers, the county said.
Snapshot Moment for “Doggie Paddling” on the James River — taken at the county’s Jamestown Beach Event Park, the photo tells the story of a dog living its best life and the unconditional love best friend pet owners reap. Together, the photo creates one of Mother Nature’s once-in-a-lifetime moments, the county said.
