JAMES CITY COUNTY — James City County Parks & Recreation earned seven top honors from the Virginia Recreation & Park Society during its 72nd Annual Conference held in Roanoke Oct. 26-29.
According to the county, over 600 delegates, exhibitors, speakers and volunteers from around the commonwealth gathered for the conference, which is 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, honoring individuals, departments and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence during the previous year, the county said.
Judged by a jury of its peers, the society presented James City County with awards in the population category of 50,001-100,000 in the following categories:
- Distinguished Volunteer Service
Judy Kinshaw-Ellis — Judy has been a driving force behind some of Parks & Recreation’s most impactful stewardship projects, including the $30,000 Riparian Duffer Demonstration Garden project. Her passion, leadership and hands-on commitment have contributed more than $60,000 in volunteer value to the County, leaving a lasting legacy of stewardship and community engagement. - Distinguished Private Sector
Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association — Since 1988, the Eastern Virginia Mountainbike Association (EVMA) has supported the Hampton Roads mountain biking community through trail building, maintenance and programming. EVMA manages nearly 25 miles of trails at Freedom and Upper County Parks, enhancing outdoor recreation with group rides, women-only events and technical trail features. With over 250 volunteers contributing 300-plus hours annually, their impact is immense—valued at over $10,500 each year. - Distinguished Service
Kelley Herbert, Recreation Services Administrator — A standout leader whose resilience, compassion and dedication define her 17-plus years of experience in the parks and recreation field. While stepping into countless roles, she led with integrity during times of transition and championed equitable access to programs for all. Her mentorship, vision and tireless work have made a lasting impact on the team, community and the VRPS organization. - Best New DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Initiative
Exceptional Expeditions — Due to increased demand for Therapeutic Recreation programs for adults with disabilities, these fun and exciting trip offerings have filled a major and unique service gap in the community. - Best Health & Wellness Initiative
Women’s & Men’s Health Symposiums — Held in 2024, the symposiums empowered 169 James City County employees with gender-specific health screenings, education and tools, addressing risks such as hypertension and obesity. Through strategic partnerships, free venues and a $5,000 budget, this scalable initiative transformed workplace wellness, fostering a healthier, resilient community. - Best New Facility (Parks, Playgrounds, Blueways, Greenways or Trails)
Outdoor Fitness Court — The new outdoor Fitness Court at Warhill Sports Complex is an exciting, accessible addition to the County, offering free use for all ages and abilities. Secured with minimal County investment through partnerships with the Williamsburg Health Foundation, Aetna and the National Fitness Campaign, it is the first of its kind in the Tidewater area. - Most Creative Marketing Strategy
Touch, Taste & See: Legacy Hall Showcase — Creatively reintroducing a hidden community gem, this free event allowed attendees to explore the space, taste offerings from local food vendors and interact with businesses in a one-stop shop format.
In addition, Angie Sims, Volunteer & Resource Coordinator and Co-Chair for the VRPS Eastern Service Area, accepted the VRPS President’s Award on behalf of ESA for the group’s commitment and dedication to the society.
To learn more about VRPS, visit vrps.com.
