The City of Fredericksburg’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Events was recognized in five areas of excellence at a statewide awards ceremony last week. Over 400 delegates, exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers from around the state gathered at the 70th Annual Conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society held in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The VRPS awards program honors individuals, departments and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence in the field of recreation and parks. This year 118 applications were received vying for awards in 16 different categories. Judged by a jury of its peers, Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events received four awards:
- Distinguished Private Sector Service Award for their partnership with the Fredericksburg Nationals.
- Best New Facility for Riverfront Park.
- Best New Program for the Rec2U Mobile Recreation Program.
- Best New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative for the Walker-Grant High School Class of 1950 Graduation Protest Historic Site.
In addition, Anne Little was honored with the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award for her tree stewardship efforts and partnering with city events to promote nature conservation.
Director Todd Brown and his staff carried the awards home to Fredericksburg, where they were presented to members of the Fredericksburg Recreation Commission and City Council on Thursday evening. “We have an incredible staff who work hard for our community every day. And these awards acknowledge the excellent partnerships, programs and facilities that we have been building here in the City,” said Todd Brown, Director of Parks, Recreation and Events.
“City Council has prioritized enhanced parks, more trails, conservation, and cultural and recreational opportunities as part of our Vision Statement for Fredericksburg. Additionally, just last May we unanimously endorsed a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan which is guiding this essential work and bringing it to life in our City’s parks and programs, helping to create vitality and promote healthy living,” said Mayor Mary Katherine Greenlaw.
To learn more about Parks, Recreation and Events’ parks and programs, please visit FXBGparks.com or call 540-372-1086.