Over 400 delegates, exhibitors, speakers and volunteers from around the state gathered this week at the 68th Annual Conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society held in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The conference 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. This state-wide program honors individuals, departments, and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence in any of several areas during the previous year. 69 applications were received vying for awards in 15 different categories. Judged by a jury of its peers, Norfolk Parks and Recreation received an award in the Best New Environmental Sustainability: Above 200,000 category, for the Living Shoreline Enhancement. Over the past decade, Norfolk Parks and Recreation has partnered with the Department of Public Works on the restoration of numerous living shorelines along city parks and open space waterfronts. The Haven Creek Living Shoreline project is a successful example of this partnership. The project began with the removal of a deteriorating bulkhead, a paved walkway, and phragmites along Haven Creek. Shell was placed along some of the shoreline to control erosion, and a segmented stone sill was installed at the marsh toe with vegetation planted behind it by volunteers. Pavement was replaced with an elevated boardwalk with educational signage.
Parks & Recreation Director Darrell R. Crittendon states, "Living shorelines can reduce damage and erosion while simultaneously providing ecosystem services to society, including food production, nutrient and sediment removal, and water quality improvement. The city of Norfolk actively pursues grants to accomplish shoreline restoration projects each year and will continue to apply for grants to restore the shoreline we are proud to represent the city of Norfolk and are honored on the behalf of the department of Parks & Recreation and on our successful partnership and collaboration with the city's department of Public Works".
The mission of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society is 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. For more information on the Society contact the state office at 804-730-9447 or visit the website at www.vrps.com