tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-205036082024-03-07T19:23:51.509-05:00Regional ParksThis is the blog of Paul Gilbert the Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. This blog focuses on news related to NVRPA some of the themes covered include: energy conservation, reducing carbon footprint, strategic planning, organizational culture, living history, reenactments, natural interpretation, waterparks, pools, golf courses, nature centers, boating, camping, hiking, cycling, and much more.Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.comBlogger271125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-86834148264033761482015-12-29T11:00:00.000-05:002015-12-29T12:14:47.443-05:002015 - NOVA Parks in Review<div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp__A9ry7kMapEdb2Iv_35b1ZrcNH5w8lccRloOB56NaNdsSp01mCg322sZmCdxScqJs-kh3cSEu1X2BoB6Wa9mhsgmiN92spzumDlf9DsChlCCi94FGsFvXtd-KsxAJpr8mQ9/s1600/Cate+Magennis+Wyatt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp__A9ry7kMapEdb2Iv_35b1ZrcNH5w8lccRloOB56NaNdsSp01mCg322sZmCdxScqJs-kh3cSEu1X2BoB6Wa9mhsgmiN92spzumDlf9DsChlCCi94FGsFvXtd-KsxAJpr8mQ9/s200/Cate+Magennis+Wyatt.jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cate Magennis Wyatt</td></tr>
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2015 was another excellent year for NOVA Parks, with
progress and achievement in many areas. Here are a few of the highlights from
the year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>NOVA Parks Board:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In February, Joan Rokus stepped down from our Board after 23
years of service. The Loudoun Board of Supervisors appointed Cate Magennis
Wyatt to fill that seat. Cate brings a wealth of experience to our Board. She
served as the Virginia Secretary of Commerce, reporting directly to Governor
Doug Wilder. Her leadership roles in the private sector, government, and
non-profit sectors helped her found and grow the Journey Through Hallowed
Ground (JTHG), which promotes tourism and conservation in Virginia, Maryland
and Pennsylvania. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sean Kumar</td></tr>
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In September, David Pritzker stepped down from our Board
after 35 years of service. The City Council of Alexandria appointed Sean Kumar
to serve in his place. Sean is a life-long resident of Alexandria with a law
career in both the public and private sectors. Currently, Mr. Kumar is a JAG
officer in the U.S. Army.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Lands:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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One of the key measures of a healthy park system is growth
in parkland. 2015 was a great year in the expansion of parkland at NOVA Parks.
We started the year by opening the <b>Tinner
Hill Historic Site</b> on the border between the City of Falls Church and
Fairfax County. This site played a significant role in the early Civil Rights
movement one hundred years ago. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tinner Hill Ribbon Cutting</td></tr>
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On June 1, NOVA Parks
opened the <b>Beaverdam Reservoir</b> for
recreational use. This is part of a partnership with Loudoun Water who owns the
reservoir. Between the 600-acre reservoir and the roughly 450 acres of NOVA
Parks land adjacent to it, we have a 1,000+ acre park with one of the largest
lakes in the region. After a successful summer season, we initiated a public
planning process in October to help envision the future of this new park area.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We obtained permits putting The <b>Battle of Middleburg/Mt. Defiance</b> property closer to an open park.
A few more permits and some additional work, and this site will help tell the
story of a Civil War battle that is not well known.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In December, we completed the acquisition of <b>Springdale Regional Park</b>, a 150 acre
site on the Potomac River near Point of Rocks. Additional permits and work are
needed to open this site, but the first and all important step of acquiring it
is done!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6cnxA21nBGCNUq6T_lSrE-WSHag7Hu99JfdIRhgaki-j-H63_smDeNUHB3maMi-0qgMULoUqToHWcSvHAw2F14zmtLaokint8ev7T5OQM874DxD8NziBOjYmqHnaZLWB0oy6/s1600/BeaverDam_K0A8897And9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6cnxA21nBGCNUq6T_lSrE-WSHag7Hu99JfdIRhgaki-j-H63_smDeNUHB3maMi-0qgMULoUqToHWcSvHAw2F14zmtLaokint8ev7T5OQM874DxD8NziBOjYmqHnaZLWB0oy6/s400/BeaverDam_K0A8897And9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beaverdam Reservoir</td></tr>
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<b>Awards:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76M1WCJgToENiZXE8mq4MNhso67XhFO7GfTBXBTgPXYFWEr_o6x1ej_J8cp23igTfdX7SMBswid75_Y2G1AOsnbk-8y1fNWyRHu6qvbaFKP-7Qiy3uopkZuRcunVg1O2IeNwS/s1600/Best+promotional.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh76M1WCJgToENiZXE8mq4MNhso67XhFO7GfTBXBTgPXYFWEr_o6x1ej_J8cp23igTfdX7SMBswid75_Y2G1AOsnbk-8y1fNWyRHu6qvbaFKP-7Qiy3uopkZuRcunVg1O2IeNwS/s200/Best+promotional.jpg" width="200" /></a>NOVA Parks continues to be recognized by many national and
state organizations as one of the best park agencies in the nation. This year, the
Virginia Recreation and Parks Society (VRPS) bestowed the ‘Best Promotional
Effort’ award for the NOVA Parks Facility Guide and Directory. The Government
Financial Officers Association (GFOA) again gave us both the Distinguished
Budget Presentation Award and the Certificate of Achievement in Financial
Reporting Award.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AGDQhW1nPBKPXQBhyphenhyphenDNwAUz3797OPdra07HAAc7_Cj8nsC_RYq2aZfWvnb2HCe8K0bJVtcA_PTrmBtrA-W-mK7c_1j320I48Z0ehlKOhMA8jPUkpfJDw-KityaWkd7_hlbfo/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_AGDQhW1nPBKPXQBhyphenhyphenDNwAUz3797OPdra07HAAc7_Cj8nsC_RYq2aZfWvnb2HCe8K0bJVtcA_PTrmBtrA-W-mK7c_1j320I48Z0ehlKOhMA8jPUkpfJDw-KityaWkd7_hlbfo/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park</td></tr>
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<b>NATURE NUTS:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Four years ago, we set a goal of having half a million
children have a meaningful nature experience through NOVA Parks over five
years. This September, we celebrated this achievement. We call our program to
engage children with nature “Nature Nuts,” and it incorporates all the ways
children are exploring nature in our park system. Recently, we have expanded
our summer camp programs, and we partnered with other organizations like
Audubon Naturalist Society to offer more nature-based programing in our parks.
We also have a very successful ‘Roving Naturalist’ program that brings nature
education to where the people are, at fairs, festivals and other gatherings.
Getting children interested in nature will assure that this is support for
parks in the future. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Improving the W&OD
Trail:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flashing Beacons</td></tr>
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We have been on a multi-year effort to improve trail safety.
In 2015, rapid flashing beacons were added to the roadways crossing the trail
at Cedar Lane, Belmont Ridge Road, and Sterling Blvd. Also, there was a tunnel
built for trail users to go under Rt. 7 and Rt. 9 in Loudoun County. Crestview
Drive and Van Buren Streets in Herndon received new medians to allow for easier
crossing by trail users. Currently, there is construction going on to improve
safety of the intersection at Park Street in Vienna. Last year, in our Trail
Safety Summit, we heard that in addition to the physical engineering we would
also need social engineering to address behaviors of trail users to instill a
more friendly and safety-focused ethic. We started addressing this issue this
year by making our first two “Trail Guys” videos. One deals with staying
hydrated, and the other deals with the need to stop at stop signs. Both use
humor to make their points.<br />
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<b>Personnel Management:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-pUN3s5Tgjd_s9mVvXbmrFehASbu_1IVDJIekaCqASj0VXQ_sPKmC82mJJmHzz2Otbcb5IzZxzhxRUarTBy-NcDMH4-w0oG_sTuWh4plNyDZIcf4p23zKs0ZcuowAKLS8iNn/s1600/20151207_1305431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-pUN3s5Tgjd_s9mVvXbmrFehASbu_1IVDJIekaCqASj0VXQ_sPKmC82mJJmHzz2Otbcb5IzZxzhxRUarTBy-NcDMH4-w0oG_sTuWh4plNyDZIcf4p23zKs0ZcuowAKLS8iNn/s320/20151207_1305431.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leadership Training for Park Managers</td></tr>
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“People are our most important asset” is much more than a
saying. NOVA Parks has become one of the best park agencies in the nation
because of the work of our outstanding staff. To continue to build on this
momentum, we implemented a truly novel and innovative system of goals and
rewards this year. 2014/2015 was the first year where virtually all our staff
had personal goals for the year. In October, all those goals were reviewed, and
new goals were set for the coming year. We used a new web-based system to
manage all of these annual reviews and goals. The end result was making a much
clearer connection between the strategic goals of the organization and the role
that each staff member plays in achieving those goals. Also this year,
employees were eligible for a new Performance Incentive Plan (PIP). We took a
percentage of our end of the year surplus and used it as a bonus pool. Based on
the achievement of personal goals, most employees received a Performance
Incentive to recognize their achievements. This creates an investment and
buy-in on the performance of the whole organization that is highly motivating.
This program will hopefully inspire even greater performances in the future.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Parks hit new highs
in use:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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2015 has seen more park users and more associated park
revenues than ever before. This success has been spread across most elements of
our operations. Events, waterparks and many other areas have driven growth.
Golf has been down for a number of years but seems to have flattened out. As we
end the year, we are going out with a bang! The two holiday light shows that
run from mid-November to January 3<sup>rd</sup> are seeing their greatest use
ever. Over 160,000 visitors are ending the year by enjoying either the Bull Run
Festival of Lights in Centreville, a drive-through show; or the Meadowlark
Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna, a walk-through light show.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VZmafIhHCmzyzZ83Xt_9lhi4U7Umiwp3boO1rXUgTJ4NvBP_aomAyof1JE5Jsiv7p5Y2als5IxZCCaDwmhKUfsiI57PdDwx40t4cMUVz9QSd_5V_Z7teOp8GFOAXJ8XkyrNf/s1600/Meadowlark-9759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VZmafIhHCmzyzZ83Xt_9lhi4U7Umiwp3boO1rXUgTJ4NvBP_aomAyof1JE5Jsiv7p5Y2als5IxZCCaDwmhKUfsiI57PdDwx40t4cMUVz9QSd_5V_Z7teOp8GFOAXJ8XkyrNf/s400/Meadowlark-9759.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bull Run Festival of Lights</td></tr>
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As happens any year, there were some setbacks along with the
victories in 2015. But, by any standard, 2015 was a great year for NOVA Parks,
and a great year for our region!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-29307186931635001032015-12-22T11:09:00.000-05:002015-12-22T11:09:05.599-05:00Budgets are Good!<span style="font-size: large;">I like organizational budgets. </span>There, I said it, judge me if you must.<br />
<br />
And for our 8th consecutive year NOVA Parks has won the top honors in public sector budgeting. This is the Distinguished Budget Award awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This award is not like an audit where they see if all the math is correct. It is much more than that. The goal for this award is financial transparency, or in other term, making a budget understandable to everyone.<br />
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In the old days a budget was just a tool to control expenses and forecast revenues. It was all about the numbers. Today a good budget is much more. It is a communication tool to convey the priorities and focus of the organization.<br />
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At NOVA Parks our budget is THE go to document. It contains both strategic goals, and operational goals for each facility. It has various measurable results for each facility. I has charts and graphs that show ten year trends for many of our major areas of focus, and contains an analysis of the current and future years. And in addition to all of this good stuff, it also has our revenues and expenses.<br />
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NOVA Parks is very unique in that we self-fund 85% of our operations. So tax dollars make up just 15% of our operating revenues. What this means is that we need to be much more business focused than most other park agencies. The national average for park agencies is that 73% of operations are funded by government tax dollars.<br />
<br />
To offset the uncertainty of not having a guaranteed funding source for most of our expenses, we are quite diversified. So rather than having all our eggs in one basket, we are in about a dozen different businesses that fit our park mission. The end result is the public gets an amazing deal from NOVA Parks. Fantastic destination parks, minimal claim on tax dollars, and wonderful services. <br />
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<b>The link below is for the FY'2016 Budget for NOVA Parks:</b></div>
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http://www.nvrpa.org/uploads/Files/FY%2016%20Adopted%20Budget%20on%20Website.pdf</div>
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<br />Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-81093184819971772015-12-18T12:13:00.002-05:002015-12-18T12:13:20.445-05:00Innovation Lights the Way in Premier Light Shows<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzr-ccN_Rl88pHiv0XHlRbdayP-zLIUcK-LcSn-8ipEdoMTfbX4PGFFU9SaemMLtqCxNPJGYqFVyM-mFNddNcCoGZN6bHFf-_gwo_p9Z3tOa6BLZRLdIbWNmsNf63JSNdPJHp/s1600/WWOl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzr-ccN_Rl88pHiv0XHlRbdayP-zLIUcK-LcSn-8ipEdoMTfbX4PGFFU9SaemMLtqCxNPJGYqFVyM-mFNddNcCoGZN6bHFf-_gwo_p9Z3tOa6BLZRLdIbWNmsNf63JSNdPJHp/s400/WWOl.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Walk of Lights</td></tr>
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The innovative holiday light shows of both Bull Run Regional
Park and Meadowlark Botanical Gardens have transformed the holiday season for
thousands in the Northern Virginia area. Both shows feature highly customized 100% LED
light displays. NOVA Parks defines the
very best of Northern Virginia, and this can be seen very clearly at these two
shows. Collectively, between these two
shows, around 150,000 people experience these amazing light displays, and 2015
is likely to set a new high water mark for both shows.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xOLQNFfO6Vc4BlNfArmYUwJJTKBF1PTeCsgqP_I1ppM6-kZioHUWxY6Z8uQhMiHdIFuYENP-GzRKqm3AGNPygdpylTZykiKeIOTRFvtdmgMtQIgfjeWjz6QwiCXLvXlnyneR/s1600/Bull+Run+-+110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xOLQNFfO6Vc4BlNfArmYUwJJTKBF1PTeCsgqP_I1ppM6-kZioHUWxY6Z8uQhMiHdIFuYENP-GzRKqm3AGNPygdpylTZykiKeIOTRFvtdmgMtQIgfjeWjz6QwiCXLvXlnyneR/s320/Bull+Run+-+110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first great innovation happened in 2005. Before that time, a contractor had a light
show for years at Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville. That year, the contactor did not show up to
run the light show. The old show was not
all that it could be, but it still had a following. NOVA Parks decided to create an all-new 100%
LED light show that used quite a bit of animation. The new show was a big hit and also the first
all LED drive-through light show in America! Over the last ten years, we have added to the
lights every year, and the popularity has grown. Last year, over 35,000 cars or an estimated
120,000 people experienced this amazing 2.5 mile long Bull Run Festival of
Lights.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 2013, NOVA Parks opened the premier Botanical Garden light
show in the country. The Meadowlark
Winter Walk of Lights in Vienna, Virginia, is also a 100% LED light show. It is a very different experience where at a
half mile walk through show, the lights surround and delight the visitors. It is highly animated with a strong nature
theme, including a river of lights with jumping fish, butterflies and squirrels
moving in lights. The experience is
spectacular. Last year, 46,500 people
were delighted by this magical experience.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The key to success in both shows has been to go big. We have really focused on making both highly
unique, and totally custom. The holiday
season is filled with tradition, but our goal is to delight and surprise our
visitors. A trip to either of these
light shows is not complete unless everyone is delighted and in awe. Our goal is that no visitor will be able to
resist pointing and saying “wow” as he or she goes through these ever changing
and expanding shows.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQNnLcYY7wJskcOsnnGczaWT6u4tzVv78RON71XOzocUtl3fK3B_27iGUFjblBQ6XVUXThEdX7KcWTv2zDLtNIEYQ2KrvpLOFjTNwmtOICB_ah4rc-p5c01dDkf6_W1yXsN7G/s1600/Bull+Run+-+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQNnLcYY7wJskcOsnnGczaWT6u4tzVv78RON71XOzocUtl3fK3B_27iGUFjblBQ6XVUXThEdX7KcWTv2zDLtNIEYQ2KrvpLOFjTNwmtOICB_ah4rc-p5c01dDkf6_W1yXsN7G/s400/Bull+Run+-+027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Last year saw more than 166,000 people enjoy
these shows. This year, we have already
surpassed that number, and there is still time for more to participate before
the shows close on January 3, 2016. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCh3Te2hjEIX3xTR5QmmbaFmtUFRSoVVW8YjWdzgyVDfPmf7Guv5a28Jku7lcihzpiFA9ZHDf_NDdSpaKlA55c7nCvQJST_tHfQ91joKdDzi9x7FcS9LDaB7YiQi0nWQI1bdc/s1600/Fall+Lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCh3Te2hjEIX3xTR5QmmbaFmtUFRSoVVW8YjWdzgyVDfPmf7Guv5a28Jku7lcihzpiFA9ZHDf_NDdSpaKlA55c7nCvQJST_tHfQ91joKdDzi9x7FcS9LDaB7YiQi0nWQI1bdc/s400/Fall+Lights.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-81401326093977799102015-12-18T11:38:00.000-05:002015-12-18T11:38:30.754-05:00Tinner Hill Historic District<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUOjQif7NGj_wCQ-XeyXwdVKNZLlVNYkBQ9rwjyq5ddEM7bxiCniWQYXx6UTt4TtQ7jdHnOxdK5jAChTgyFv0tl6ARmWKKLGpNBsYqKmgCK-DPjxRXQdlxLLHEnVIWbPDyooJ/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUOjQif7NGj_wCQ-XeyXwdVKNZLlVNYkBQ9rwjyq5ddEM7bxiCniWQYXx6UTt4TtQ7jdHnOxdK5jAChTgyFv0tl6ARmWKKLGpNBsYqKmgCK-DPjxRXQdlxLLHEnVIWbPDyooJ/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 2015 Grand Opening of Tinner Hill Historic Site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The Tinner Hill Historic District was just approve to be on the Fairfax County Inventory of Historic Places. This is yet another acknowledgement of the significant events that took place 100 years ago when this site on the border between Falls Church and Fairfax County was the place of a meeting that led to the first rural chapter of the NAACP.<br />
<br />
In 1915 Falls Church was considering segregation zoning that would result in displacing many African American families. This was relatively common in the time of Jim Crow segregation laws. A group of very brave civic leaders fought these efforts in Falls Church and won. The current Fairfax County NAACP is a direct descendant organization from this effort in 1915.<br />
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The property is made of two parcels one purchased by the City of Falls Church, and one by Fairfax County in 1999. In 2014 both the City and County leased these parcels to NOVA Parks for 99 years so we could create a unified site. NOVA Parks added a shelter, walk ways, signs, and art.<br />
<br />
The historic arch of civil rights is long. The movement did not start in the 1950 as some believe, but has a much longer complex story. The Tinner Hill Historic Site is one of those places that celebrates an early victory in the civil rights movement.Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-65672323003951477102015-12-18T09:20:00.001-05:002015-12-18T09:20:15.261-05:00A new park on the Potomac!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74xIhcg-0LEfamqvbqVzv5nrzt18-pjgpNtXnyvgNUbgYel4kKTwj8FMu03uh9Q02oIF1n0x-6dcWMPwDbSs4Y_dIfneoXUGIuwyNWBKtvVoRUsPOR-d8mSG1vxGiMQ8kVSdY/s1600/IMAG0128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg74xIhcg-0LEfamqvbqVzv5nrzt18-pjgpNtXnyvgNUbgYel4kKTwj8FMu03uh9Q02oIF1n0x-6dcWMPwDbSs4Y_dIfneoXUGIuwyNWBKtvVoRUsPOR-d8mSG1vxGiMQ8kVSdY/s400/IMAG0128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yesterday we completed the acquisition of another future park! We will call it Springdale, and it is 150 acres on the Potomac River. The site includes farm structures from the early 1800s, and is in an area with a rich Native American history. There is almost a half mile of river frontage.</div>
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There is no public access to this site yet, but over the next few years we hope to be able to open this great site for public use. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyONlvxg1IQ_fbytINKsGregRkLV0S7G6hVYmf4p7TvIt4A-QNVRRsABPHjVkBV5XPk9JITyiiLg3BVCVngZwP8zd-bhL8YP-wrF0hZWDOshgpZdDxSsn-uTJcU0QESuUzfBW/s1600/IMAG0151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyONlvxg1IQ_fbytINKsGregRkLV0S7G6hVYmf4p7TvIt4A-QNVRRsABPHjVkBV5XPk9JITyiiLg3BVCVngZwP8zd-bhL8YP-wrF0hZWDOshgpZdDxSsn-uTJcU0QESuUzfBW/s400/IMAG0151.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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NOVA Parks has added around 1,500 acres and 12 new parks in the last 10 years! We are currently at over 11,500 acres of some of the most beautiful land in the Northern Virginia Region. Some of our parks are remote and passive, and some are extremely popular, and highly used.<br />
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Our role in the world is to provide unique destination parks that help define the very best of Northern Virginia.Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-39562058769650626812015-12-18T08:57:00.002-05:002015-12-18T08:57:46.416-05:00Thank you PHTA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXH6sRc9bS-ItzbtHyUNOJuoYRzceyV1A0iMW6Sn6_v1VHLGKAVKVsSu2vVMDq028Y6q_zIk0ndCevkkYRCo0v_u5nwfGiEdUnIMQu8-FvTSJx25Ki0-GlgZNcwFltt64DdI2n/s1600/Trail+work.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXH6sRc9bS-ItzbtHyUNOJuoYRzceyV1A0iMW6Sn6_v1VHLGKAVKVsSu2vVMDq028Y6q_zIk0ndCevkkYRCo0v_u5nwfGiEdUnIMQu8-FvTSJx25Ki0-GlgZNcwFltt64DdI2n/s1600/Trail+work.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Below is a report on the activities of the Potomac Heritage Trail Association over the last year. I highlighted all the parks that are owned by NOVA Parks to focus on just how much this trail group does to help us. In addition to being one of your many important partners in maintaining our properties, they are also helping out all the other park agencies in the region. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Volunteers are critical to providing great park places for the public, and the Potomac Heritage Trail Association is one of the very best groups out there. THANK YOU!</span></div>
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<b>Potomac Heritage
Trail Accomplishments for 2015<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Harpers Ferry National Historical Park <o:p></o:p></div>
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Scouting a future PHT route from Georges Mill
Road to Route 340, with <o:p></o:p></div>
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major research on public road access
for the PHT route.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Springdale
Regional Park</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
purchased 150 acres along the<o:p></o:p></div>
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Potomac River near Point of Rocks, with plans
for a future section of the PHT.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Whites
Ford Regional Park</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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New PHT logo indicating that the Riverfront
Trail is now a section of the PHT.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Veterans Park at Balls Bluff<o:p></o:p></div>
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New park entrance and Potomac Heritage Trail
sign, with fresh paint blazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Potomac Crossing Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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New PHT logo on new park entrance sign.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Balls
Bluff Battlefield Regional Park</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Fresh PHT paint blazing, including along Balls
Bluff above the Potomac River.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Edwards Landing Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fresh PHT paint blazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sage Hill Farm<o:p></o:p></div>
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New trail near removed pine plantation, with
new PHT paint blazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Red
Rocks Wilderness Overlook Regional Park</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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New PHT paint blazing along White Trail.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fresh PHT paint blazing, new blue hiker logos
at the Goose Creek Overlook <o:p></o:p></div>
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Trail, Kepheart Landing Trail, and Goose Creek
Canal Trail.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Janelia
Farm Trail Easement</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Fresh PHT paint blazing, new plastic direction
sign at east end. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Potomac Farm Trail Easement<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fresh PHT paint blazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Selden Island<o:p></o:p></div>
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Preliminary talks between the Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, Potomac <o:p></o:p></div>
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Conservancy, and Potomac Heritage Trail
Association about opening the<o:p></o:p></div>
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island to the public as a nature preserve and
possible section of the PHT.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bles Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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Major trail upgrade to the PHT, including new
signage and gravel entrance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fresh PHT paint blazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Algonkian
Regional Park</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Fresh PHT paint blazing, and grand opening of
the popular new Woods Land <o:p></o:p></div>
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Trail. Ira Gabrielson and Algonkian Sanctuary
National Recreation Trail signs<o:p></o:p></div>
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moved to the proper location.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lowes Island Trail Easement<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fresh PHT paint blazing, with upgrades to trail
sections.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Seneca
Regional Park</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Fresh PHT paint blazing, and new PHT logos. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Fraser Preserve<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fresh PHT paint blazing and new PHT logos<o:p></o:p></div>
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Upper Potomac Regional Parklands<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fresh PHT paint blazing and new PHT logos.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Great Falls Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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Repair of road along Difficult Run.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Great Falls to Scotts Run PHT connector trail<o:p></o:p></div>
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Construction of new PHT trail along Capital
Beltway sound wall.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial<o:p></o:p></div>
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New Potomac Heritage Trail sign installed by
PATC.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Woodlawn National Historic Trust<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scouting of new section of Potomac Heritage
Trail.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fort Belvoir<o:p></o:p></div>
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New bike path along Route 1, and scouting of
new section of PHT along<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fort Belvoir and through Accotink Bay Wildlife
Refuge.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Noman Cole Lower Potomac Water Treatment Center<o:p></o:p></div>
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Scouting of new section of PHT, with upgrades
and PHT paint blazing<o:p></o:p></div>
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coming soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Joseph Plaskett Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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New PHT paint blazing coming soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Laurel Hill Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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New PHT trail along Laurel Crest, with
connections to the Cross County Trail.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mason Neck Visitor Information Center<o:p></o:p></div>
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Grand opening of major PHT trail gateway
for Mason Neck.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Meadowood Recreation Area<o:p></o:p></div>
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PHT now complete.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Pohick
Bay Regional Park</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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PHT route now complete, with new PHT
logos.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gunston Hall National Historic Landmark<o:p></o:p></div>
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New PHT logos.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge<o:p></o:p></div>
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New PHT logos.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mason Neck State Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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New PHT logos.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Civil War Defense of Washington Trail<o:p></o:p></div>
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Major Sierra Club PRO promotional hike in
celebration of Rock Creek Park's<o:p></o:p></div>
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125th anniversary.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Major sections of the Potomac Heritage Trail
have also added new plastic <o:p></o:p></div>
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directional signs, wooden mileage signs,
and Potomac Connection signs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Glenn
Gillis<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Potomac
Heritage Trail Association<o:p></o:p></div>
Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-91541811948935055542015-11-02T11:11:00.000-05:002015-11-02T11:15:02.263-05:00The NOVA Parks Difference seen in national data<br />
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has a powerful data base that can compare park systems nationwide. They just released their 2015 data, and it helps tell the tale of what a different and unique agency NOVA Parks is.<br />
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One of the most defining features is that NOVA Parks is largely self funded through enterprise operations. Where the average park system in America generates 27% of their operating revenues from enterprise activities, NOVA Parks is at nearly 85%.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtEZSAMyEMlzD6tPGLYukiWmChrSuVLscn0Xw02Lf0uA_8GmqQAQMfJlO6beXj2mImu5QxfX6I6twQG5im7gwW6Y0mC19hyphenhyphenS0v1zeCAsw7bBBTIYPlHuQo4TaTpZxW-Rqn1Q8/s1600/PRORAGIS_APR_2015_4671_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtEZSAMyEMlzD6tPGLYukiWmChrSuVLscn0Xw02Lf0uA_8GmqQAQMfJlO6beXj2mImu5QxfX6I6twQG5im7gwW6Y0mC19hyphenhyphenS0v1zeCAsw7bBBTIYPlHuQo4TaTpZxW-Rqn1Q8/s640/PRORAGIS_APR_2015_4671_8.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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Where the money comes from can also be seen in the chart below that has a line entitled "Total Tax Expenditure per Capita." This shows that NOVA Parks receives only $1.84 per person from our member jurisdictions to off-set our operating expenditures compared to the national average of over $56. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMq9HFcIqkQPy4s7a9ttJHgI2kW8zrZpWvHyeMVrt_cWhQVk-gStNHmWpMvxLQiBmG5h3o83iUkWNqbeD2_xHrubT9AQZBk6PBFAKY2mHLQPGpRglEEdL5RW6H7cLisb5GYLG/s1600/Agency+Effectiveness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMq9HFcIqkQPy4s7a9ttJHgI2kW8zrZpWvHyeMVrt_cWhQVk-gStNHmWpMvxLQiBmG5h3o83iUkWNqbeD2_xHrubT9AQZBk6PBFAKY2mHLQPGpRglEEdL5RW6H7cLisb5GYLG/s400/Agency+Effectiveness.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
One of the factors to consider in these national averages is the NOVA Parks is a regional park system that is designed to supplement to local park systems in each one of our six jurisdictions. The local park systems focus on and do an excellent job with the community athletics. This frees NOVA Parks to focus on unique destination parks. Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-1602914087253500262015-10-15T07:36:00.000-05:002015-10-15T07:36:03.117-05:00PATC Trail Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every year I get a letter like this with the total house of volunteer time that the PATC has donated to maintaining the trails. It is backed up with several pages of data with date and areas of work that took place over the year. When you consider that in full time employment a person works about 2,000 hours a year, the gift of 1,731 hours of volunteer trail work is substantial!<br />
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And PATC is just one of a number of organizations that devote regular volunteer time to NOVA Parks. We track all of the volunteer hours that individuals, and groups donate. In total it is equivalent to a full time position at every one of our parks! So, it is not a stretch to say that we could not operate as a park agency if we did not have all the wonderful volunteers that we do.<br />
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So to all those that volunteer to help park agencies do their job, I say: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-60620057770486164992015-08-21T08:20:00.001-05:002015-08-21T08:20:43.546-05:00Customer Service Wins the Day!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRYe-L-0_Ayblzkdod4ubKZgx79a3itW5_ajWbkHr3wF2el8bqzUTF01YAi3k9PvlKEqi_R78kTOUv717Y9rwQ8XUvEzSikpbEKJl3lbQGDi1SEzwlxwtRWbbuPo-hD82__FR/s1600/beat+Will+competition.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRYe-L-0_Ayblzkdod4ubKZgx79a3itW5_ajWbkHr3wF2el8bqzUTF01YAi3k9PvlKEqi_R78kTOUv717Y9rwQ8XUvEzSikpbEKJl3lbQGDi1SEzwlxwtRWbbuPo-hD82__FR/s400/beat+Will+competition.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirates Cove staff enjoy their well earned reward for selling the most mugs</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">Customer service wins the day! There is a huge difference in the experience you have in a place where the staff is disengaged, and a place where the staff is trained and focused on engaging the public and providing outstanding service.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">For over a year NOVA Parks has been involved in an effort to set us apart from the pack in the area of customer service. Today we have an extensive and ongoing program on customer service. This summer all our front line seasonal staff had customers service training and continuous follow up. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">One unexpected area where we were able to measure our customer engagement was in the sales of commemorative mugs at our water parks. We noticed early in the season that one particularly friendly and engaging staff at Pirates Cove Water Park was selling a lot of commemorative mugs. Customers were being told about the great deal in beverage refills that they would get with the purchase of the mugs. The friendly demeanor and good information were resulting in high sales. So we created a system wide challenge. With the reward of a Chipotle party for staff, each of our 5 water parks competed in July to see which one could sell the most commemorative mugs as a percent of total food sales. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">This friendly competition resulted in everyone refocusing on customer engagement and good service. The results were an additional 262 mugs
over the 544 sold in June. There were increases across the board. Pirates Cove again won the competition, but because all the water parks stepped up their game for the competition they were all energized. The end result for the public was that they had friendly helpful staff engaging with them in positive ways. We never expected that the sale of a mug could be a barometer of customer service, but it was one measure of that quality that is hard to measure. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d;">In a world where customer service is too often missing, our goal is to make all of our parks place of exceptional customer service. We want the public to look forward to interactions with our staff, and to have these interactions define consistently great experiences.</span></div>
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Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-41235336085104859272015-07-01T08:15:00.002-05:002015-07-01T08:15:48.198-05:00Parks lead on Sustainability<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Inherit
the Earth, or borrow it from our Children?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As park and recreation agencies, what is our role in
solving the world’s environmental problems? On one level, addressing issues like global
climate change, or even the expansion of invasive plants, can seem far beyond
the scope of any one agency, and it is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But
on another level, showing leadership on environmental issues can have numerous
benefits including:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Contributing
to the solution of these issues, even if it is small in scope<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Setting
a good example of being good stewards of the natural resources we are entrusted
with<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Positioning
your agency, parks and programs as being an important local part of addressing
these global issues <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Big, hairy issues like the overuse of chemicals in
our environment, or shifting weather patterns, can be overwhelming to many in
our communities who would like to protect our environment but may not be sure
where to start. This is where park
systems can play a pivotal role. We have
parks and programs that reach the people. We are a trusted voice on issues
related to natural resources. By taking
a more proactive role in environmental protection, we can serve our communities
better, and our world. It is the old
adage of “think globally, and act locally.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Attached is a Sustainability Report that was
recently published by NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority). This report highlights the agency’s efforts
over a number of years to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers, enhance
riparian plantings, reduce their carbon footprint, and expand environmental
education.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The report starts with the Native American saying,
“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our
children.” The message that we need to
take action if we want to pass on a world with a healthy environment to future
generations runs throughout the document. While this is a message we should all take to
heart individually, as professionals in the parks and recreation field, we have
the ability to set an important example and educate our communities about what
they can do to be part of the solution. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The link below is to the full Sustainability Report from NOVA Parks:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.nrpa.org/uploadedFiles/Parks_and_Recreation_Magazine_Blog/Sustainability%20Report%20PDF.pdf">http://www.nrpa.org/uploadedFiles/Parks_and_Recreation_Magazine_Blog/Sustainability%20Report%20PDF.pdf</a></span></div>
Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-46687964854616460632015-05-22T09:20:00.001-05:002015-05-22T09:28:06.706-05:00Korean Bell Garden<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 115%;">Last weekend we celebrated the third anniversary
of the completion of the Korean Bell Garden at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna
Virginia. This continues to be a very successful partnership between the
Korean-American Cultural Committee headed by Jeung Hwa Elmejjad-Yi, and NOVA
Parks.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This amazing Korean Garden features unique structures hand
built by special artists from Korea built in a traditional way that dates back
many centuries. The large, 3 ton bell at the center of the garden was cast in
Gyeonggi-do, and is a gift from that Provence of Korea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The garden was funded with donations, including support from
the Republic of Korea, and many very generous private donors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Part of the agreement between NOVA Parks and the
Korean-American Cultural Committee was for an endowment to support the
long-term maintenance and upkeep of this international treasure. At the event
last Saturday $20,000 towards the $200,000 endowment goal was donated.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The event was attended by over 300 people, featured many
cultural displays and events, and was attended by may elected officials who
have been supportive of these efforts.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2000007629395px;"><br /></span></span>Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-46184982564333608662015-03-25T12:23:00.003-05:002015-03-25T12:23:47.004-05:002015 Employee Achievement Awards Most people sit through too many meetings. But there is one meeting each year that I can not get enough of. It is our annual "All-Staff Meeting" at NOVA Parks. This is the time when we review all the big projects and initiatives that we have completed or made progress on last year, and set our sights on the year ahead. Each department reports what they are doing. The depth and breadth of leadership at NOVA Parks is remarkable.<div>
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The meeting ends with the annual Employee Achievement Awards. The following people were nominated by their peers. Then a cross-functional team of employees reviewed the nominations and about half of them were deemed exceptional and beyond just doing a good job. This group is listed below.</div>
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Join me in congratulating these winner!</div>
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* all photos have from left to right: Brian Knapp (Board Member), Michael Nardolilli (Vice Chair), Stella Koch (Chair), Award Recipient, Paul Gilbert (Executive Director). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJrljLhnYxdKPiEMtcSVnh0Z5TPmoZbNTi6GF9fhAQVXoPqR0dkAFU3QqPJn3jMH4qp3JFCwCMUjqeXZRaSmNYlG7XbSbTJKE2b6U8Rmkcn5i1jh7BSSeFUZV5lVyRnTTlzDi/s1600/2013-03-13+22.31.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJrljLhnYxdKPiEMtcSVnh0Z5TPmoZbNTi6GF9fhAQVXoPqR0dkAFU3QqPJn3jMH4qp3JFCwCMUjqeXZRaSmNYlG7XbSbTJKE2b6U8Rmkcn5i1jh7BSSeFUZV5lVyRnTTlzDi/s1600/2013-03-13+22.31.12.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan Iglhaut</td></tr>
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<b> Dan Iglhaut</b></div>
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NOVA Parks HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dan Iglhaut has achieved recognition in the area of Above
and Beyond. Dan’s efforts to assist in
the protection of historic railroad siding on the W&OD Trail were important
on many levels. When faced with public
outcry after a developer began destroying this historic feature, Dan worked
extensively with Arlington County to create a historic district that now protects
the Benjamin Elliott Coal Trestle and will give NOVA Parks the opportunity to
interpret the site and its significance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ann Marie Warren</b><br />
Pohick Bay Regional Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anne Marie Warren has achieved recognition in the area of
Above and Beyond. Anne Marie plays a
critical role as Pool Manager at Pirate’s Cove and has been called “The Glue”
that holds the waterpark together. Anne
Marie’s assistance with the staff incentive program and the rollout of the new
customer service program were instrumental in the programs successes at
Pirate’s Cove Waterpark.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RzRrOFH6LzJ_v7J5_qTNYoMQShKq-hLo0lYeac1sxQ8p0NKzJr4lkNoaHDVnq9GkiOXEPH-KokI6VwWt67E5Mn-6E5DHCfLRKFJDK5Rr00EyE_1HV76jCft-1ImnW9Gj-V2Z/s1600/2013-03-13+22.32.37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RzRrOFH6LzJ_v7J5_qTNYoMQShKq-hLo0lYeac1sxQ8p0NKzJr4lkNoaHDVnq9GkiOXEPH-KokI6VwWt67E5Mn-6E5DHCfLRKFJDK5Rr00EyE_1HV76jCft-1ImnW9Gj-V2Z/s1600/2013-03-13+22.32.37.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Bilko</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Ben Bilko</b><br />
White’s Ford Regional Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ben Bilko has achieved recognition in the area of Team
Player. In addition to Ben’s duties at
many other NOVA Parks locations, he was tasked with assisting in the
preparations and final details for the opening of White’s Ford Regional
Park. Ben worked closely with the
Planning and Development Department and assigned contractors to ensure the park
was ready for the grand opening. Tasks
included assisting with the boat launch facilities, tree plantings and ordering
and installation of park signage. The
opening of the park was a great success, and much of that can be contributed to
the work of Ben. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LSziAPjIystyp_3LQuk6Q0hynCJtpFD1aQXSUXivt_FFpu7XH8AiNMhhiyk4WkHI_IT_3qDUk0xiu8X7CNxNR2cz4xLF1U0pDXa_PQmIT4sGBZQQaOo7vp4TSG5ESlxHF3cg/s1600/2013-03-13+22.33.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LSziAPjIystyp_3LQuk6Q0hynCJtpFD1aQXSUXivt_FFpu7XH8AiNMhhiyk4WkHI_IT_3qDUk0xiu8X7CNxNR2cz4xLF1U0pDXa_PQmIT4sGBZQQaOo7vp4TSG5ESlxHF3cg/s1600/2013-03-13+22.33.59.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave Zickafoose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Dave Zickafoose</b><br />
NOVA Parks HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
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David Zickafoose has achieved recognition in the areas of
Cost Savings and Above and Beyond. With
the implementation of a new point of sale system came the possibility that we
would be required to replace a large portion of our existing hardware. David took it upon himself to research and
develop a solution that created compatibility between the new system and our
existing hardware. David’s hard work and
knowledge saved NOVA Parks thousands in equipment upgrade costs. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Qh2fCEf71eCa8-jnVMUnPjdUVC5mSmJ6M3y9cc9eAOXQor5XnaRlw-mnz-YsinMyon3v3EtphQW0Uk6YCOxAb3aqxw_wrahYluELn3KW_-JgEYcvTdnJxXmm7YoHfo43VAej/s1600/2013-03-13+22.35.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Qh2fCEf71eCa8-jnVMUnPjdUVC5mSmJ6M3y9cc9eAOXQor5XnaRlw-mnz-YsinMyon3v3EtphQW0Uk6YCOxAb3aqxw_wrahYluELn3KW_-JgEYcvTdnJxXmm7YoHfo43VAej/s1600/2013-03-13+22.35.13.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah Johnson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Sarah Johnson</b><br />
Cameron Run Regional Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sarah Johnson has achieved recognition in the area of
Safety. During her years at Great Waves
Waterpark, Sarah has developed into a vital component of the NOVA Parks
aquatics program. Sarah’s mastery of the
NASCO aquatics system and her ability to teach others has been important to the
program’s success, not just a Great Waves but at all the NOVA Parks waterpark
facilities. Sarah has also assumed the
lead role on the Aquatics commitment for the last several years using her
knowledge and skills to impact the agency as a whole. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOm_lzed-GLq46hIyE7ZcoOjbPgHttbYn_dCf3fZRpfKhGM0H0y2w0mHsAFJFqHw3XdiaSP4mZCMuaFo6wOkjoDszCWrGfJbhybNYqhORE5TcCPSEPFnxyM2Dvv1bFNknnsHc/s1600/2013-03-13+22.36.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOm_lzed-GLq46hIyE7ZcoOjbPgHttbYn_dCf3fZRpfKhGM0H0y2w0mHsAFJFqHw3XdiaSP4mZCMuaFo6wOkjoDszCWrGfJbhybNYqhORE5TcCPSEPFnxyM2Dvv1bFNknnsHc/s1600/2013-03-13+22.36.44.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Houser</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>John Houser</b><br />
Occoquan Regional Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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John Houser has achieved recognition in the areas of
Above-and-Beyond and Team Player. John
has played a critical role in the development and delivery of our new
agency-wide customer service program.
John’s participation in the interview process to select our program consultant,
his assistance with the overall design of the program and its successful
delivery to hundreds of NOVA Parks’ employees and volunteers is a big part of
why moving into our second full year the program is flourishing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMkhMQN1yjRZYBc9TVJmG1-DbHtEnxpvU9sRypU0ovLD8XNDHwa6NmTOqKPCBoLO3H3QnmJPuwhJEQ4thM-CsATm4dJTnXmzSS4vHlJGyLD-6NRh2tCEjzRIDNu1nBNLr89kV/s1600/2013-03-13+22.38.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMkhMQN1yjRZYBc9TVJmG1-DbHtEnxpvU9sRypU0ovLD8XNDHwa6NmTOqKPCBoLO3H3QnmJPuwhJEQ4thM-CsATm4dJTnXmzSS4vHlJGyLD-6NRh2tCEjzRIDNu1nBNLr89kV/s1600/2013-03-13+22.38.06.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy Hudson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Cindy Hudson</b><br />
NOVA Parks HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cindy Hudson has achieved recognition in the area of
Innovation. Cindy’s extensive work on
the new employee pay table was tremendous and exceptionally time
consuming. This required extensive
research and huge attention to detail to ensure it had the desired impact on
how NOVA Parks employees are compensated.
The result of Cindy’s hard work is a system that will benefit all
current and future employees for many years to come.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyLBi1PdEsrzht8Hae09J4YWvD2sAtMToBGnydlfa2HD-8dh4buu5uOPEbhxUIMOseUU_WyXJaK3nyN0a-6Cub1QGG_1cpCJeQz2PXpQuizqqQS8zb7etYDR2rQLvUkGn_lla/s1600/2013-03-13+22.39.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVyLBi1PdEsrzht8Hae09J4YWvD2sAtMToBGnydlfa2HD-8dh4buu5uOPEbhxUIMOseUU_WyXJaK3nyN0a-6Cub1QGG_1cpCJeQz2PXpQuizqqQS8zb7etYDR2rQLvUkGn_lla/s1600/2013-03-13+22.39.42.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Lewis & Tracy Gillespie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>John Lewis</b><br />
Temple Hall Farm Regional Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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John Lewis has achieved recognition in the area of
Programming. John played an integral
role in the development of a first of its kind week-long Civil War camp that
encompassed several of NOVA Parks’ historic sites. Campers were able to experience the life of a
Civil War soldier practicing marching and artillery drills and also what life
was like on the home front.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Tracy Gillespie</b><br />
Mt Zion Historic Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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Tracy Gillespie has achieved recognition in the area of
Programming. Tracy played an integral
role in the development of a first of its kind week-long Civil War camp that
encompassed several of NOVA Parks’ historic sites. Campers were able to experience the life of a
Civil War soldier practicing marching and artillery drills and also what life
was like on the home front. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP0SjcuvDYmoSJ3pRoTUkc-bESz1sECV8C4dptIu94Y_bNhdVLJeRJKzEhi6J0KQgtsjh0YRJv5hxZXUBRKILDxZchqX2jLnv7IA3TMzOxtz9d6uIt8VFyktmN-qLFf249luw/s1600/2013-03-13+22.41.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP0SjcuvDYmoSJ3pRoTUkc-bESz1sECV8C4dptIu94Y_bNhdVLJeRJKzEhi6J0KQgtsjh0YRJv5hxZXUBRKILDxZchqX2jLnv7IA3TMzOxtz9d6uIt8VFyktmN-qLFf249luw/s1600/2013-03-13+22.41.02.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dale Hook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Dale Hook</b><br />
NOVA Parks HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dale Hook has achieved recognition in the area of Customer
Service. Dale epitomizes GREAT customer
service and this shows not only in how she treats NOVA Parks customers but also
how she handles the internal customers she serves in her many roles at NOVA
Parks Headquarters. A great example of
this is the assistance she provides to the marketing department with the
assembly of new promotional features such as the cabin information binders for
Pohick Campground, or assisting with copying and editing of other promotional
materials. Dale is quick to support
whatever functions are needed; this was seen firsthand with Dale’s work on
inputting customer data into the new agency-wide point of sale system. This work took months to complete and was
done with great care.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtye2ZCDGfTuaIBsULddEtieV9bjTRmzSZyXSW1U2U9YDO3ddAmqFRzLco0tw6VHEY0fndKo_ZmNkBtIjwub2gD1RK_8nkrmElNYBy5o_xIrm6cQQb9bosuL6j7HNYCsKxps_K/s1600/2013-03-13+22.41.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtye2ZCDGfTuaIBsULddEtieV9bjTRmzSZyXSW1U2U9YDO3ddAmqFRzLco0tw6VHEY0fndKo_ZmNkBtIjwub2gD1RK_8nkrmElNYBy5o_xIrm6cQQb9bosuL6j7HNYCsKxps_K/s1600/2013-03-13+22.41.58.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharon Swab</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Sharon Swab</b><br />
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sharon Swab has achieved recognition in the area of Customer
Service. Sharon’s passion for Meadowlark
and NOVA Parks is contagious, and she shares that daily with visitors year
round. Whether it is providing a great
experience at the Winter Walk of Lights or the gardens during the summer
season, visitors will find a knowledgeable, enthusiastic ambassador of all
things Meadowlark. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbauLEpmkUpeREHeSkCA2OwpqWPokPJkkOwD45XBTOu0_OiF0MJLPnpfIURnI59sDSy5Cbn6xRWG9dkioxdV71Xj4Yn_-vw2SSnZ7qRH-uxA9s0AAD93nhyCXE2W_cK71sGud/s1600/2013-03-13+22.43.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbauLEpmkUpeREHeSkCA2OwpqWPokPJkkOwD45XBTOu0_OiF0MJLPnpfIURnI59sDSy5Cbn6xRWG9dkioxdV71Xj4Yn_-vw2SSnZ7qRH-uxA9s0AAD93nhyCXE2W_cK71sGud/s1600/2013-03-13+22.43.14.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelly Koster</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Kelly Koster</b><br />
Pohick Bay Regional Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kelly Koster has achieved recognition in the area of Above
and Beyond. With the NOVA Parks
rebranding efforts in full swing, Kelly was asked to be the lead “on camera
star” for a new promotional video that highlights our organization and will be
used in a multitude of ways, including public broadcast. Kelly handled this task with great ease and
enthusiasm, and the product produced turned out to be some of the best
promotional work we as an organization have done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_zmSWv9qKfidudcWNpZNzkNXSBLEmessEUW15tfGXHWArF25GztdIeDPWmVYP1qhqfZpqXSHg9rS010AXJfaI748MG-q6vMNeGF4lvBGoq319lTPA8WhNBz3bXmHsuZPtPyR/s1600/2013-03-13+22.44.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_zmSWv9qKfidudcWNpZNzkNXSBLEmessEUW15tfGXHWArF25GztdIeDPWmVYP1qhqfZpqXSHg9rS010AXJfaI748MG-q6vMNeGF4lvBGoq319lTPA8WhNBz3bXmHsuZPtPyR/s1600/2013-03-13+22.44.11.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Bauer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>Brian Bauer</b><br />
NOVA Parks HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brian Bauer has achieved recognition in the area of
Innovation. Brian’s work on the NOVA
Parks rebranding efforts has been extraordinary. Our agency at times has suffered from an
identity crisis and now the new NOVA Parks brand that Brian has spearheaded has
given us an identity which will assist greatly in letting the communities we
serve know how unique and exceptional NOVA Parks truly is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwY0kBWzyeYd-pqyRCMjHIl-z74Skq3whPcSKC6x6uuol1Oc6qVQObO1WBqe3nYO8A9WD2EhQ0_0XCoJgPZ6S0pXBJ8u_gaGpY4BBHM5EcBDg-cARaRrgG1LuWKX6voqPtrKm/s1600/2013-03-13+22.45.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwY0kBWzyeYd-pqyRCMjHIl-z74Skq3whPcSKC6x6uuol1Oc6qVQObO1WBqe3nYO8A9WD2EhQ0_0XCoJgPZ6S0pXBJ8u_gaGpY4BBHM5EcBDg-cARaRrgG1LuWKX6voqPtrKm/s1600/2013-03-13+22.45.33.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doug Smith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Doug Smith</b><br />
Bull Run Regional Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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Doug Smith has achieved recognition in the area of Above and
Beyond. Doug joined NOVA Parks first
ever Civil War Camp as Corporal Smith, volunteering his time and talents to
many eager campers. Corporal Smith’s
duties included standard military drilling, battle scenarios and the sharing of
his extensive knowledge of the Civil War with the group. Doug’s interactions with our campers were
done with great patience, encouragement and good humor, with Doug even
providing each camper with a souvenir minie ball to take home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhoK6CCYZ7Y5fGaHMXi5w2nslgaDaCi3fLj6_WhVaNxk_k0MKn3IRcIWHBshRJmf5WHZzILvNDKqHnCjC7SyqkJqhPxz8UVndI7Cg1WPl1EM0-6NqhVv1aStGvKeCsVMe92-j/s1600/2013-03-13+22.46.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhoK6CCYZ7Y5fGaHMXi5w2nslgaDaCi3fLj6_WhVaNxk_k0MKn3IRcIWHBshRJmf5WHZzILvNDKqHnCjC7SyqkJqhPxz8UVndI7Cg1WPl1EM0-6NqhVv1aStGvKeCsVMe92-j/s1600/2013-03-13+22.46.35.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanessa Herndon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>Vanessa Herndon</b><br />
Carlyle House<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vanessa Herndon has achieved recognition is the area of
Programming. Vanessa especially shines
in children’s programming where she is credited with the creation of the
Carlyle Craft Day that, as a first time program, hosted more than 120
attendees. Vanessa is also a large part
of the overall success of the increasingly popular Camp Carlyle. Thanks to Vanessa’s fresh eye and inventive
approach, the stories of the Carlyle House live on through dynamic programs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Jake Bumbrey</b><br />
NOVA Parks HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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Jake Bumbrey has achieved recognition in the areas of
Versatility and Responsiveness. Jake’s work
on the development of the Tinner Hill Historic Site was one that was extremely
time sensitive and of great importance to the community. The project had many complications with
regard to construction and permitting issues that Jake was able to navigate
through with great skill. While doing
this, he also worked closely with various interest groups and their
expectations for the site. As a result
of Jake’s efforts, Tinner Hill Historic Site opened on time and with great
accolades from the community.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45KKaWcUcrATxgIb-q1F1x7hCNTTKB3kq77yhuj70U1t3FGna5NNZ5U26RmbY-HH74xvyZEX8k4AbCnHzPoEZGriNKkxFv4Ss-kZ4SJVsE2xMj3LAXH92BYi3xzV5wOcNejXb/s1600/2013-03-13+22.48.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45KKaWcUcrATxgIb-q1F1x7hCNTTKB3kq77yhuj70U1t3FGna5NNZ5U26RmbY-HH74xvyZEX8k4AbCnHzPoEZGriNKkxFv4Ss-kZ4SJVsE2xMj3LAXH92BYi3xzV5wOcNejXb/s1600/2013-03-13+22.48.48.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Goode</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Ben Goode</b><br />
Rust Sanctuary<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ben Goode has achieved recognition in the areas of Cost
Savings and Above and Beyond. Ben has
been able to use his wide range of skills to improve the facilities at Rust
Sanctuary. Ben has taken on the renovations of four rooms within the main
house, including a redesign of the kitchen, installation of new flooring and
extensive plaster work throughout the house.
Ben has also stepped in on a number of other projects, including the
emergency repair of a well pump to ensure water was available for an afternoon
wedding. Because of efforts like this
Rust is quickly becoming a popular destination for area brides.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>
</o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqPZLTliiXAE695027EMp0n9g6IItvjFkdJN95KDBI_BZIDQASzGPDLnI07FQ5dtO3Z6fnKagwcVkoneYWakXycQdF_TgL4uylR3o_geoiccFA8kvxqFuIPGEDxNKV1SGnkNb/s1600/2013-03-13+22.49.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqPZLTliiXAE695027EMp0n9g6IItvjFkdJN95KDBI_BZIDQASzGPDLnI07FQ5dtO3Z6fnKagwcVkoneYWakXycQdF_TgL4uylR3o_geoiccFA8kvxqFuIPGEDxNKV1SGnkNb/s1600/2013-03-13+22.49.44.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doranne Pittz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>Doranne Pittz</b><br />
Fountainhead Regional Park<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Doranne Pittz has achieved recognition in the areas of
Customer Service and Team Player.
Doranne pioneered the first ever Customer Service GREAT Board, setting
the standard for other facilities to follow.
Doranne has also taken it upon herself to organize activities outside of
work in an effort to build a true team atmosphere among all NOVA Parks
employees. Doranne is often one of the
first to volunteer or take on additional duties as needed, making her the true
definition of a Team Player. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4f8IzWiFMUU4064DHCE2eCXYJ4V5Ylgg66E3v_rbzRur-5-66kRsiQsccMvJFScGu8VN4EejutC-Lt1g4I2SFiHAKjitaqUiODIE7kKF991R3Nfzo2JjEkhuw5JSRSImkPTyS/s1600/2013-03-13+22.50.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4f8IzWiFMUU4064DHCE2eCXYJ4V5Ylgg66E3v_rbzRur-5-66kRsiQsccMvJFScGu8VN4EejutC-Lt1g4I2SFiHAKjitaqUiODIE7kKF991R3Nfzo2JjEkhuw5JSRSImkPTyS/s1600/2013-03-13+22.50.49.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Nolan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Brian Nolan</b><br />
NOVA Parks HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brian Nolan has achieved recognition in the area of
Versatility. Brian, as the Special
Projects Manager for the Planning and Development Department, is responsible
for managing a multitude of complex projects and tasks. Doing this well requires constant
communication and updates to contractors, consultants, local permitting offices
and NOVA Parks staff. Brian accomplishes
this with great skill and exceptional organization and results.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqF3zVkmiILhyphenhyphenoIKEVWBrLKgVhYwbWRgnbm79ZYIfcEB2RlP2k7DF83G33RDg8y4j3-0iAZkSnYE-JaMtF-kNFas1LKo10AGqh3iEs0xd1tLKYDYbLjNrv_9ijfYiL1fNnZmt/s1600/2013-03-13+22.51.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqF3zVkmiILhyphenhyphenoIKEVWBrLKgVhYwbWRgnbm79ZYIfcEB2RlP2k7DF83G33RDg8y4j3-0iAZkSnYE-JaMtF-kNFas1LKo10AGqh3iEs0xd1tLKYDYbLjNrv_9ijfYiL1fNnZmt/s1600/2013-03-13+22.51.53.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jules Maloney</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Jules Maloney</b><br />
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Jules Maloney has achieved recognition in the
area of Versatility. Jules is tasked
with managing an emerging camp program in the summer months and then is asked
to quickly transition into Light Show mode soon thereafter. As the Camp Grow Leader, she provides
exceptional experiences for all campers introducing the groups to new and
exciting activities. During Light Show
times, she becomes an orchestrator of the multitude of details that go into
making the light show a success. Jules
has managed both roles with tremendous enthusiasm and great results</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG010SOt06-DArPoR3-8pEtmQkzHjjhxRpEua4Lr9n41EEk-zngrgrJbYIDOKVdDe3CCfS_qEDfV6Q5b2Acqa8Wn8Kl7jMdfmqEZoNurMoz2H9PnhNFbjUeZd3SNNUAqwcEPy1/s1600/2013-03-13+22.53.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG010SOt06-DArPoR3-8pEtmQkzHjjhxRpEua4Lr9n41EEk-zngrgrJbYIDOKVdDe3CCfS_qEDfV6Q5b2Acqa8Wn8Kl7jMdfmqEZoNurMoz2H9PnhNFbjUeZd3SNNUAqwcEPy1/s1600/2013-03-13+22.53.06.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny Friedman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<b>Jenny Friedman</b><br />
NOVA Parks HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jenny Friedman has achieved recognition in the area of
Innovation. Jenny’s design efforts on
The Atrium wedding venue booklet provided NOVA Parks’ most popular wedding
venue a prestige piece that assists in painting the picture of The Atrium as a
first class event venue to prospective clients.
This promotional piece also surpassed many great nominees from the state
and received the award for “Best Promotional Effort” from the Virginia
Recreation and Park Society at its annual conference.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMQyMwf2t20UcqDDUYzmRoPj9lkwjh1AWCbC9W2rpVxJyADfcSh3yQHucDCPKlgHj0c8fq7OC9M4sDGp2wLQZbCIuxDA6td5BTcsVPWByK7oVSM5HdQ1q4qrydvfswhL_2tns/s1600/2013-03-13+22.54.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjMQyMwf2t20UcqDDUYzmRoPj9lkwjh1AWCbC9W2rpVxJyADfcSh3yQHucDCPKlgHj0c8fq7OC9M4sDGp2wLQZbCIuxDA6td5BTcsVPWByK7oVSM5HdQ1q4qrydvfswhL_2tns/s1600/2013-03-13+22.54.07.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted Riley, Jr.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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<b><o:p> </o:p>Ted Riley Jr.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Central Maintenance<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ted Riley Jr. has achieved recognition in the area Team
Player. Each day, Ted demonstrates the
true meaning of being a Team Player with his willingness to take on projects
outside of his normal job duties to achieve positive results. This can often mean assisting with plumbing
or carpentry projects that due to his assistance contribute greatly to the
efficiency of our Central Maintenance operations. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCcRfq_2A5OQbXNzG7x5OXya8aWWm97cu4YjvCVUCM_S9jkvBS6-VUwmUb7boy9l3FSP9EEY2ealeQ7OOGlIiw-OaUrRLNcftYlFy6EWA-XWJ_O56V8s_oUwXykj-wyyHEdme/s1600/2013-03-13+22.55.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCcRfq_2A5OQbXNzG7x5OXya8aWWm97cu4YjvCVUCM_S9jkvBS6-VUwmUb7boy9l3FSP9EEY2ealeQ7OOGlIiw-OaUrRLNcftYlFy6EWA-XWJ_O56V8s_oUwXykj-wyyHEdme/s1600/2013-03-13+22.55.13.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackie Querry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Jackie Querry</b><br />
Rust Sanctuary<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jackie Querry has achieved recognition in the area of
Customer Service. Jackie exemplifies
GREAT customer service by consistently assisting couples in the planning of
their event with their budget and overall event expectations in mind. This is especially helpful with the wedding
ceremony itself, where Jackie often leads couples through the details they
often have not yet thought about. Jackie
is consistently identified in online and other site reviews as a true event
professional. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQe2gGKQIqOLiXbQnBdlO3b2G-oEolND3TrePR-oNVxO7AsabLMkXZcps3NbY7154JAOaKkDgKZKqFMyNmaWhoxf1k0fjcxpgIGjoD8gcNnZ2WJlP0vILwB4X9bGVDij3E0V-/s1600/2013-03-13+22.56.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQe2gGKQIqOLiXbQnBdlO3b2G-oEolND3TrePR-oNVxO7AsabLMkXZcps3NbY7154JAOaKkDgKZKqFMyNmaWhoxf1k0fjcxpgIGjoD8gcNnZ2WJlP0vILwB4X9bGVDij3E0V-/s1600/2013-03-13+22.56.38.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim McCleskey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Kim McCleskey</b><br />
NOVA Parks HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kim McCleskey has achieved recognition in the area of Responsiveness. Each budget year, Kim works tirelessly to
create a budget process that is efficient and easy to navigate for everyone
involved. Kim is always willing to meet
with staff who request additional information or explanation about their
particular piece of the budget. Kim
consistently seeks feedback on the overall process and has also taken the time
to generate a survey that is given to staff to solicit suggestions about
additional ways to improve the budget and process. Kim’s hard work makes what could be a
difficult process easier and one that values everyone’s input and ideas.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtcGwKpdAZvgSeqCaRReWPJcsK5rK8nMaRJRHoFuq_CBuW4AL3NOjM4qG7IUIgraSf01wiT7SYrDZ1pBbqg6ig3WJQIyc590IwARg0_hSktWhdI7P9qu6B_B6ZynFgmtS_0_U/s1600/2013-03-13+22.57.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtcGwKpdAZvgSeqCaRReWPJcsK5rK8nMaRJRHoFuq_CBuW4AL3NOjM4qG7IUIgraSf01wiT7SYrDZ1pBbqg6ig3WJQIyc590IwARg0_hSktWhdI7P9qu6B_B6ZynFgmtS_0_U/s1600/2013-03-13+22.57.36.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brad Jackson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Brad Jackson</b><br />
Pohick Bay Regional Park<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brad Jackson has achieved recognition in the areas of Safety
and Responsiveness. Brad, recognizing a
significant need, took on the challenge of reorganizing the parking within Camp
Wilson to address customer confusion about where to park and overall safety of
the site. Brad’s plan provided a safer
environment by clearly defining parking locations, and in the process created a
better overall camping experience for our NOVA Parks customers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1fge3gV1JzaoXp8m9xUaiQeOzqG44jwSdSIbWhcImRT34D_5tZQ_ZeTm85U_sRVnBLeVfDzQpjg4qsqlEO9nPoCjDe308wi_RJHU_8ZCK3w1zpGTu7gkFoZHGnh2ufSjtdgb/s1600/2013-03-13+22.59.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1fge3gV1JzaoXp8m9xUaiQeOzqG44jwSdSIbWhcImRT34D_5tZQ_ZeTm85U_sRVnBLeVfDzQpjg4qsqlEO9nPoCjDe308wi_RJHU_8ZCK3w1zpGTu7gkFoZHGnh2ufSjtdgb/s1600/2013-03-13+22.59.21.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debbie Patterson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Debbie Patterson</b><br />
NOVA Parks HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Debbie Patterson has achieved recognition in the area of
Customer Service. Debbie has quickly
adjusted to the demands of the NOVA Parks budget process and has added to its
success. Debbie has displayed a
willingness to assist with any questions or explanations but has also been a
part of implementing new ways to get information out quickly to staff. A great example of this was her assistance in
providing completed budget pages at the conclusion of each budget meeting. Doing this gave everyone an immediate
snapshot of the changes and even provided a head start on the entry for the
final document. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>
</o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Kathy Brooks</b><br />
NOVA Parks HQ<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kathy Brooks has achieved recognition in the areas of
Versatility and Team Player. Kathy has
willingly taken on the challenge of becoming an expert in the development and
implementation of our agency’s new point of sale system. Kathy has worked exceptionally hard to
develop a deep understanding of the systems capabilities and functions as they
relate to the needs of NOVA Parks, and she has actively assumed the role of
in-house trainer and go-to staff member for all questions related to the new
system.<o:p></o:p></div>
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</o:p></div>
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Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-45110697612941925962015-02-18T15:05:00.000-05:002015-02-18T15:05:28.282-05:00Expanding Parkland = Healthy Park System<br />
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<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS-u0PqfIqO8cpEX4t0I7dMOZo0w8pGFJTEb_D9Roeed5q1NI8LDLlB0ghv60dulkGyjU1kqxcPMVLpaChrTt9uFzqa_ZCl3YdL9v_Kl5_Q4cxbGcJR95fhUAOVSxyFE_sjtO/s1600/new+park+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS-u0PqfIqO8cpEX4t0I7dMOZo0w8pGFJTEb_D9Roeed5q1NI8LDLlB0ghv60dulkGyjU1kqxcPMVLpaChrTt9uFzqa_ZCl3YdL9v_Kl5_Q4cxbGcJR95fhUAOVSxyFE_sjtO/s1600/new+park+map.jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There is no better indicator of a healthy park system, than one that is growing. Adding new public lands is vital to offset the affects of population growth. We need to be in the business of preserving the most important areas from both an ecological, and historical, perspective. And we need to be creating places where the public can go to enjoy the outdoors. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With a new property that we are in the process of buying, NOVA Parks will have added over 1,000 acres of new parkland in 10 years. This includes about 15 separate land deals that have been completed over the last decade.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Below are our current 30 parks with equal over 11,200 acres, with another 150 under contract, and several other properties that we are exploring. The ones in bold are either new parks, or existing parks that we have added land to in the last 10 years.</div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1 <b> 1.</b></span><b><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Aldie Mill</span></b><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Algonkian</span><br /><b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ball’s Bluff</span></b><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Blue Ridge</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">5.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Brambleton</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">6.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Bull Run Marina</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">7.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Bull Run Regional Park</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">8.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Bull Run Shooting Center</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">9.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Cameron Run</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">10.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Carlyle House</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">11.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Fountainhead</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">12.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Gateway</span><br /><b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">13.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Gilberts Corner</span></b><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">14.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Hemlock</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">15.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Meadowlark</span><br /><b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">16.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Mt. Defiance Historic Park</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">17.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Mt. Zion Historic Park</span></b><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">18.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Occoquan</span><br /><b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">19.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Pohick Bay</span></b><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">20.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Potomac Overlook</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">21.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Red Rock Overlook</span><br /><b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">22.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Rust Sanctuary</span></b><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">23.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Sandy Run</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">24.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Seneca Regional Park</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">25.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Temple Hall Farm</span><br /><b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">26.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Tinner Hill Historic Site</span></b><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">27.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Upton Hill</span><br /><b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">28.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">W&OD Trail</span></b><br /><b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">29.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Webb Sanctuary</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">30.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">White’s Ford</span></b><!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p></div>
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Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-16516125378592517192014-12-31T12:37:00.001-05:002014-12-31T12:37:39.372-05:002014 NOVA Parks Reached new Heights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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2014 has been a troubling year nationally, and internationally, but in Northern Virginia it has been a great year for NOVA Parks. Our system of destination parks throughout the Northern Virginia region has achieve so many wonderful things this year, that I would be challenged to list them all. So, rather than trying to be inclusive of everything, I will just highlight a few of the larger issues. Even that list is quite long:<br />
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<ul>
<li>We opened a new 300 acre park on the Potomac River with the dedication for White's Ford Regional Park.</li>
<li>We entered long term leases with both the City of Falls Church, and Fairfax County for a civil rights historic site called Tinner Hill. Now most of the development work has been done and we will be cutting a ribbon on this new park on January 10th.</li>
<li>We opened a W&OD - Meadowlark Connector Trail that makes a wonderful linkage between two of our best known parks.</li>
<li>We broke ground on the new Jean R. Packard Occoquan Center that will be built at Occoquan Regional Park.</li>
<li>Just last month we received 4 awards from the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society (VRPS). One for the top volunteer in the state: Brian Knapp, our Board Chairman; One for the top professional in the state: Blythe Russian, our Superintendent of Operations; One was an award for our marketing efforts for the Atrium at Meadowlark; And one was for MORE (Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts) the mountain bike group that has been critical to the development of the Fountainhead Mountain Bike Trail.</li>
<li>Our Board had their annual all day retreat at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park and enacted a number of forward thinking policies including changes to our compensation system that puts a strong focus on setting and achieving individual goals that tie to the larger organizational goals.</li>
<li>In addition to the individual performance goals for employees, all staff have been engaged in a comprehensive and on-going customer service initiative that was launch this year.</li>
<li>Laura Grape join our Board representing Fairfax County.</li>
<li>Several great event were held celebrating the Korean Bell Garden at Meadowlark.</li>
<li>We hosted a W&OD summit focused on trail safety, and are continuing to implement the numerous recommendations that came out of that effort.</li>
<li>We were able to engage more children in outdoors activities through a number of avenues including grants for school groups to go to Hemlock Overlook, and a significant expansion in all of our summer camp programs this year. The grants were donated by our Foundation.</li>
<li>Our two light shows have seen their best season ever due to new features, expanded marketing, and good winter weather.</li>
<li>Our fall festival at Temple Hall out performed previous years.</li>
<li>Our Fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2014 was our best on record.</li>
<li>Our retirement plan which struggled during the recession, as did most investments, has recovered well in 2014.</li>
<li>We adopted our new brand name "NOVA Parks."</li>
<li>And in the first days of 2015 we will sign an option on a property that will be another new park in the months and years ahead!</li>
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Over all 2014 has been a great year at NOVA Parks. In addition to over 11,000 acres of land, and great facilities, we are endowed with an excellent Board of Directors, and an amazing staff. This wonderful group make our region a better place to live each and every day.<br />
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I know many more good things will happen in 2015!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young NOVA Parks fan enjoyed the day</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer Camp Programs Expand<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQt8jQJYnUfEnAr8ag6nTsY06RjtYqZUph2_58TB2usssz21U_OiejxHni3U_fGQwQcpOAsT-eMtsj-zeo-RrYGAB0-h6XzMUUjyOjPwt_cCfNaeIV7SFI5gujOr0VoKK-iXyO/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQt8jQJYnUfEnAr8ag6nTsY06RjtYqZUph2_58TB2usssz21U_OiejxHni3U_fGQwQcpOAsT-eMtsj-zeo-RrYGAB0-h6XzMUUjyOjPwt_cCfNaeIV7SFI5gujOr0VoKK-iXyO/s1600/DSC_0238.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dedication at White's Ford Regional Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Falls Church City Council at Tinner Hill Signing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcUd-Czwd9aOPTCMgGzpVi9D60oRsgSqEBY-sl7kcrg0HAAEvQCWm_FuaIREnPJTvrjszTKOFwq8fXkLFcjEIpekoLidmFl0FNfGquE93fzmcLSgzDYpMSZ6UI2MFHKnS3F5x/s1600/cinco+de+training.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcUd-Czwd9aOPTCMgGzpVi9D60oRsgSqEBY-sl7kcrg0HAAEvQCWm_FuaIREnPJTvrjszTKOFwq8fXkLFcjEIpekoLidmFl0FNfGquE93fzmcLSgzDYpMSZ6UI2MFHKnS3F5x/s1600/cinco+de+training.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staff Training</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBU6EsJUuXAwie43dmktIEdRngUqkCPcesS_A_ZCTzFQewVjobapxuQ9rAx_QXQh5HYSOyAXaeqlKe3N8LjkJKuOXMrCg2ZYuU-MnqhhN8AufPUQdPC4B3Fb6PfqOcSNtsGTN7/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBU6EsJUuXAwie43dmktIEdRngUqkCPcesS_A_ZCTzFQewVjobapxuQ9rAx_QXQh5HYSOyAXaeqlKe3N8LjkJKuOXMrCg2ZYuU-MnqhhN8AufPUQdPC4B3Fb6PfqOcSNtsGTN7/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">W&OD - Meadowlark Connector Trail Dedication<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-86284038470423480062014-12-16T08:38:00.003-05:002014-12-16T08:38:40.207-05:00Winter Walk of Light is a huge hit!Here is an amazing video of the Winter Walk of Lights at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. This show is just spectacular. We have been doing this 1/2 mile walk through show for 3 years, and this year it has even more custom light displays. <br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1013427388674509&set=vb.147685821915341&type=2&theater">https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1013427388674509&set=vb.147685821915341&type=2&theater</a><br />
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Visit Fairfax put this video on their Facebook page in in about two weeks it had nearly 13,000 people watch it. For the last two years we have had about 30,000 people enjoy this show, and this year that number may be higher. <br />
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Because so many trees are wrapped and the displays all have a nature theme, it is really perfect in this garden setting. If you have not experienced it this year, you have not seen it!<br />
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Here is the site to get tickets for this stunning show: <a href="http://winterwalkoflights.com/">http://winterwalkoflights.com/</a><br />
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Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-85181295856835442812014-12-15T16:56:00.002-05:002014-12-15T16:56:59.081-05:00Top State Professional & Volunteer are with NOVA Parks<span style="color: #353638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">NOVA
Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) is thrilled to announce that
two members of its team took home the top awards given to individuals at the
2014 Virginia Recreation and Park Society Conference this week. Brian Knapp,
the current NOVA Parks Chairman, won the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award,
in recognition of an individual’s dedication and contributions to the parks
and/or recreation field. Blythe Russian, who serves as Operations Superintendent
for NOVA Parks, won the Distinguished Service Award, in recognition of
professionals who have displayed continuous outstanding service to the
profession and community.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #353638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXoiYpdV29dM1Nr0RwHZzuABouJ1KmmdSID38fUKSTzcU1l48_Cay-2N73ZT10jqIGHZkTDhzXghoXbqEXjTfjCGnpWFGYTfsu196nVrkmH8TtiJl3FG4ImAeQyxghtoLI1Ep/s1600/VRPS+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXoiYpdV29dM1Nr0RwHZzuABouJ1KmmdSID38fUKSTzcU1l48_Cay-2N73ZT10jqIGHZkTDhzXghoXbqEXjTfjCGnpWFGYTfsu196nVrkmH8TtiJl3FG4ImAeQyxghtoLI1Ep/s1600/VRPS+2014.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt;">Brian Knapp has served on the City of Fairfax, Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) since 1999. He spent most of these years as
the Chairman of PRAB from 2002 to 2010 and 2013 to present. Mr. Knapp has also
served on the Board of NOVA Parks since 2007, a 50-plus year old authority that
is made up of six jurisdictions in Northern Virginia including the City of
Fairfax. Since 2011, Mr. Knapp has served as the Chairman of NOVA Parks and led
both agencies to excel in the delivery of comprehensive, quality and award
winning parks and services.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt;">In addition to the two local park agencies, Brian Knapp is also
on the Board of the National Recreation and Parks Association.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt;">“A heartfelt congratulations to Brian Knapp for receiving the
Distinguished Volunteer Award from the Virginia Recreation and Park Society,”
said Barbara Tulipane, president and CEO of the National Recreation and Park
Association. “In working with our Board of Directors, I get to witness Brian’s
dedication and contributions to parks across the country on a regular basis and
know this is a well-deserved recognition. I am also pleased to congratulate
another NOVA Parks professional, Blythe Russian for receiving the Top
Professional in Virginia Award. Earning both of these distinguished awards speaks
volumes about the quality of the parks and professionals in northern Virginia.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt;">Blythe Russian has worked in the Parks and Recreation field for
many years. As a professional, she has continuously displayed an amazing level
and degree of dedication, commitment, energy, enthusiasm, support and
involvement. Her positive attitude and leadership capabilities are remarkable,
not only within her respective job roles, but through her involvement in VRPS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt;">Over the last 6 years, Blythe has worked with NOVA Parks, in
which she serves as a Park Operations Superintendent. In this capacity, she is
responsible for the oversight and supervision of 11 of the Park Authority’s 25
Regional Parks, consisting of approximately 5,000 acres of parkland. She
manages and oversees the Park Managers at her respective parks, working closely
with them to ensure park operations in all facets of the park are run
effectively and efficiently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt;">“The excellence of the award winning projects was evident and we
offer our congratulations to each winner for their outstanding contributions to
the profession and their community,” said VRPS President Art Thatcher.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #353638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt;">“It is a great honor to work with both Brian and Blythe on a
regular basis. It is wonderful that the state association has recognized what
many in our area already know - that Brian Knapp is an amazing leader on the
governance side, and that Blythe Russian is an amazing leader on the
professional staff side,” remarked Paul Gilbert, Executive Director of NOVA
Parks. “It is because we have such a remarkable team that NOVA Parks has been
able to grow our park system with seven new parks in the last seven years, and
new programs and features that make our region a remarkable place to live,”
continued Gilbert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span><span style="color: #353638; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">NOVA Parks also
received two other VRPS awards. MORE (Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts) was
selected for the Distinguished Private Sector Service Award for their work with
NOVA Parks on the mountain bike trail at Fountainhead Regional Park<em><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">. </span></em>The NOVA Parks
marketing team also took home the Best Promotional Effort Award for its Atrium
at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens wedding guide book.</span></span><br />Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-64778074823265151812014-10-29T10:15:00.001-05:002014-10-29T10:23:01.851-05:00Performance Goals = Agency Success!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4zsknL58NT1zGn4hDZ2BdK1PTIcZhaWTMwml-Dd1WcsWugnuRfTf7tJRigeui4UBCmElbReRukLeTBQWIwi6C_OXv5eclRa_yPx728I4YPdE4HGJkmlbLQk9WdF_Pm0pNzf4/s1600/Goals-shutterstock_865713191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4zsknL58NT1zGn4hDZ2BdK1PTIcZhaWTMwml-Dd1WcsWugnuRfTf7tJRigeui4UBCmElbReRukLeTBQWIwi6C_OXv5eclRa_yPx728I4YPdE4HGJkmlbLQk9WdF_Pm0pNzf4/s1600/Goals-shutterstock_865713191.jpg" height="201" width="320" /></a></div>
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NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) has just taken the next step in becoming a truly high
performance agency. It is all about boiling the strategic goals of the
organization down to individual duties and making specific people accountable to
achieving measurable goals.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Since 2007 we have had strategic plans that outlined the
transformative steps that would build a stronger more effective park agency. In
2012 we generated our current 5 year plan. These plans have measurable results,
and are tracked every six months to see how we are progressing. The results have
been amazing! Becoming a goal oriented organization has resulted in new parks
being acquired and developed, new programs, innovative facilities, cutting edge
marketing and communications, and more. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Setting goals and achieving them has the added benefit of
build morale and a sense of great momentum within the organization. It is hard
to quantify this “X factor” but it is significant!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This month we took this to the next level, and everyone had
very specific and measurable goals set for their individual performance. We have
120 full time employees and they all have goals now. The 72 that are grade 13
and above have more detailed measurable goals that relate to our current
Strategic Plan. These are goals that go far beyond just doing a ‘good job.’
They are specific and they require staff to step outside the day-to-day and
work on those transformative steps.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Based on how our agency performs financially over the coming
year, there may be a pool of funds for performance incentives. Based on how
individuals achieve their performance goals they can be eligible to participate
in the performance incentive program.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is organizational development: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Start with a mission & vision </b></li>
<li><b>Develop a Strategic Plan that identifies
the transformational steps that will lead to a stronger organization to better
service to the public</b></li>
<li><b>Develop individual goals based on the
Strategic Goals and hold people actable to results</b></li>
<li><b><o:p> </o:p>Reward great performance</b></li>
<li><b>Build energy and momentum for the next round of
goals setting – Start over again </b></li>
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I could not be prouder of the remarkable group of professionals that help this agency continue to exceed all expectations. Real teamwork is built over years, and is the result of a history of achieving goals. Implementing this ambition program of developing meaningful goals for everyone was an enormous task. It was done both on time and with great quality! Congratulations to all those involved.</div>
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Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-33673614939466862102014-10-24T14:43:00.001-05:002014-10-24T14:43:29.154-05:00Jean Packard's great life of contributionI was extremely honored to have had Jean Packard as a friend and mentor for over 20 years. Her reputation as a civic and environmental leader was towering. But in person she was always kind, and unassuming. While she had strong opinions and fought for what she thought was right, she never said anything bad about those that did not agree with her. She was really a remarkable person. She served on the Board of the NOVA Parks for 24 years, and gave of her time and leadership to many other good groups. She will be missed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxykf3sOwBRqO4I7V6MUwfgCknTQLB0P3CU5Bq96xeeRhQLsHY4Xun1iypn34FurTZEn1p20YeXzoE9zljiw9Q7-gk7KIREX8IHpH_a46a0-8Tii80kr7r3F9OeNu_etZYwdX/s1600/Packard3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxykf3sOwBRqO4I7V6MUwfgCknTQLB0P3CU5Bq96xeeRhQLsHY4Xun1iypn34FurTZEn1p20YeXzoE9zljiw9Q7-gk7KIREX8IHpH_a46a0-8Tii80kr7r3F9OeNu_etZYwdX/s1600/Packard3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">On October 21, 2014, Jean R. Packard passed away in her home in
Fairfax at age 91. Mrs. Packard was the first woman to be elected
Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors from 1972 – 1976. During
her term as Chairman, she led the effort to down-zone the Occoquan Watershed
resulting in the protection of the Occoquan Reservoir, which today is the
drinking water source for over one million people.</span><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Packard
served as a civic leader on many boards and commissions including: President of
the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations, on the National Board
for the Sierra Club, on the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation
Board, Chairman of the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust Board, and 24 years
on the NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) Board. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">On
September 27, 2014, NOVA Parks broke ground on a new building at Occoquan
Regional Park that will be called the ‘Jean R Packard Occoquan Center.’
Mrs. Packard was present for this celebration. At that event,
Congressman Gerry Connolly, Chairman Sharon Bulova and many others spoke about
the tremendous contributions Jean Packard has made to our community.
Congressman Connolly noted the tremendous impact that Mrs. Packard has
had as a tireless civic advocate for the environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Sharon
Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors said yesterday,
“Jean was a true trailblazer for women leaders in Fairfax County. She was
a forward-thinking, passionate steward of the County’s parks and water and
natural resources, and will be sincerely missed by all who had the pleasure of
knowing her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Some of
Mrs. Packard’s colleagues on the NOVA Parks Board reflected on Jean with the
following comments:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Brian
Knapp, Chairman of NOVA Parks, from the City of Fairfax:<br />
“For over twenty years, Jean served faithfully as a Director on the NOVA Parks
Board, and she contributed to so many of our successes related to conservation
and land preservation and protection of our environment here in Northern
Virginia. Her service and dedication to NOVA Parks will forever be
treasured and remembered.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Stella
Koch, Vice Chairman of NOVA Parks, from Fairfax County:<br />
“Jean has left an amazing legacy in Fairfax County, from her part in founding
Nova Parks to her leadership as Chairman of the Board in Fairfax to her long
standing involvement with the citizens associations throughout the County.
She will be remembered every day by the legacy that remains behind.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Laura
Grape, NVRPA Board Member, from Fairfax County:<br />
“Jean will always be remembered for embedding an environmental ethic into the
story of Northern Virginia that will continue to enrich the region long into
the future.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Dan
Kaseman, NOVA Parks Board Member, from Loudoun County:<br />
“Jean taught me that the secret to a full and satisfying life is what we do for
others.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Paul
Ferguson, NOVA Parks Board Member, from Arlington County:<br />
“Jean Packard was one of our region’s great environmental leaders. She
will be remembered as a local government leader who was ahead of her time.
Jean will be missed but has provided an example that local leaders will
continue to follow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Barry
Buschow, NOVA Parks Board Member, from City of Falls Church:<br />
“Many of us will never truly understand the extent or the impact Jean had on
the quality of life in Northern Virginia. From political to plain old
elbow grease, Jean did it all to preserve and enrich our environment. She
will be missed but never forgotten.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Paul
Gilbert, NOVA Parks Executive Director:<br />
“Jean was a mentor and friend to me and many others. Her legacy is one of
conservation of nature, as well as demonstrating political and civic engagement
that was always civil and respectful. All those who knew her were better
because of that experience.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Some of
Jean Packard’s many awards and civic engagements include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Metro Washington Council of Governments, Chairman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation
District, Board Member<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Interstate Commission on the Potomac River
Basin, Board Member<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sierra Club, National Board<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fairfax League of Women Voters, Board Member<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Northern Virginia Conservation Trust, Chairman
and Board Member<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fairfax County Community Appearance Alliance,
Board Member<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fairfax County Citizen of the Year, Winner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fairfax County Conservationist of the Year,
Winner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Architecture Medal for Virginia Service,
Winner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award,
Winner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NVCT Lifetime Achievement Award, Winner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #808285; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mrs. Packard will be
remembered at an event on Thursday, November 6, 2014, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at
the Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna. The event is open to the
public. The Atrium is located at 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna Virginia</span>Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-12462320588318144152014-10-10T09:42:00.000-05:002014-10-10T09:42:21.929-05:00Alexandria Residents flock to NOVA Parks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaUTcJdwtj3W4qe_hHc97H7VaX7rhf-owZ6Q658ElBwg_flFttRZ-2Sfzp_c8Hg3SAmoqM48sAU5QB5TGRq_B3xno6LFYid7CwXdTBrSNz5Df4N3eCTJNEkNJzNzBl3UZW9Jf/s1600/Alexandria+Survey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlaUTcJdwtj3W4qe_hHc97H7VaX7rhf-owZ6Q658ElBwg_flFttRZ-2Sfzp_c8Hg3SAmoqM48sAU5QB5TGRq_B3xno6LFYid7CwXdTBrSNz5Df4N3eCTJNEkNJzNzBl3UZW9Jf/s1600/Alexandria+Survey.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The City of Alexandria just concluded a survey of 915 residents concerning NOVA Parks. While it is odd that the City Parks and Recreation Department would pay for a survey of parks that they do not operate, the results reaffirm how important NOVA Parks are to Alexandria residents.<br />
<br />
55% of City Residents enjoy Cameron Run/Great Waves regularly. Out of those that use Cameron Run, 60% use the water park several times a year. Before this survey was done, NOVA Parks had shared with the City that over 30,000 City residents a year were using the Great Waves water park at Cameron Run. This survey just serves to confirm the high rate of use by City residents that was already documented.<br />
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It is encouraging to see hard numbers to support how much City residents use the NOVA Parks that are not located in the City. 31% of people from Alexandria are using the W&OD Trail. 19-20% of Alexandrians are using Pohick Bay Regional Park as well as Bull Run Regional Parks. Both of these parks are very large parks with a great deal of nature, trails, access to the water, camping and much more.<br />
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We all are part of the larger Northern Virginia Region and our lives do not begin or end at a City/County line. If you live in Alexandria and want an outdoor experience that includes hiking, camping, kayaking or other ways to connect to nature, you can have those experiences at a Regional Park that is not very far away. This was why the Regional Park system was set up 55 years ago. There are amenities that can not be easily replicated in each jurisdiction. But as a member of NOVA Parks, City residents have all be benefits of a wide variety of parks and amenities.<br />
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This survey confirms the high value the citizens of Alexandria place on NOVA Parks.Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-32193561200237958342014-09-22T09:57:00.003-05:002014-09-22T09:57:59.505-05:00Great Park Performance in 2014Fiscal Year 2014 (July 1 2013 - June 30 2014) was the best year in NOVA Parks 55 year history! Park usage was up about 9% overall topping last year's great numbers.<br />
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In 1959 the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NOVA Parks) was founded to conserve major areas along the region's rivers. Eventually the regional agency grew to 3 counties, and 3 cities, with each jurisdiction contributing a small per capita fee to support both capital and operating expenses. While this contribution of tax dollars funded 100% of the operations in the early years, it never kept pace with inflation.<br />
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Starting in the mid-1960s the agency became an innovator in enterprise operations, and that innovation has continued. Today 85% of the operations of NOVA Parks is funded with enterprise operations, not tax dollars. The growth of this entrepreneurial model has allowed NOVA Parks to continue to grow and develop, conserving more natural areas and historic sites in the process.<br />
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Many people have the wrong idea about how park revenue (fees) work. They think this means raising rates and charging people to enter public parks. In reality that is not how it work at NOVA Parks. We look at our fees and prices every year and make small adjustments up and down depending on the market. But in general our rates do not change much over time.We make more money, and serve more of the public, by being attuned to our customers. We must compete for the time and money of our customers. To be successful our facilities, and programs must be attractive. This is a very different model than being largely tax funded. The largely tax supported agencies can do great good, but are at risk of being less responsive to the desires of their customers. I think the enterprise approach has a lot of advantages. One of the great advantages is that when we make money, it is reinvested in improving our facilities and programs. This creates a positive cycle of improvements and performance reinforcing each other.<br />
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While we measure many of our performance data in dollars, since the rate are not changing much, a spike up really means we were successful in attracting and serving more of the public.<br />
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Here is a snap shot of fiscal year 2014:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Total users up 9% over last year</b></li>
<li>Rental of meeting & event facilities up 23%</li>
<li>Cultural, Natural and Historic sites up 19%</li>
<li>Waterparks up 11.6%</li>
<li>Recreational resources parks up 3%</li>
<li>Golf - about the same</li>
<li>Camping - about the same</li>
</ul>
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All of this resulted in a new high water mark for the organization. Part of this success may be due to a new comprehensive customer service program? Or, perhaps the excellent condition of our facilities? Or, perhaps innovative new programs and offerings? Or, most likely a little bit of all those efforts. An exceptional staff, and a smart and focused Board, all contribute to this great performance!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93CzIcMHTcMa_pzPeS916V2Qqqz80Rf4fWiMyewdEXBj4ZNZqV83Am2bB8TJZBU-Wv7d3WIEUhaVTXu2Bz88n1ebCeDV9Z0j0bZDFmETGkOeIBwvaOi5WBOcCo8pPazxBQ-Vi/s1600/10+Year+Total+User+Fee+Graph+thru+FY+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93CzIcMHTcMa_pzPeS916V2Qqqz80Rf4fWiMyewdEXBj4ZNZqV83Am2bB8TJZBU-Wv7d3WIEUhaVTXu2Bz88n1ebCeDV9Z0j0bZDFmETGkOeIBwvaOi5WBOcCo8pPazxBQ-Vi/s1600/10+Year+Total+User+Fee+Graph+thru+FY+14.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-66155579133509286742014-09-19T14:24:00.000-05:002014-09-19T14:24:59.681-05:00New Mission, New Look, New Brand<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"NOVA Parks - the best of Northern Virginia through nature, history, and great family experiences"</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
This is the new Mission Statement for NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority). Many Mission Statement try to say too much. They try to explain the "hows" and "whats" of everything the organization does. What a Mission Statement is really supposed to do is just address the all important "why" questions. What is at the core of why this organization is? What purpose this group serves in the world?<br />
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With NOVA Parks we have for 55 years conserved some of the best nature in the region. Over 11,000 acres, most of it in a natural state, and much of it along the major rivers of the area, providing the most important wildlife habitat.<br />
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With history NOVA Parks is one of the top preservation organizations in the area. The list of historic assets is long, and growing but a few notable sites include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Carlyle Historic Mansion in Old Town Alexandria c1752</li>
<li>Ball's Buff Battlefield in Leesburg c1861</li>
<li>Aldie Mill c1810</li>
<li>Mt. Zion Historic Church c1852</li>
<li>Mt. Defiance (Battle of Middleburg) c1863</li>
<li>Tinner Hill (civil rights parks) c1915</li>
<li>And many other sites...</li>
</ul>
Great family experience can be found throughout the park system. In my opinion few can beat family camping at Pohick Bay or Bull Run. Attending our award winning five water parks can create lasting memories of great times. And our numerous seasonal events including:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Temple Hall fall corn MAiZE and festival (fall)</li>
<li>Bull Run Festival of Lights (winter)</li>
<li>Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights (winter)</li>
<li>Many unique events at the Bull Run Special Events Center</li>
<li>And much more...</li>
</ul>
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NOVA Parks represents the best of what the Northern Virginia Region has to offer!</div>
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Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-54510183378348644442014-07-02T08:17:00.000-05:002014-07-02T08:17:50.871-05:00High Performance AgenciesPark, Recreation or Tourism organizations have the potential to transform communities, and make the world a better place in numerous way. But this great potential can only be achieved if those organizations are functioning at their best. This is the underlying premise of my new book <u><b>High Performance Agencies:</b> The Entrepreneurial Model for Public Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Organizations</u>. This book was just released by Sagamore Publishing. and is available at:<br />
<br />
www.sagamorepub.com/products/high-performance-agencies<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6151yKpQjsilOkgto7E4rmn4Mnej1EjkyvPlJvMKtfDFi4hRJtZ9SlwTuGoxYnNT0dcsA30q19JmRQAloeOuFnkAxQ2wo3hKnnbIwlBCFOQjLIaR6YjM7QdagH1M7RuAraS4/s1600/cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6151yKpQjsilOkgto7E4rmn4Mnej1EjkyvPlJvMKtfDFi4hRJtZ9SlwTuGoxYnNT0dcsA30q19JmRQAloeOuFnkAxQ2wo3hKnnbIwlBCFOQjLIaR6YjM7QdagH1M7RuAraS4/s1600/cover.JPG" height="400" width="258" /></a></div>
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I was very honored to have Barbara Tulipane the President/CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association write the forward for this book. The book features great examples from around the Country of agencies that are using best management practices in various areas to achieve great results. In addition to the Forward, various leaders in this field have contributed to sections of the book. These contributing writers include:<br />
<b>John O'Meara</b> - Executive Director, Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Park District<br />
<b>Tom Starnes</b> - Communications Manager, Orange County Park District<br />
<b>MaryBeth Thaman</b> - Director, Kettering Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts<br />
<b>Brian Zimmerman</b> - CEO, Cleveland Metro Park District<br />
<b>Michael McCarty</b> - Director, Fairfax City Park and Recreation Department<br />
<b>Tom Lovell</b> - Administrator, Lee's Summit Park and Recreation Department<br />
<b>Randall Ferris</b> - Senior Attractions Supervisor, Herschend Family Entertainmant, Stone Mountain<br />
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For more information on this and my other book <u style="font-weight: bold;">Lead Like a General</u> visit my author web site at:<br />
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www.paulgilbert.us<br />
<br />Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-89857090705626807562014-07-01T13:45:00.003-05:002014-07-01T13:45:52.714-05:00Land donations for parkland leaves lasting legacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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NOVA Parks, with its reputation for conservation and running world class public sites has attracted land donations for many decades. Counting full ownership donations, partial value donations, and long-term leases for token amounts, we have 14 properties that have been contributed to the public good.</div>
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If you visit the headquarters of NOVA Parks there is one wall will back and white photos of land donors from the 1970s and 1980s. And outside the Board room is another wall with color photos of some of the more recent donations (although it is not fully up to date, due to recent donations).</div>
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Since 2006 there has been a new wave of land donations that are celebrated on this wall. The modern donations include:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Aldie Mill Historic Park - 2006</li>
<li> Mt. Zion Historic Park - 2009</li>
<li>Additional area of Pohick Bay Regional Park - 2009</li>
<li>Additional area of Pohick Bay Regional Park - 2012</li>
<li>Linn Nature Preserve - 2012</li>
<li>Rust Sanctuary - 2013</li>
<li>Webb Sanctuary - 2013</li>
<li>Mt. Defiance Historic Park - 2013</li>
<li>Jackson House (part of Balls Bluff) - 2014</li>
<li>Tinner Hill Historic Site - 2014 </li>
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Historically, big parks like Meadowlark Garden, Red Rock Overlook, and Temple Hall Farm Park were donated to NOVA Parks.</div>
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These donations have, and will continue to leave a legacy of history, nature, recreation, and open space that will enrich the lives of countless people in our region for generations to come!</div>
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If you are interested in exploring the idea of donating all, or part, of your land for public park use, contact me at pgilbert(at)nvrpa.org and we can help you think through the issues related to such a gift. Virginia continues to have one of the strongest tax credit programs in the nation to encourage this kind of gift.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSE17nMc18ms3Zr-FYmdzTsZDsdklytij4RqK7aUoMTgjJC_d0f24i4B-b_VCfKjwQjspDFTX5usWnIorz0OYdh3jDChPtKIiONxd8rSTPS-FfQ6TZxFcF55_-5vAmgakbnn9/s1600/IMG_5238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSE17nMc18ms3Zr-FYmdzTsZDsdklytij4RqK7aUoMTgjJC_d0f24i4B-b_VCfKjwQjspDFTX5usWnIorz0OYdh3jDChPtKIiONxd8rSTPS-FfQ6TZxFcF55_-5vAmgakbnn9/s1600/IMG_5238.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary Knipling Donating one of his properties on Mason Neck</td></tr>
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Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-3164175023341928142014-07-01T13:01:00.000-05:002014-07-01T13:02:51.606-05:00Journey Though Hallowed Ground Living Legacy ProjectOur great partners at the Journey Though Hallowed Ground have launched a remarkable effort. They are working to plant over 600,000 trees along Rt. 15 from Gettysburg to Charlottesville. These trees will each represent an individual who died as a result of the Civil War. This multi-year effort is not only a meaningful way to honor these fallen soldiers, but also a great way to make the Rt.15 corridor one of the most beautiful in the nation.<br />
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JTHG is a great organization that NOVA Parks is proud to partner with in many ways, with our numerous historic properties in this corridor. These parks include:<br />
<ul>
<li>White's Ford Regional Park</li>
<li>Temple Hall Farm Park</li>
<li>Ball's Bluff Battlefield Park</li>
<li>Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Park</li>
<li>Aldie Mill Historic Park</li>
<li>Mt. Zion Historic Park</li>
<li>Gilbert's Corner Regional Park</li>
</ul>
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<b>Living Legacy Tree Planting Project Ceremony with U.S. Marine Corps</b><br />
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Sunday June 29, 2014</div>
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In its continuing effort to appropriately commemorate the 150th anniversary of
the American Civil War, the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership will
host a Living Legacy Tree Planting Project ceremony, scheduled to take place on
Sunday, June 29th at 2:30 p.m., at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in
Leesburg, Virginia. The Commandant's Own, the United States Marine Drum and
Bugle Corps and the official Color Guard of the Marine Corps will be
participating in the ceremony. The 60 members of this prestigious military group
will perform as part of the ceremony, which is free and open to the public.<br />
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The United States Marine Corps Drum & Bugle Corps and the Official Color
Guard of the Marine Corps are part of the Marine Corps Detachment attached to
Marine Barracks Washington, also known as the "Oldest Post of the Corps." These
Marines have agreed to participate in the June 29th Ceremony to honor the over
500 fallen Civil War soldiers who will be commemorated with newly planted and
dedicated trees along the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway,
Rt. 15. The Marine Corps Color Guard carries the official Battle Colors of the
Marine Corps. The 54 streamers and silver bands displayed on the battle colors
commemorate the military campaigns in which Marines have participated. They span
the entire history of the nation, from the American Revolution to the
present.<br />
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The June 29th Living Legacy Tree Project Planting Ceremony is scheduled the
week of Independence Day and serves as a reminder to us of the sacrifice made by
generations before. This planting is part of the Living Legacy Tree Planting
project, a sweeping and ambitious effort to plant or dedicate a tree for each of
the more than 620,000 soldiers who died during the American Civil War and was
launched by the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership to create an
appropriate legacy for the Civil War Sesquicentennial. Each tree is geotagged to
share the name of the soldier, where he was born, where he died and include the
story of the soldier’s life.<br />
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In addition to the musical interlude, remarks will be given by JTHG
Partnership President Cate Magennis Wyatt, <a href="http://ancestry.com/" target="_blank">Ancestry.com</a> Senior Executive Brock Bierman, and other
dignitaries. Students who have been researching the stories of the fallen
soldiers will also be on hand to dedicate the trees that day. Oatlands will be
offering free admission to the mansion for anyone attending the ceremony, and
welcomes visitors to join the opening of their Annual Art Show with a reception
beginning at 5:30 in the Carriage House. This will be the seventh planting
ceremony, each one of which recognizes the individuals for whom the tree is
planted.Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20503608.post-39952372124540537092014-06-30T10:52:00.001-05:002014-06-30T10:52:38.214-05:00Wolf Run Shoals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently new interpretive signs were installed at NOVA Parks land at the end of Wolf Run Shoals Road in the Clifton area of Fairfax County. Jim Lewis with the Bull Run Civil War Roundtable was instrumental in getting this Civil War Trails sign and organizing this great event.</div>
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Chris Pauley, Director of Operations for NOVA Parks spoke to the group about some of the many civil war sites that are under the stewardship of NOVA Parks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispsdPtDD5MU-lWP-mF2t0s2a5qbJw5cpUHhSBo4flIbKMeBQW77BOUN0Zpd4Oe4oDZUvaDk0rGR_4d9dzm9gmxANDfAE64-Wpe5Piu-mJYKr9xJe2UYkwZnVE-vJOC3CRaw3P/s1600/wolf+run+shoals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEispsdPtDD5MU-lWP-mF2t0s2a5qbJw5cpUHhSBo4flIbKMeBQW77BOUN0Zpd4Oe4oDZUvaDk0rGR_4d9dzm9gmxANDfAE64-Wpe5Piu-mJYKr9xJe2UYkwZnVE-vJOC3CRaw3P/s1600/wolf+run+shoals.JPG" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />Paul Gilberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07224982245988689250noreply@blogger.com0