Bold New Strategic Plan

The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority has released it's Draft Strategic Plan for 2012 - 2017.

http://www.nvrpa.org/park/main_site/content/planning

2012 – 2017 Vision and Plan:


The draft Strategic Plan has a number of bold initiatives that will enhance NVRPA and the entire region.

Over 50% of households participate annually in: walking for pleasure, visiting historic sites, visiting local parks and visiting natural areas, according to the 2011 Virginia Outdoor Survey. To respond to this desire for trails, natural areas and historic sites, NVRPA will build on its success at acquiring new parkland in the coming years.

Addressing the issue of children spending less time outdoors in nature, there is an initiative called ‘Nature Nuts’ that will enhance programs and facilities that serve children. The goal of this program is, that in five years half a million area children will have a meaningful outdoor experience through the regional parks. This program will have the effect of improving the physical and mental health of our youth.

NVRPA will be a pioneer in using evolving information and mobile technology to help provide interpretation and educational opportunities in the parks in a creative and cost effective way.

The Regional Park Authority is unique in generating over 83% of its operating revenues from enterprise operations, offering the taxpayers a remarkable value. The Strategic Plan builds on this strength with a combination of new or renovated facilities and a focus on customer service that will allow the Authority to continue to be a model of efficiency.

With over 100 miles of trails, including some of the longest in the region (W&OD at 45 miles, and Bull Run/Occoquan at 18 miles) NVRPA will expand its role as a leader in developing and promoting major trail systems in Northern Virginia.

With a focus on regional destination sites, NVRPA will continue its role as an economic engine of the region’s tourism economy by opening new sites and expanded offerings that attract visitors to Northern Virginia.

About NVRPA:

Founded over fifty years ago with a focus on regional land conservation, NVRPA today has over 11,000 acres and 25 parks and operates in six jurisdictions: Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties as well as Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax Cities.

NVRPA is governed by a 12 person Board that is appointed by the six member jurisdictions. NVRPA parks include the following:

Aldie Mill Historic Park

Algonkian Regional Park

Ball's Bluff Battlefield

Blue Ridge Regional Park

Brambleton Regional Park

Bull Run Regional Park

Bull Run Marina

Bull Run Public Shooting Center

Cameron Run Regional Park

Carlyle House Historic Park

Fountainhead Regional Park

Gateway Regional Park

Gilbert’s Corner Regional Park

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

Mt. Defiance Historic Park (soon to be an NVRPA property)

Mt. Zion Historic Park

Occoquan Regional Park

Pohick Bay Regional Park

Potomac Overlook

Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park

Rust Sanctuary (soon to be leased by NVRPA)

Sandy Run Regional Park

Temple Hall Farm Regional Park

Upton Hill Regional Park

W&OD Trail

White’s Ford Regional Park

Waterpark Innovation

Both July and August issues of Park and Recreation Magazine have had articles that highlighted some of the innovative work the Northern Virgina Regional Park Authority has done with their five waterparks. Innovation is a big part of most successful organizations and it certainly is a part of the NVRPA success story.

August 2012 issue features innovation in aquatics:
http://www.parksandrecreation.org/2012/August/Revenue-Builders/

The Experience Economy


Gilbert credits this strategic mindset with the recent success of three of Northern Virginia’s aquatic facilities, which, since renovations in the late 2000s, have recovered costs and generated revenues on an increasing basis. By taking advantage of the Blue Ocean Strategy (developed by Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne), his agency created new market space targeting a specific set of decision makers—children ages 4 to 10.

For example, at Pirates Cove Waterpark in Lorton, Virginia, features such as water cannons and dumping buckets are presented with a thoroughly integrated pirates theme. Children can enjoy murals, play on a ship, and dig for “treasure”—medallions they can trade for trinkets at a treasure chest. Gilbert says the iconic images and fixtures, some visible from the road, create a sense of adventure that can’t be replicated. “The experience starts long before you get inside,” he states.

July 2012 issue featured general innovation within the field of Parks & Rec. and highlighted some of NVRPA's waterparks.
http://www.parksandrecreation.org/2012/July/Secrets-of-Innovative-Agencies/

Nurturing Innovation


Innovative initiatives like Schwerner’s require an organizational culture that values and nurtures new ideas.

Paul Gilbert, executive director of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA), says this precept is more than just common sense—it is backed by libraries of leadership research. Gilbert, who teaches a course on organizational innovation within George Mason University’s Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies department, offers his students digests of research findings on leadership and innovation.

“In study after study,” he says, “when leadership shows that they are not interested in new ideas, innovation shuts down. Why should you? It’s not going to be rewarded….I think organizations can get stuck in the status quo without even knowing it.”

Conversely, when an organization actively encourages and rewards groundbreaking ideas, innovation tends to thrive and become the norm. Gilbert takes lessons from all this research: Under his leadership, NVRPA has formally identified innovation as one of the organization’s core values. And tangible incentives, such as annual employee recognition awards, are based upon demonstrations of innovative thinking. Gilbert says that when core values lead to new ways of thinking, fresh ways of doing business become more and more apparent. He offers NVRPA’s approach to revenue as an example:

“For quite awhile, we thought that to generate any new revenue we had to build a new facility. That was the only choice. What we realized is that that’s just one out of a number of avenues. You can actually do a whole lot in thinking about the customer and their experience and adding more onto it.”

Paddle Boarding (SUP) at Pohick Bay

Experience the Hottest New Trend on the Water

Have you seen those people standing on surf boards and paddling with a long handled paddle? Maybe you have seen pictures of movie stars paddle boarding or seen them at the beach this summer? Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) is the newest thing in paddle sports and is growing fast. Now you can try it out locally.

Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton Virginia is the only public park in Virginia that rents paddle boards. So now for the same price as renting a canoe or kayak for an hour you can try this exciting new sport. The boat rental operations are open from 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. on weekends and holidays until October 8, 2012.

“Over the last 10-15 years kayaking has grown rapidly in popularity and they are still our most popular boats to rent. Paddle Boards may be a similar trend in the future with more and more people becoming familiar with them,” remarked Paul Gilbert, Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority. “I hope many people take advantage of the great opportunity to rent on and give it a try. The first time you get on one of these it is a little wobbly, but after a little practice it gets easier,” continued Gilbert.

For residents of Fairfax, Arlington or Loudoun Counties or the Cities of Alexandria, Falls Church or Fairfax it is just $8.50 per hour including paddleboard, paddle, and life vest. For residents of all other jurisdictions it is $9.50 per hour. Canoes and Kayaks are available at Pohick Bay Regional Park for the same prices.

Pohick Bay Regional Park is located off U.S. Route 1 on Gunston Road. The address is 6501 Pohick Bay Drive Lorton, VA 22079.

History of Paddle Boarding from Wikipedia:

The popularity of the modern sport of SUP'ing has its origin in the Hawaiian Islands. In the early 1960s, the beach boys of Waikiki would stand on their long boards, and paddle out with outrigger paddles to take pictures of the tourists learning to surf. This is where the term "beach boy surfing", another name for Stand Up Paddle Surfing, originates.[1]

The sport benefits athletes with a strong "core" workout. SUP'ing is popular at warm coastal climates and resorts, and is gaining in popularity as celebrities are sampling the sport, and cross-over athletes are training with SUP. SUPs have been spotted around the globe, anywhere there is easy access to safe waters, as well as in the surfing lineups of the world. Another reason for the rise in popularity of stand up paddleboarding is that, unlike surfing, paddleboarding is very easy to learn. Within one hour you can become very comfortable in the water and on your board. Stand up paddleboarding is also more popular with women because of their lower center of gravity, women are often more skilled at paddleboarding than men.[2]

Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama re-introduced the ancient sport of paddle surfing to the modern water sports world. The first "modern" surfer to bring Stand Up Paddle Surfing out of Hawaii and to the mainland United States was Vietnam veteran Rick Thomas. [3]

Custom surf shaper Jimmy Lewis, created one of the first modern production boards, the All Around.

Surfers have converted because of the versatility of the new sport. Stand up paddle boarding offers surfers the ability to catch more waves in a set, as well as offering a better view of incoming sets.

River SUP'ing is gaining popularity in the boating community due to the skill and agility required to navigate rapids and obstacles.

Stand up paddle surfing is now the fastest growing water surf activity because it allows a wider range of athletic types to get involved and SUP surfers need not schedule around high and low tides[4]

Al Fresco lunch at Brambleton

Looking for a new lunch experience while in central Loudoun County? Look no further than Brambleton Golf Course off of Ryan Road.

Brambleton now features an all new menu and outdoor seating. So whether you golf or not, you can have your Ale House custom burger or salad, or other great dinning option and sit with a view of the golf course. Call a friend and make this your next lunch place.

While you are there you can always play some golf, or just rent some clubs and hit a bucket of balls on the driving range.

In addition to a golf and lunch destination, Brambleton Golf Course is also an ideal location for a large reception. Many people use the gazebo for a wedding ceremony and the elegant shelter area for the reception.

Come out and see the wonderful improvements at Brambleton Golf Course.

Best Waterparks in Northern Virginia

With Memorial Day Weekend upon us it is time for pools and waterparks. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority has the best collection of waterparks in the region by far with 5 exciting waterparks. Check out the all new web sites for most of our waterparks. All of these waterparks have seen significant rennovations recently.You will want to visit all of these sites this summer many times.

Great Waves at Cameron Run
http://www.greatwaveswaterpark.com/
One of the largest waterparks in the region with a giant wave pool, speed slides, large slide towers, sand play areas, cabanas, shelters, food concession and much much more. For 2012 Great Waves features the tallest play feature of its type east of the Mississippi!

Pirate's Cove at Pohick Bay
http://www.piratescovepohick.com/
Excitement for all ages await at Pirate's Cove. In addition to the giant dumping bucket, smaller slides and water cannons, this year the waterpark has an all new slide tower that stretches 30 feet above the deck. Treasure is buried in the sand for those brave enough to dig for it. Learn about the the golden age of pirates while you have a fun filled day at Pirate's Cove.

Atlantis at Bull Run
http://www.atlantisbullrun.com/
For thousands of years people have been searching for the last city of Atlantis. It is now found and who guessed it would be in Centreville Virginia! Ancient Greek ruins, mermaids, Poseidon, the biggest dumping bucket in the area, food, sand, slides and fun.

Volcano Island at Algonkian
http://www.volcanoislandwaterpark.com/
Boasting the biggest and best volcano in Northern Virginia, go explore the island. Palm trees, thatched roofs, giant Easter Island stone heads on the deck, Volcano Island is a Polynesian paradise. You can expect great slides, sand play area, wonderful attractions for kids of all ages.

Ocean Dunes at Upton Hills
http://www.oceanduneswaterpark.com/
Thinking about the Outer Banks but do not want to sit in a car for 5 hours? We have the perfect alternative. Ocean Dunes puts you in the beach frame of mind without the drive. A beautiful waterpark with waterslides, multiple play pools, food and much more. Next to Ocean Dunes is the world famous Upton Hills mini golf as well as popular batting cages.

Virginia Outdoor Survey

Over half of Virginia Families walk for pleasure, visit historic sites, visit parks and natural areas. And the numbers engaging in these activities is on the rise!

This is just a taste of the great information in the Virginia Outdoor Survey.

http://dcr.cache.vi.virginia.gov/recreational_planning/documents/vosexecsum11.pdf

Every 5 years the Commonwealth of Virginia conducts a survey of citizens to better understand their outdoor needs and desires. The latest survey (see link above) has just recently been released. This information in addition to public comments and meetings in every region of the state are assembled and result in a document called the Virginia Outdoor Plan (VOP). This five year plan in currently being worked on.

Virginia has been doing some version of this process every five years since the mid 1960s. It serves as a great resource to planners and others that work on expanding parkland, preserved properties and developing public amenities to support use of the outdoors by the public.

Exceptional Employee Performance

Every year we celebrate the great performance of our employees with the Employee Achievement Awards. Staff members nominate co-workers for going above and beyond just doing a good job. A committee of employees from different parts of the organization reviews the nominations and awards the top prizes. Below are some of the stand out performers of the last year. (In the photos, Stella Koch, Vice Chair, and Brian Knapp, Chairman are on the left, the award winner is in the middle, and I am on the right).

James D. Smith

Bull Run Regional Park

In the categories of Innovation and Programming: Doug led the efforts to construct two authentic

Civil War “Winter Quarter Huts” and soldiers’ camp at Bull Run Regional Park. The huts constructed by hand using natural materials and methods provide a unique opportunity to educate the visiting public about how the Civil War soldier lived.

Deborah A. Humphreys

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

In the category of Above-and-Beyond: Debbie oversees all design, plant ordering, planting and volunteer management in the Potomac Valley Collection, the Virginia Native Tree Collection and the Lake Lena Virginia Native Wetland. She embodies a profound commitment to the conservation of regional plant diversity and fills a highly important role at the Park.

Arthur R. Rogers

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

In the category of Above-and-Beyond: Bob has become an integral part of the Park staff, designing and installing gardens throughout the Park, including the popular Children’s Tea Garden; building and installing features for the Halloween Program; designing signage with complex software; maintaining the database of all plants at the Park and making photo records of major projects over the past 15 years, including the Korean Bell Garden.

Robert L. Beech

Brambleton Golf Course

In the category of Team Player: Bob’s willingness to step in and work in all aspects of the Pro Shop operation is extremely valuable to the golf course operations. Bob routinely takes on the training of new staff members and has set the standard for effective management of the golf course’s tee sheet. This ensures accurate record keeping of play and membership play.

Blythe B. Russian

NVRPA Headquarters

In the category of Above-and-Beyond: Blythe took the lead in several key areas that helped make the high profile Special Park Districts Forum an  overwhelming success for NVRPA. From developing the complete forum schedule to assisting with the logistic and marketing needs, the forum’s success was a direct result of her exceptional efforts and hard work.

Dale T. Hook

Pohick Bay Regional Park

In the categories of Customer Service and Above-and-Beyond: Dale’s hard work and dedication at the Pohick Bay Camp Store and now as the headquarters’ receptionist are the perfect example of someone who cares about her job and the experience of our patrons. Dale is always on task and ready at a moment’s notice to go out of her way to assist others, including staff.

David W. Pinner

Algonkian Regional Park

In the category of Versatility: Dave is the first one to tackle new challenges, even if they are outside of his normal assigned duties. Recently, Dave came up with new and inexpensive ways to help with the Park’s ongoing waterpark theming project, creating “Hawaiian Paddles” out of scrap lumber and “Adirondack” style chairs out of old surf boards. These features had an immediate impact and add to the customer experience at Volcano Waterpark.

Eric E. Ferguson

Bull Run Regional Park

In the category of Above-and-Beyond: Eric’s efforts in managing the Light Show have produced dramatic results. The show has grown in attendance while it continues to maintain its efficiency from a budget perspective. Eric has quickly developed a keen eye and level of creativity that has had a great effect on how the show looks and the overall customer experience. He is open to new ideas and has a clear vision on how he wants to continue to grow the show.

George E. Tabb, Jr.

Ball’s Bluff Regional Park

In the category of Programming: George worked tirelessly and effectively for more than a year to deliver the 150th reenactment event of the Battle of Ball’s Bluff. He worked quickly to create buy-in by key stakeholders who would have a role in the day. The logistics of the entire weekend were flawless and, as such, the day of the event ran smoothly without issue and created what will always be considered a hallmark event of our organization.

Helen K. Wirka

Carlyle House

In the category of Programming: Helen has injected enthusiasm and interest in the form of several new programs for Carlyle House; including their first ever summer concert series. Helen worked with several diverse performing groups to put together

three special evenings of music for the people who live, work and play in Alexandria. Helen’s work to revamp some existing programs has led to increased attendance and renewed interest.

John D. Moore

Temple Hall Farm Regional Park

In the category of Innovation: John’s idea to create a new four mile equestrian trail within Temple Hall has added an exceptional feature to this diverse park. To accomplish this, John worked with NVRPA maintenance staff and recruited a local Eagle Scout candidate to assist with clearing of the trail, building of jumps and a trail sign plan.

Keith P. Tomlinson

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

In the category of Above-and-Beyond: Keith volunteered to take on whatever role was needed during the Special Park Districts Forum. This included accompanying the group on offsite visits to local museums and into the city for the group’s “Big Night Out.” Keith also led a session on Connecting Kids with Nature, which proved to be one of the most popular sessions.

Kelly A. Koster

Upton Hill Regional Park - Temple Hall Farm Regional Park - Bull Run Regional Park

In the category of Versatility: Kelly exemplifies the term versatility. In the past year, she has assisted with the operations at Upton Hill and, as part of her responsibilities, worked at the Corn Maize at Temple Hall and the Festival of Lights at Bull Run. Kelly even managed to find some time to help manage the reenactment event at Ball’s Bluff. Kelly has done all of this with unmatched enthusiasm and commitment.

John M. Woods

Algonkian Regional Park

In the category of Above-and-Beyond: Matt has taken on the challenge of helping to coordinate the pool committee for the upcoming season. Transferring to a new park with new responsibilities, Matt also led a review of the agency-wide boat and RV storage contracts, producing a better, more detailed process that protects NVRPA’s interests.

Pohick Bay Golf Maintenance Team

Sean Q. Owens

Pohick Bay Golf Course

In the categories of Above-and-Beyond and Cost Saving: Sean has been part of a team that has taken on a number of golf course improvement projects in-house that are normally handled by outside contractors. These projects have included drainage improvements, golf course landscaping and the renovation of many course features and bunkers. This work has resulted in significant savings to the operation and was all done while still meeting the everyday maintenance demands of the course.

Corey R. Hall

Pohick Bay Golf Course

In the categories of Above-and-Beyond and Cost Saving: Corey has been part of a team that has taken on a number of golf course improvement projects in-house that are normally handled by outside contractors. These projects have included drainage improvements, golf course landscaping and the renovation of many course features and bunkers. This work has resulted in significant savings to the operation and was all done while still meeting the everyday maintenance demands of the course.

Quan T. Do

Pohick Bay Golf Course

In the categories of Above-and-Beyond and Cost Saving: Quan has been part of a team that has taken on a number of golf course improvement projects in-house that are normally handled by outside contractors. These projects have included drainage improvements, golf course landscaping and the renovation of many course features and bunkers. This work has resulted in significant savings to the operation and was all done while still meeting the everyday maintenance demands of the course.

Michael T. Rogers

Pohick Bay Golf Course

In the categories of Above-and-Beyond and Cost Saving: Michael has been part of a team that has taken on a number of golf course improvement projects in-house that are normally handled by outside contractors. These projects have included drainage improvements, golf course landscaping and the renovation of many course features and bunkers. This work has resulted in significant savings to the operation and was all done while still meeting the everyday maintenance demands of the course.

Cory W. Stiftar 

Pohick Bay Golf Course

In the categories of Above-and-Beyond and Cost Saving: Cory has been part of a team that has taken on a number of golf course improvement projects in-house that are normally handled by outside contractors. These projects have included drainage improvements, golf course landscaping and the renovation of many course features and bunkers. This work has resulted in significant savings to the operation and was all done while still meeting the everyday maintenance demands of the course.

Charles A. Blevins

Pohick Bay Golf Course

In the categories of Above-and-Beyond and Cost Saving: Tony was instrumental in the decision to take on a number of golf course improvement projects using his existing crew, that have had far reaching effects on the overall golfer experience, without resulting in large capital dollar expenditures. Tony has effectively balanced accomplishing these improvements with his crew and the daily operational needs of the course. The results have been improved conditions for the course and significant savings for the Park Authority.

Greatest Reduction in Energy Consumption: Headquarters

Greatest % Improvement in Net Finanical Performance: Algonkian Regional Park 

13 Bedar at Bull Run

Last Sunday nearly 10,000 people came out to Bull Run Special Events Center to celebrate Sizdah Bedar a Persian celebration for the 13th day of the new year. It was a truly great day and great celebration with lots of food, families, and dancing.

For years many in the Persian Community went to Algonkian Regional Park for 13 Bedar, but soon the size of the group outstripped the ability of that park to host the festivities, which is why the event has been moved to Bull Run where the facilities can accommodate this size group. For years to come we anticipate that the 13 Bedar festivities in Northern Virginia will be centered at Bull Run Special Events Center. In Maryland, Black Hills Regional Park also hosts a large 13 Bedar celebration.

Here are some of the comments from people who attended the 13 Bedar festivities at Bull Run in 2012:

"I want to to thank you and your colleagues at the Regional Park Authority of the Northern Virginia for your efforts in making this 13 Bedar a wonderful occasion for my family and thousands of Iranian Americans who celebrated 13th Bedar in Bull Run Park this year. The event was extremely well organized. The employees of the Park were very friendly and helpful. Your preparations and management of the logistics from facilities, tents,first aid crew to games was stellar. The accessibility and efficiency of Parking was great. We also had the good fortune of having a beautiful day.

 Everyone felt secure, happy, and comfortable. This is an important annual event for the Iranian Americans and this year's event was a great success and a source of joy and pride for all of us due to your efforts.

Congratulations to you and your team and thanks again for your recognition and support of the Iranian American Community living in the Washington Metro Area."

"On behalf of my group, that included my husband, children and two other families with their children,  would like to thank you and your staff for having arranged a well organized place for the last day of our Nowruz celebration.  We had ample parking space, beautiful surroundings, appropriate posted signs to make navigation easy and above all, lots of fun.  We do appreciate your efforts for making it happen the way it did."

"Just wanted to drop a note and say what a great event that was yesterday!  You and your team at the park did a wonderful job accommodating such a large group and making it a great day.  From my personal experience, it was the best 13 Bedar celebration I've been a part of and heard from many more who have been celebrating for much longer and who told me the same.  Big round of applause all around for Bull Run park and staff."



"Everyone felt secure, happy, and comfortable. There were nothing but smiles on all the families faces while they were enjoying the good weather in a impeccable organized facility!"

The Special Events Center is becoming "the" place in Northern Virginia for large events, with its ample parking, large amphitheater "bowl", center stage, and area for food concessions. It is the home of many ethnic festival, concerts, and other large events like the largest wine festival in the region. Northern Virginia is a multi-cultural place and the Bull Run Special Events Center give us an area to celebrate that rich diversity of cultures that we have. http://www.nvrpa.org/park/bull_run/content/special_events_center

The Special Events Center is a separate area of Bull Run Regional Park with its own entrance off of Bull Run Drive in Centreville Virgina. The Special Events Center shares the same entrance as the Bull Run Shooting Center (a skeet, trap & archery facility). 

Entrepreneurial Parks & Rec.

In an era of smaller government, the field of parks and recreation has needed to find ways to offer open space and programs to the public to improve quality of life, and do it in a cost effective way. In the field it is often called "cost recovery" but what it really is could be called the "entrepreneurial way." Above is a chart of the percentage of the annual operating budget that different park agencies in Northern Virginia and nationally recover through enterprise (non-tax dollars) operations.

This enterprising approach to parks and recreation is taught at the NRPA Revenue Development & Management School at Oglebay. After 46 years this is the oldest and most prestigious professional development schools in the field. For the last few years I have had the honor of teaching at this school that brings business skills to park and recreation officials.

Today I spoke with Darrell Winslow who was the Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority for several pivotal decades. He was in the first class of this school in 1966 and served as one of the Regents (teachers) after that. Darrell helped move NVRPA from an agency that was mostly taxpayer supported to one that was mostly enterprise supported. Due to the facilities he built and the enterprising culture that he fostered, NVRPA has continued to be a leader in this area. From fiscal year 2005 to fiscal year 2013 (budget) we have gone from 80% self sufficient for operations to 83%.

Below is a link to a short video that features some of the year 2 students of the school presenting a business plan for a new facility to a mock City Council.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_2C62G6V-E

Upton Hill Batting Cages

At over 93,000 rounds per year, the batting cages at Upton Hills Regional Park in Arlington Virginia is one of the most popular batting sites in the region. To keep pace with this high use, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority has just installed new machines. In addition to the new machines a "fast pitch - baseball" cage has been switched to make for an additional softball cage. This change reconfigures the facility to better meet the needs of most of the users.

Upton Hills is also the site of Ocean Dunes Waterpark and one of the most popular min-golf facilities in the region. The mini-golf which is one of the best in Northern Virginia is payed more than 21,000 times a year.

Strategic Plan Success

The nomination for the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Metal asked for a summary of your agency's Strategic Plan progress. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority adopted its current 5 year plan in December of 2007. This document has been the guiding force behind most of our efforts since then. It is widely viewed as an extremely successful Strategic Plan. Below is a very condensed summary of our results.

Currently NVRPA is working on developing a new Strategic Plan to lead us for the next five years.

In 2007, NVRPA adopted an ambitous and visionary 5 year Strategic Plan. In developing this plan, a park needs study was conducted by Leisure Vision. This survey of park needs was done in partnership with several of the six local governments that are member jurisdictions.


Goal One: Increase, Maintain and Enhance Conservation of Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources.

We have added 461 acres of new parkland since 2007:

• 88 acres – Mosby Run Property purchased in 2008

• 66 acres – PEC property at Gilbert’s Corner leased in 2008

• 7 acres – Mt. Zion Historic Park acquired in 2009

• 1 acre – Knipling Property at Pohick Bay donated in 2009

• 295 acres – White's Ford Property purchased in 2010

• 4 acres – Along the W&OD Trail between 2007 - 2011


Three new trail connections have been created to support the plan goals.

55% of our park management staff have received additional training in natural resource management in the last 5 years.

Goal Two: Expand and Improve Recreational Facilities to Meet Northern Virginia’s Population Needs. Expand and adapt current facilities to better meet the needs of our diverse population.


We have renovated and themed all 5 of our waterparks, resulting in doubling and sometime tripling the annual attendance of these facilties. Numerous other park facilities have been rennovated or repurposed to better serve the population. A policy was adopted to invest at least 25% of end-of-year net revenues into capital maintenance for further improvements, resulting in over $2 million in new capital.

Goal Three: Enhance and Expand Opportunities for Cultural and Environmental Interpretation and Education.

Every park is now a place of learning. 5 of our parks have SOL based educational programs. We implemented an innovative Roving Naturalist Program and expanded nature summer camps. We created a one-of-a-kind energy focused Nature Center and played a leading role in the region in commemorating the American Civil War.

Goal Four: Develop Mechanisms for Sustainable Financing.

Over the last five years, we have added over $3 million in new enterprise revenues, an increase of over 30%. This far exceeds our stated goal of having enterprise revenues expand at least 2% above the inflation rate.

Goal Five: Increase Public Awareness and Recognition of NVRPA’s role in the Region.

Over the last five years, our annual investment in marketing has increased by 400%. We have gone from a very passive government model of providing public information for those who seek it out, to marketing our facilities like a private business would.

Goal Six: Provide Exceptional Leadership for NVRPA.

The hallmarks of these efforts include development and implementation of the strategic plan as the central guiding document of the organization, employee achievement awards and volunteer recognition.

Effectiveness & Efficiency

One of the questions of the nomination for the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Metal was one that got to the effectiveness and efficency of your agency. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority is one of the most entreprenurial park agencies in the nation generating 83% of its operating revenues through enterprise operations.


Effectiveness = do the actions meet the needs?


NVRPA contracted with Leisure Vision ETC to survey the public on a wide range of park and recreation issues. 71% of households had used parks in the last year, and 93% of those had a good/excellent experience. More importantly to NVRPA as a Regional Park District is that walking/biking trails, large regional parks, historic sites and nature areas and centers were four of the top five community priorities. These are all areas where NVRPA plays a leadership role in the region. The alignment of top public needs and NVRPA’s offerings are a measure of effectiveness in meeting the public’s needs.



Efficiency = are the actions being done well?

NVRPA is one of the most efficient park agencies in the nation. In 2007, the Better Government Competition presented to NVRPA an award for “Entrepreneurial Service Delivery.” From actual 2005 to budget 2013, the level of revenue recovery (self funding) has gone from 80 – 83%. In that same time period, NVRPA salaries as a percentage of operating costs have gone from 54.9 – 49.2%. These are both critical measures of efficiency.



One of the secrets of NVRPA’s success is an organizational culture that embraces innovation and constant improvement. As a result of this, continual evaluation and improvement are built into many segments of the operations. Management committees for golf courses and water parks meet regularly to share best practices in those fields. After major seasonal events like the fall corn maze at Temple Hall Farm Park and the winter holiday light show at Bull Run Regional Park, there is an after action review to evaluate every element of the operations and come up with areas of improvement for the following year. This year, the staff responsible for the light show toured similar light show operations run by the Charleston County Park District in South Carolina to share information with the intent of improving both shows through best practices.



An example of a few of the planned improvments to the light show that came from this year's review and vist to Charleston include:

• To improve the efficiency of the show setup process from a staff training standpoint, we will designate the major aspects of setup to the same group of staff or same park each year.

• Addition of a Family Fun Walk/Run as a soft opening and preview to the show

• Reconfigure Santa’s Village so it is more visible and noticeable to encourage more participation (i.e set up the Village so people have to walk through to get to the carnival or incorporate the Village and the carnival areas together).



The efficiency of operations is communicated to the public by featuring these themes prominently in NVRPA’s budget documents and posts focusing on efficiency on the Executive Director’s blo

Environmental & Cultural Stewardship

One of the questions in the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Gold Metal nomination was on your efforts in the area of natural and cultural stewardship. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority has had a central conservation/preservation mission for over 50 years. Here again, there are too many things to list in the limited space provided for this nomination, but here are some highlihts.

Reducing Carbon Footprint


Starting in 2005, NVRPA took a leadership role in reducing its carbon footprint. It is the first independent park agency to sign on to the Cool Cities/Cool Counties Initiative, aimed at tracking and reducing consumption of fossil fuels. Using accounting software, the Finance Department started tracking units of fuel consumption for every facility by fuel type. This information is provided with same month previous year data to all facility managers on a regular basis. Every facility developed a site specific energy conservation plan, and every year the facility that has reduced its energy consumption by the greatest percentage is awarded a prize. This initiative has led to the early adoption of electric utility vehicles in 5 parks, hybrid vehicles, geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaic solar power generation and the development of a LEED certified building. In the January 2008 issue of Park & Recreation Magazine, this program was featured in an article called “Cool Parks.”


electric vehicles




Energy Education

In 2009, NVRPA conducted a major renovation of its nature center at Potomac Overlook Regional Park and created a first of its kind energy conservation focused nature center called the “Energerium.” This unique facility is visited by thousands of school children every year who learn about where our different sources of energy come from and how people and natural systems use energy. Part of the interpretive messages includes information about NVRPA’s energy conservation efforts.



Pesticides and Fertilizers

In 2008, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority became the first public park agency in the mid-Atlantic region to complete the multi-year process of certifying its golf courses (all 3) as Audubon International Wildlife Sanctuaries. Embracing the high standards that this certification required in the areas of pesticides and fertilizer use, led NVRPA to work with officials from EPA and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop an agency-wide policy on the use of these chemicals that far exceeds any legal requirement and established a new model for environmental management.



Environmental and Cultural Interpretation

As part of NVRPA's 2007-2012 Strategic Plan, every park became a site of learning. This meant adding interpretive displays and programming at sites that previously were focused on more recreational offerings. The interpretive messages are generally either environmental or historical. To expand environmental programming in a cost effective way, a roving naturalist initiative was developed, where a naturalist provided programming at a range of sites that did not have their own interpretive staff.

Partnerships

Part of the National Park and Recreation Association (NRPA) Gold Metal Nomination that we recently submitted was a question asking for example of how some challenges have been addressed using partnerships. The Regional Park Authority is an organization founded on a partnership principal, and we have far too many to list them all. Below are two that we highlighted for this nomination:

Hemlock Overlook Regional Park:


For 23 years, NVRPA had partnered with George Mason University to operate a ropes course, environmental education and team building center at a 400 acre property called Hemlock Overlook Regional Park. In 2009, George Mason University withdrew from the partnership. Fifth and sixth grade field trips to Hemlock had become a right of passage for thousands of children in Northern Virginia, and the prospect of Hemlock closing created a tidal wave of messages to NVRPA and elected officials, urging a solution that would keep this unique and valued facility open.

NVRPA used a relatively new procurement process set up to create public/private partnerships and after many months of process and negotiations, selected a private firm with an excellent background in experiential learning called Adventure Links to operate Hemlock under agreement with NVRPA.



Blythe Russian, Superintendent of Operations with NVRPA, took the leadership role in shepherding this complicated process and communicating with all the stakeholders involved. On July 9, 2009, NVRPA hosted a community meeting with elected officials, neighbors, the media, and other interested parties to introduce Adventure Links and answer questions about future operations.



In the end, this partnership resulted in expanded programming and expanded revenue for NVRPA and, at the same time it satisfied the needs of area schools, elected officials and neighbors.



Mt. Zion/Gilbert’s Corner Regional Parks:

In 2009, NVRPA was approached by the Loudoun County government. They were concerned that an 88 acre tract of land in an area called Gilbert’s Corner that was owned by a local non-profit was going to be sold for development, since the non-profit could not make the loan payments on the land. The loan had come from the Commonwealth of Virginia, and they too were concerned that they would soon need to foreclose on the property.



Loudoun County had recently finished a million dollar restoration on a historic site they owned across the road form the distressed property. This historic site called Mt. Zion Historic Church had many notable roles in the Civil War. At that time, Loudoun County did not have the capital funds to buy the distressed property or the operational funds to operate the freshly restored historic site.

NVRPA was able to structure a creative three way deal. The Authority took ownership of the distressed property, saving the state and the non-profit from the foreclosure process. Loudoun County gave the Authority the restored Mt. Zion historic site, which the Authority was able to manage with staff from another nearby historic site. And finally, NVRPA was able to lease 66 acres of adjacent land. The end result was a new 161 acre park, at a bargain sale value.



Loudoun County Attorney Jack Roberts, NVRPA Planning and Development Director Todd Hafner and Executive Director Paul Gilbert, all played leadership roles in facilitating this creative multi-party deal that created new parks for the public.

NVCT's Breakfast Highlights Conservation Efforts



NVCT President Michael Nardolilli speaking at Conservation Breakfast

This morning was the 11th annual Conservation Breakfast hosted by the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. This is always a great event where many of the most active people in land conservation in this region gather, network and share ideas. Many prominent elected officials from around the region make this breakfast an annual "must do" event.

The Northern Virgina Conservation Trust is one of the best regional land trusts in the nation. As their President Michael Nardolilli reported today, 11 of their many projects have resulted in expanded parkland, and many more have been conservation easements buffering parkland. The public value of this kind of land conservation work is remarkable. In addition to expanded public lands, they have conserved habitat for rare and endangered species, historic sites, and other areas of great conservation value.

The guest speaker this morning was the Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton, who previously served as the Chairman of Prince William County.

For more information on the good work of NVCT see:  Northern Virginia Conservation Trust

Top Mountain Bike Course Gets Better

The mountain bike trail at Fountainhead Regional Park in Fairfax Station, is known as one of the best mountain bike course on the the East Coast.

Recently a great great course has gotten better. Funded through grants, a great deal of work has recently been done to take this highly technical course and make it more sustainable and environmentally balance. Grading, switch backs, and other erosion controls have both improved the course and the surrounding environment. Currently around 8-9 miles long, when the work is complete it will be nearly ten miles.

YouTube had some great videos of riding the trails that you can see on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfJlVPtBRaE

Largest All LED Lightshow in the Universe

Tis the season to visit the Festival of Lights at the Bull Run Regional Park in Centreville VA. This acclaimed show features over 100,000 LED lights with great animation, and themes throughout the 2.5 mile drive through show. It is a huge hit with kids of all ages and those that are young at heart. In just the last two days the two articles below came out about this great holiday tradition.

Article from the Chantilly Patch:
http://chantilly.patch.com/articles/a-holiday-drive-through-bull-run-festival-of-lights

Article from the Fairfax Times:
http://www.fairfaxtimes.com/article/20111216/ENTERTAINMENT/712169601/1063/lighting-the-night-at-bull-run&template=fairfaxTimes

Barbara Tulipane inspires the next generation of professionals

Barbara Tulipane talking to Park & Rec. College Students

Barbara Tulipane, the CEO of the National Recreation and Park Association was a guest speaker at George Mason University talking to college student studying in the School of Recreation, Health & Tourism.

Barbara engaged the student in a discussion about the future of the Park & Recreation field, and where they may want to apply their talents in the coming years.

When covering what it take to be a successful CEO she had the following points of wisdom (paraphrased):

A good CEO must...

• be a leader and a follower (in different settings).
• be a futurist.
• be a relationship builder.
• have industry knowledge.
• be a spokes person.
• have a good understanding of financials.
• be motivational.
• be an able operator.
• have courage to make decisions.

It was a great opportunity for these future professionals to be able to engage and learn from a top national leader in the field of Park & Recreation.

High praise for park district forum

The conference that the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority hosted this fall for park districts was a great success, and a wonderful team effort. Below is a letter from the General Manager of East Bay Regional Park District in California. East Bay is likely the largest regional park system in the country, and one of the very best. Praise from East Bay is high praise indeed!

I am very proud of all the NVRPA staff and board that played a role in making this event a success.

Great fall colors

It is a spectacular fall! We have had several recent years when the leaves have not turned their peak color, bu this year the colors have been fantastic. Below are two images I have taken in the last week.

Gilberts Corner Regional Park across from Mt. Zion on Rt. 50

Pohick Bay Regional Park in the Lorton/Mason Neck area