The Fairfax County Park Authority and Park Authority Professionals received high honors at the annual conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) held in James City County, Virginia. The VRPS Awards recognize individuals, departments and organizations throughout Virginia that have demonstrated excellence in 17 different categories during the previous year. Park Authority initiatives, facilities and staff received awards in seven categories.

"To have earned honors in so many categories at this year’s conference is an undeniable testament to the high standards of quality of park programs and sites and the outstanding performance of our extraordinary professionals,” said Executive Director Jai Cole. “These recognitions are indicative of the dedication and determination of our staff to provide accessible, diverse and exceptional experiences, facilities and amenities that enhance the quality of life for all our residents wherever they live."

Altogether, Fairfax County had a stellar showing at the conference, with the Park Authority and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services combined receiving top honors in nine of the 17 award categories. The Park Authority received VRPS Awards for excellence in the following categories:

Best New Health and Wellness Initiative: Sully Community Center Health and Wellness Partnerships

In 2022, the new Sully Community Center became the first Fairfax County recreation facility to offer a holistic approach to health and wellness – all under one roof. The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services partnered with the Health Department, the Fairfax County Park Authority and several community organizations to ensure the center could offer affordable access to medical services, health and wellness programming, and nutritional foods for community members of all ages and abilities. The center serves as a model for how government agencies and partners can work collaboratively to reduce barriers to access for critical health and wellness services.

Best New Program: Adapted Park Explorers Program

Nature and children are one of those combinations that go together easily. The Park Authority took the best of natural and cultural interpretation at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park and invited children with disabilities to participate in the new Adapted Park Explorers Program. This program emphasizes those things all children can enjoy when it comes to discovering the joys of making bird feeders, nature hikes, exploring pond life, amphibians and reptiles and learning about local animals who live in the park. Inclusive, affordable and effective are adjectives that best describe this program. Children and families can relax and be themselves.

Best New Renovation (Brick and Mortar): Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Completion of a $1.7-million expansion at Hidden Oaks Nature Center provided much-needed activity space, accessibility improvements, upgraded restrooms and a new pond. The renovation demonstrated continued Park Authority commitment to the increasingly diverse community. The project team, challenged by supply chain shortages, cost overruns, and project delays persevered. Site staff kept the public informed via multilingual contacts about closures, and they rescheduled programs. The reopening drew hundreds of well-wishers who heard speeches, saw performances, enjoyed nature and wildlife, and they got the chance to potentially get dirty outside in the woods. The relationship between site users and FCPA was sustained and ultimately strengthened.

Most Creative Marketing Strategy: Jai Cole’s Park Tour

What began as the new Park Authority’s director’s personal commitment to visit all 420 parks within one year became a grassroots movement and marketing strategy that inspired new relationships, increased park advocacy, and led to park improvements and a huge budget win for the Park Authority. Utilizing social media, the internet, traditional media, an avatar, video and events, word spread and “Jai’s Tour” inspired people to follow her journey and get more involved in parks. The tour culminated with a workday and celebration at Lake Fairfax on National Public Lands Day and continues to inspire others who love our park system.

Snapshot Moment: Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole

Capturing a Snapshot Moment is never left to chance. Park Authority photographers plan for the right moment to ensure that our publications and online presence, as well as social media platforms, have sufficient photographic content to promote our programs, destinations and ethos of fun, friendship and summer adventures. The photo entry, taken at the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole, celebrates the diversity of our customer base and attracts new lifeguards and summer staff. Taken by Creative Services staff, the photograph graces the cover of Parktakes Magazine, as well as our online portal and social media posts.

Outstanding New Professional: Monica Klock, Adapted Program Specialist

Klock manages hundreds of adaptive programs, is open to new ideas and concepts, works to improve efficiency and always has time to share a quick word with customers. She has worked collaboratively to expand services for customers with disabilities, serving 535 unique participants and managing 1,365 program registrations. Her short tenure with the Park Authority is already laced with many accomplishments, such as the creation of “Anglers with Autism” and “Sensory Swim Hours” at The Water Mine and Our Special Harbor. She is impressive and already making a difference with in-house and external training sessions.

Distinguished Service Award: Roberta Korzen, Marketing Branch Manager

She served as the Golf Marketing Specialist for seven years, where she helped grow revenue and diversify offerings and programs. In 2022, she was promoted to the Marketing and Analytics Manager responsible for agency-wide marketing and research. She’s an award-winning member of agency-wide committees, including the CAPRA team. She served on the VRPS Marketing Task Force, VRPS Marketing Committee, and has been on NSA Committees/Board since 2018. She's currently the NSA board chair. Korzen earned her Certified Park and Recreation Certification in 2021.