The Fairfax County Park Authority earned awards for outstanding, innovative programs to build community in the parks at the annual conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) held in Norfolk, Virginia. The VRPS Awards honor exemplary members, volunteers and agencies of the parks and recreation community for achievements during the previous calendar year. The Park Authority was recognized for the Most Creative Marketing Strategy and the Best New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative in 2023.
Most Creative Marketing Strategy: Skate the Wake
In October 2023, a community on wheels gathered to attend a unique new event to celebrate the opening of the newly redesigned Wakefield Skate Park. The family-friendly event brought out skateboarders of all levels for an amazing day and provide a remarkable community connection. Reaching the skating community required an innovative marketing strategy featuring a branded suite of custom-designed materials; promotional video; extensive partnerships locally and nationally; celebrity guests; and robust outreach over email, news outlets, publications and social media. Despite the need to be rescheduled twice due to weather conditions, the event drew more than 250 skaters and spectators, and word of the amazing new facility reached tens of thousands across the metropolitan area, making the Wakefield Skate Park the new buzz throughout the skating community.
Best New Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative: Parks on Ice
In the summer of 2023, the Park Authority launched an innovative approach to bring ice skating to new areas where many children had not experienced the sport before. The program, supported by a diverse team of professionals introduced synthetic ice rinks to Earth Day and the 2023 Rec-PAC Summer Camps, which serve children in opportunity areas throughout the county. Through partnerships and scholarships, Parks on Ice eliminated barriers to participation and created a supportive environment for children to explore this new activity in a welcoming community environment.
“The Fairfax County Park Authority is made up of some of the most dynamic and talented park and recreation professionals in the country,” said Park Authority Executive Director Jai Cole. “Every day our team exhibits outstanding dedication to their craft and to providing amazing experiences and opportunities for ALL Fairfax County residents regardless of age, ability, race, income or where they may live. Parks are places where our community thrives, and we are proud to be setting a high standard in the D.C. area, throughout the commonwealth and across the nation.”