The Fairfax County Park Authority and ArtsFairfax, joined by Supervisors Kathy Smith (Sully District) and Jimmy Bierman (Dranesville District) celebrated the unveiling of two new plaques at Ellanor C. Lawrence and Riverbend Parks to inspire creativity in nature with Poetry in the Parks. The initiative, created by outgoing Fairfax County Poet Laureate Danielle Badra, encourages parkgoers to contribute creative writing, poetry and illustrations inspired by park scenes to ArtsFairfax’s digital collection of Poetry in the Parks.

The Poetry in the Parks project has focused on bringing parkgoers and poetry lovers into the same space through poetry readings and workshops at several area parks including Riverbend Park, Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Huntly Meadows, Green Spring Gardens and Observatory Park at Turner Farm. Works collected from these events are currently included in the Poetry in the Parks collection.

“Nature is the ultimate canvas and we’re surrounded by it every day in the parks; that’s what makes Poetry in the Parks such a natural connection,” said Park Authority Executive Director, Jai Cole. “In addition to providing avenues for active recreation and physical fitness, parks also provide opportunities to exercise our minds through peaceful reflection, creative thinking, curiosity and learning. This project creates a tremendous opportunity for us all to contribute to our own experiences to our community story.”

Learn more about the Poetry in the Parks program by visiting the ArtsFairfax website.