VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR PARKS

 Resolution

Commending the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
and the Virginia State Park System 
for receiving the National Gold Medal Award for 
Excellence in Park and Recreation Management

Approved November 17, 2001

On October 3, 2001, the Virginia State Park System was honored with the most prestigious award that any state park system can receive: the National Gold Medal Award for "Excellence in Park and Recreation Management."

This bi-annual award was presented at the National Recreation and Park Association Annual Congress & Exposition in Denver, Colorado.  Virginia is the third state to receive this award.  The only other state park systems that have received this honor are Ohio (1997) and Florida (1999).

Since 1934, Virginia's system of parks has helped preserve and protect the Commonwealth's cultural, historic, natural and recreational resources.  Our parks have been a place where we can go to explore the culture of Virginia's diverse people, to learn about our rich history, to contemplate the beauty of our natural wonders, and to spend time enjoying Virginia's recreational resources with family and friends.

Virginia's state parks have also been a critical component of the Commonwealth's tourism industry. In the year 2000 alone, more than 6 million visitors to Virginia's state parks and natural areas generated more than $130 million in economic impact to the local and state economy.

Virginia's state parks rank 50th in per capita support and 50th in proportion of the state budget dedicated to parks.  The fact that Virginia's state parks have been recognized as America's most outstanding park system, despite the fact that they have the lowest funding of any state park system in the country, is a true testament to the commitment, dedication, and sacrifice of Virginia's Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) staff.  We commend DCR Director David G. Brickley and State Parks Director Joe Elton for their leadership of our state park system, and we commend the DCR staff and volunteers for their efforts to make this national recognition possible.