Highlighting
each year’s conference is a formal presentation of awards. This state-wide program honors individuals,
departments and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated
excellence in several areas during the previous year. VRPS received over 100 applications vying for
awards in 14 different categories.
Judged by a jury of its peers, Goochland County Parks and Recreation was
selected for the Best New Renovation/Addition (Bricks and Mortar) Award for the
category Population 25,000 and Under.
Goochland
County Parks and Recreation was recognized for the Central High School Cultural
and Educational Complex. Located at 2748
Dogtown Road the Central High School building originally served as an African
American High School facility. A
committee formed by the County recommended a proposal to preserve and reuse the
historic building, create a community facility for citizens, and expand Parks
and Recreation programmatic space. The
Central High School Cultural and Educational Complex renovations included
restoring the school’s original theater, classrooms, and creation of dedicated
display space for Central High School memorabilia. The hallways are lined with photos from
Central High School and a kiosk displays digitized yearbooks from the school as
well.
Citizens
who have not yet had the opportunity to tour the facility are invited to come
visit the facility. It is currently open
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to Noon. Citizens who would prefer to schedule a tour
can call (804) 657-2086.
This
recognition is just the latest for Goochland County Parks and Recreation. Previously they were recognized with the 2018
Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in the Silver Medal category for
Tucker Park at Maidens Crossing, related to the creation of a sustainability
program for the park. The 2016 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in
the Honorable Mention category for Tucker Park at Maidens Crossing, related to
the creation of an outdoor classroom.
In
addition, they were recognized by the VRPS with the 2016 Best New Facility
Award (Parks, Playgrounds, Greenways and Trails) – Population under 25,000
category for Matthews Park, 2015 Best Promotional Effort
– Traditional Award – Population 25,000 category for the Fall 2015 “History
Edition” Program Guide, 2014 Best New Program – Population under 25,000
category for Tucker’s Tots Preschool Program, 2014 Best New Renovation/Addition
– Population under 25,000 category for the Central High School Gymnasium, 2013
Best New Facility – Population under 25,000 for Leakes Mill Park, and 2013 Best
New Renovation/Addition – Population under 25,000 for the Goochland Sports
Complex.
Goochland
County is extremely proud of Goochland County Parks and Recreation’s latest
recognition and the programs & activities they offer throughout the year
for our citizens.