The Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services was honored with three statewide awards at the recent 2024 Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) annual conference. Each year’s conference features a formal awards presentation that honors exemplary members, volunteers, and agencies of the parks and recreation community for achievements during the preceding year.
Loudoun was recognized with Best New Facility awards for the Douglass Community Center playground and The Lodge at Hanson Park and received a Snapshot Moment award for a photo from a summer camp activity.
The Douglass Community Center playground received the Best New Facility award in the category for Parks, Playgrounds, Blueways, Greenways or Trails- Population Greater than 200,000. The Douglass Community Center playground is a premier destination playground located on the grounds of The Historic Douglass School, Loudoun County’s only accredited high school serving Black students prior to integration. The playground offers a themed experience celebrating the global impact and contributions of African Americans. The design of the Douglass Community Center playground was a collaborative effort involving community members and county leaders. Custom structures not found on any playground in the United States were designed to embody authentic play through educational components including climber replicas of the Montgomery Bus and the Selma Bridge, both iconic symbols of the civil rights movement. The playground also ensures accessibility for all with an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible surface, entrances, and inclusive equipment.
This is the second year in a row PRCS was awarded the VRPS Best New Facility (Parks, Playgrounds, Blueways, Greenways or Trails) with Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park taking the honor at the 2023 annual conference.
The Lodge at Hanson Park received the Best New Facility award in the category of Bricks and Mortar- Population Greater than 200,000. The Lodge is the first dedicated event rental facility within Loudoun County PRCS. Located in Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park, The Lodge embraces the park’s natural setting. Guests are treated to sweeping views of native trees, gardens, and reflections in the pond. The 3,500 sq. ft. open design embraces the surrounding nature, bringing the outside in during all seasons. The Lodge receives high praise from guests by offering a unique, spacious, and affordable venue for hosting weddings, community celebrations, and corporate events.
“We take great pride in being recognized by our peers and in the acknowledgment of the excellence of both the Douglass Community Center playground and The Lodge. I am especially proud of our team’s hard work and commitment to these projects and their dedication to the residents of Loudoun County,” said Steve Torpy, Director of Loudoun County PRCS.
Loudoun County PRCS also received a Snapshot Moment award in the category recognizing a perfect image that highlights an event, services or facilities in the department. The award-winning photo captures participants from one of the department’s award-winning Daze and Fest Summer Camp sites gleefully enjoying the bucket drop feature at the Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park splash pad.
For more information about Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services and the department’s mission to connect all communities through exceptional people, parks and programs, visit loudoun.gov/prcs.
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