Danville Parks and Recreation and the regional Health Collaborative each received an award, during the Virginia Recreation and Park Society’s 64th Annual State Conference last week in Tyson’s Corner. Over 500 delegates from across the Commonwealth attended this year’s conference.
“As always, we are proud of not only our staff but our community for representing Danville and surrounding areas so well during the VRPS Conference,” said Danville Parks and Recreation Director Bill Sgrinia. “These awards are a testament to Danville’s commitment to improving the health and quality of life of its citizens. These awards don’t just recognize Parks and Recreation, they recognize the efforts of our wonderful community partners, city council, and city’s leadership.”
The Health Collaborative received the Distinguished Private Sector Service Award in recognition of its continued efforts to improve the region’s health statistics. The organization was founded in 2014 after a community health report indicated the region ranked in the bottom three of the state in overall health categories.
Since its inception, the collaborative has grown to be a significant partner to many health organizations, including Danville Parks and Recreation, that has aided with the implementation of Fit Mobile program, Danville’s first-ever Urban Agriculture City Code, the Community Health Worker Initiative, the Thrive Initiative, various gardening programs throughout the city, Danville’s first Complete Streets policy, and more.
“So many of our health and wellness programs have become community efforts,” said Danville Parks and Recreation Community Recreation Division Director Jason Bookheimer. “This recognition for the Health Collaborative is well deserved. They work tirelessly to help, not only Parks and Recreation, but also the community to accomplish its goals of providing lifelong learning and positive health outcomes to our friends and neighbors.”
Also in the area of health and wellness, Danville Parks and Recreation was recognized in a field of 155 applicants for the Fit Mobile Program, which received the Best Health and Wellness Initiative Award in its population category.
The multi-award-winning program integrates services from Parks and Recreation and the Community Health Workers Initiative into the Averett University Physical Fitness curriculum and offers students the opportunity for hands-on experience and free fitness training to area residents.
Because of the program, Averett students are now able to earn college credit while providing members of the community access to free health training and life-changing wellness coaching.
For more information on either program, contact Danville Parks and Recreation’s Community Recreation Division at 434-799-5150.