Over 400 delegates, exhibitors, speakers, and volunteers from around the state gathered this week at the 72nd Annual Conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society held in Roanoke, Virginia. The conference is a learning exchange and provides an opportunity for recreation and park professionals to discuss areas of common interest.

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 any of several areas during the previous year. 140 applications were received vying for awards in 16 different categories. Judged by a jury of its peers, Franklin County Parks & Recreation, Crowning Glory received the Snapshot Moment Award and Best New Special Event (50,001-100,000) category for the Franklin County Mullet Competition.

The mission of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society is to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks, and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on the Society contact the state office at 804-730-9447 or visit the website at www.vrps.com