Parks, recreation and aging services report record participation and new facilities plans

Parks and Recreation Director Paul Chapman and leaders of the county’s advisory commissions gave the Board an update on programs, participation and capital projects in parks, recreation and aging services.

The Aging Services advisory commission, chaired by Linda Handy, reported a record year: 13,833 participants in 241 activities and a 72% increase in participation year over year. Handy highlighted the Essex Center, the senior expo, produce distribution and renovation work funded by a grant from the area agency on aging.

Chapman presented participation statistics across divisions: 3,844 participants in athletics last year with 1,465 games and 738 volunteer coaches; nearly 47,000 visitors to the Essex Center; 52,000 miles of medical transportation provided to seniors; and nearly 500 shelter reservations at park facilities. He said the county operates 24 miles of trails, with the recently opened Lovely Valley Loop at the Smith Farm attracting regular users.

Chapman reviewed capital work and upcoming projects: completion of a skate‑park renovation at Rocky Mount, improvements at the Simona Lake beach including new lifeguard stands and fencing, and a funded position for trail maintenance. The county has hired a part‑time volunteer coordinator to support the growing number of volunteer coaches and field demands.

Supervisors praised the department’s work while acknowledging pressures: limited gym space for winter sports, parking constraints at the Essex Center during peak events, and the need to upgrade athletic lighting and field infrastructure to support expanding programs. Chapman said staff will present the Smith Farm conceptual plan soon and noted plans to reforest portions of Wade Park with Virginia Department of Forestry funding.

Board members suggested including parks and recreation priorities in the upcoming budget discussion to address staffing and capital maintenance needs.