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Board adopts Hanover County 2035 Parks and Recreation Master Plan after public input
Summary
The Board of Supervisors adopted the county's 2035 Parks & Recreation Master Plan, which calls for 3–6 neighborhood parks, 1–3 additional community parks, expanded trails and increased historic and environmental stewardship after community meetings and an online survey of about 600 respondents.
The Hanover County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the 2035 Parks & Recreation Master Plan, a strategic 10‑year guide that lays out priorities for neighborhood and community parks, trail expansion, programming and historic and environmental stewardship.
Director Aaron Reedmiller summarized the plan and the outreach that informed it: seven in‑person community meetings, an online survey with roughly 600 responses and coordination with advisory committees and stakeholders. The plan proposes adding 3–6 neighborhood parks (1–20 acres) concentrated in the suburban service area, 1–3 new community parks in underserved areas (Cold Harbor, Beaver Dam), and one additional regional park to support athletics and sports tourism if funding and sites are available over the decade. It also emphasizes modernization of existing facilities, increased water access, and added programming for emerging activities such as pickleball and cricket.
During the hearing supporters from local recreation groups and the Hanover 250th committee urged adoption. Dynamo Soccer Club director Sean Martin noted heavy demand on athletic fields and urged faster delivery of additional fields so youth teams have adequate practice time. Opponents and technical commenters raised inventory and accounting issues including the acreage and accessibility status of Washington Lacy Park; staff and the director responded that some county‑owned parcels currently classified as parkland are undeveloped and signage/clarification work will follow.
Supervisors praised the comprehensive outreach and asked staff to treat the plan as a living document, allowing targeted amendments through the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission when warranted. The board adopted the plan by voice vote and directed staff to post the full document online and implement near‑term steps such as project signage at renovation sites and early planning for neighborhood park acquisition where feasible.
The board emphasized continued community engagement during design and acquisition steps and asked staff to pursue partnerships and potential sports tourism opportunities aligned with the plan’s goals.
