Commending the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department.

Commending the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 10, 2026
Agreed to by the Senate, March 12, 2026
WHEREAS, for 50 years, the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department has built a strong sense of community by providing diverse, accessible, and engaging parks, facilities, and recreational programs to suit the interests of people of all ages and backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, established in 1976, the Herndon Parks & Recreation Department has grown from one park and one staff member to an 11-park system featuring playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, a bocce court, a seasonal indoor tennis facility, a dog park, a skating park, and a 58-acre nature park, all staffed by 24 year-round employees and 130 seasonal employees; and
WHEREAS, every year, the Herndon Parks & Recreation Department supports approximately 1,900 programs, activities, and events, benefiting every member of the community; the department works with civic groups and local organizations to foster cooperation and cohesiveness in Herndon and the surrounding area; and
WHEREAS, the Herndon Parks & Recreation Department also oversees the operation of the Herndon Community Center, a 56,000-square-foot multipurpose facility that includes an indoor aquatic facility, a fitness center, racquetball courts, a full-size gymnasium, a personal training studio, an arts and crafts room, a pottery lab, and classrooms; and
WHEREAS, over the course of its history, the members of the Herndon Parks & Recreation Department have served as stewards of the town's resources and inspired residents of all ages to explore, play, and find a sense of belonging; and
WHEREAS, the Herndon Parks & Recreation Department is a four-time winner of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the highest honor in the parks and recreation field, which is presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association; and
WHEREAS, the Herndon Parks & Recreation Department will commemorate its 50th anniversary throughout 2026 with enhanced versions of annual events, special community gatherings, limited-edition programs and workshops, and family-friendly activities across all park facilities and public spaces; and
WHEREAS, as part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the Herndon Parks & Recreation Department will also highlight milestones in the park system's growth, provide opportunities for community members to share their own fond memories, and recognize community partners, volunteers, and long-time participants in park activities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Town of Herndon Parks & Recreation Department as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the department's important role as a cornerstone of community life in Herndon.