January 2021 Update
Our e-newsletter has a new logo and a new name. Look for it each month to stay informed.
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Greetings!
The Chesterfield Parks and Recreation Department hopes the new year brings positive changes for you. This e-newsletter provides a quick update of the ongoing activities of the department. Stay informed by visiting our website, and following us on Facebook and Twitter. As always, reach out to us if you have questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you back in the parks, recreation centers, classes, and events.
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River City Sportsplex Garners National Accolades
as Top Facility
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“SportsEvents” magazine, one of the nation’s leading publications for amateur and competition sports site scouting, recently wrapped up its 2021 Reader’s Choice Awards. River City Sportsplex placed first in the All-Star Outdoor Sports Venue category and took second place in the All-Star Multipurpose Sports Venue or Complex category.
Located along Genito Road and Route 288, the River City Sportsplex first opened in 2011. The complex is home to one of the largest pods of synthetic turf fields in the U.S. – boasting 12 all-weather synthetic turf fields, providing an ideal location to host a variety of sports and activities year-round in one location.
River City Sportsplex has served as a major economic driver for the county, providing more than $89 million in direct economic impact to Chesterfield since July 2017 and hosting more than 500,000 people annually.
“We are thrilled that River City Sportsplex continues to be recognized as a top facility in the country,” said Bob Smet, Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation director. “The facility has made Chesterfield a top sporting destination in the region, and one of the best sporting complexes in Virginia.”
Smet highlighted continued support from the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors played a major role in making River City Sportsplex a premier venue – including its action in December to allocate nearly $3 million for synthetic turf replacement and new stadium seating at the facility.
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Orienteering Course is Newest Feature in Park |
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Rockwood Park has a new feature for citizens to explore! A beginner orienteering course has been added to the wooded area of the park. Orienteering is an activity where participants use a map and compass to locate control points, or markers, on an orienteering course. To participate, all you need is a compass and a map of the course. The Rockwood course has eight control points to locate. Begin the course in front of the Rockwood Nature Center. Information and a map are available.
Thank you to Parks and Recreation Naturalist Mark Battista, for developing and installing the course, and Tim Gilbert with the Central Virginia Orienteering Club for his guidance and assistance.
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Ettrick Park Shelter Replaced
The picnic shelter at Ettrick Park has been replaced and is ready for use. Shelter reservations are available online or by calling 804-748-1623.
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Pickleball complex at CTC@Hull |
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Renovations to the Bensley Recreation Center |
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Construction Projects in the Park System |
The Construction Services division of the Parks and Recreation Department stays busy with a variety of projects year-round. Below is a list of some of the projects currently under construction:
- Bensley Park - redevelopment of fields and trail system, parking lot addition and renovation, and building renovations at the Bensley Recreation Center
- Pickleball Complex at CTC@Hull - lighting for courts
- Dodd Park at Point of Rocks- replacement of picnic shelter #2
- Falling Creek Ironworks Park - renovation of interior of Moore's Cottage
- Historic Point of Rocks - renovations at Strachan House
- Pleasant View School House - renovations and damage repairs
- River City Sportsplex - replacement of synthetic turf on fields 6, 7, and 8
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Historic Sites Reopening
Beginning on Jan. 27, the Chesterfield County Museum and the historic 1892 Jail will reopen to the public and operate on a weekly schedule of Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Magnolia Grange Museum House remains open with a weekly schedule of Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
For more information about these historic sites, contact 804-751-4946.
Henricus Historical Park reopened after winter break on Jan. 19. Details: www.henricus.org
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Happening in Chesterfield
county's weekly
e-newsletter
Interested in receiving county-wide news, events, business developments and more directly to your inbox? Subscribe now to the county's weekly e-newsletter, Happening in Chesterfield.
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New Assistant Director Hired |
Marlaine (Marlie) Creasey-Smith has joined the department as the Assistant Director of Recreation. Marlie most recently served as director of Greenville Parks and Recreation in Greenville, SC. In that role she was responsible for the management of 35 parks, multiple cemeteries, a zoo, and six community recreation centers. She has also worked as park coordinator for James City County, and as park operations manager for the City of Richmond where she oversaw more than 160 park properties covering 2,800 acres, over 40 athletic fields and courts, and numerous playgrounds, trails and other facilities. In addition, Marlie spent almost six years as the program director of the 4-H Educational Center in Jamestown, VA.
Marlie holds a Masters of Natural Resources degree from VA Tech and a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Tourism from ODU. She is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) - Patagonia, Chile, Oglebay’s Park Foundation School, and NRPA’s Director’s school.
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12140 Harrowgate Road
Chester, VA 23831
804-748-1623
www.chesterfield.gov/parks
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To enhance the quality of lives for citizens and visitors through First Choice recreation opportunities, experiences, and partnerships.
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