THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR PARKS

2008 SPRING CONFERENCE

APRIL 10-12, 2008

 

 

-SYNOPSIS-

 

 

            Two State Parks played a role in this conference – First Landing State Park (Mark Sandor, Manager), and False Cape State Park ( Kyle Barbour, Manager). First Landing State Park is also the home park of Fred Hazelwood, District One Manager and the district staff.

 

            Most of the conference attendees arrived Thursday afternoon and early evening. After a “conviviality session”, we drove a short distance to “The Dockside Restaurant” where Roy Allan Dudley (Friends of First Landing State Park) had made arrangements for a group discount. The restaurant afforded a great view of Lynnhaven Bay, a breathtaking view of the sunset, and some really good seafood.

 

            Friday morning began with a complimentary continental breakfast provided by the Friends of First Landing at First Landing State Park’s Trail Center. Then, after a welcome by Fred Hazelwood, Staci Martin, First Landing Program Specialist, explained the morning tours that had been arranged for us – the Indian camp and burial grounds, Bald Cypress boardwalk nature trail, and van tours to the 64th Street park entrance and to the Cheasapeake Bay Center and beach.

 

            Around noon, we reconvened at the Trail Center and enjoyed a great lunch eaten at the outdoor tables. Around 1:30 p.m., we boarded vans and a bus for the trip to False Cape State Park.

 

            After a welcome from Kyle Barbour, we explored the Wash Woods Environmental Education Center, spent some time on the beach, and visited the Wash Woods church site and cemetery.

 

            As the end of the day approached, we enjoyed a “conviviality session” followed by a wonderful cookout, watched the sun set across Back Bay, and listened to our guest speaker, Delegate Kirk Cox, House Majority Whip. Accompanying Delegate Cox were his wife Julie and three of their four sons –Carter, Blake, and Cameron.

 

            Saturday morning began with a complimentary continental breakfast provided by the Friends of First Landing State Park at the Chesapeake Bay Center. We then began our semiannual business meeting with the first speaker being Joe Elton, State Park System Director. (We hope to post Joe’s power point presentation on our website). Next came the officer reports. Gaston Rouse then brought the attendees up to date on various volunteer issues.

 

            Following a short “open floor” discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 noon. Lunch was served and the Executive Committee met after the meal.