VRPS Executive Director Appointed to Virginia Recreation Advisory Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Virginia Recreation and Park Society Celebrates New Office of Outdoor Recreation and Appointment of Executive Director Bailey Kasten to Stakeholder Advisory Group

MECHANICSVILLE, VIRGINIA – The Virginia Recreation and Park Society warmly welcomes the appointment of Heather Barrar as the Commonwealth's first dedicated Director of Outdoor Recreation by Governor Abigail Spanberger. The Society is also thrilled to share that Executive Director Bailey Kasten has been appointed to the newly created Outdoor Recreation Stakeholder Advisory Group.

This historic initiative marks a significant milestone for communities across Virginia. With outdoor recreation contributing $14.4 billion in value to the state economy and supporting more than 126,000 jobs, the new office will help align local parks, conservation efforts, and economic development.

The stakeholder advisory group will be co-chaired by Director Barrar and First Gentleman Adam Spanberger to lead the creation of Virginia's first comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Economy Strategy. Through upcoming statewide listening sessions, the group will gather insights from local leaders across all ten tourism regions to ensure the strategy reflects the needs of every community.

As the Commonwealth takes this important step, Bailey Kasten shared her enthusiasm for the initiative. "We are genuinely thrilled to have parks and recreation agencies directly represented in these historic efforts to build a meaningful strategy for our outdoor economy," she said. "Local parks are the heart of our communities, and having a seat at the table ensures that our frontline professionals help shape the future of outdoor recreation in Virginia."

The Virginia Recreation and Park Society looks forward to partnering with Director Barrar, First Gentleman Spanberger, and fellow advisory members to champion the parks and recreation professionals who make these vibrant outdoor spaces possible.

About the Virginia Recreation and Park Society:

The Virginia Recreation and Park Society is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to uniting all engaged in the field of parks, recreation, and leisure services in the Commonwealth. Guided by our core values of advocacy, equity, leadership, lifelong learning, networking, and stewardship, VRPS serves as an industry leader and trusted resource for park and recreation professionals.

Media Contact:
Virginia Recreation and Park Society
(804) 730-9447
www.vaparks.org
vrps@vaparks.org