About Us - Henrico County, Virginia

Mission Statement

Enriching Lives, Connecting Communities
Our mission is to create and deliver exceptional recreation and park experiences that foster well-being and a sense of belonging.

Vision Statement

Innovating Tomorrow’s Parks, Today
We aspire to be leaders in the recreation and park industry by setting the standard of excellence in operations, programs, and services.

Core Values

Community: We serve the residents of Henrico County by providing parks and facilities where they can gather that are safe, clean, and well-maintained.
Inclusion: We are committed to providing all residents of Henrico County access to our facilities, programs, and services and strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Stewardship: We are dedicated to the responsible management and preservation of our open spaces and historic resources for future generations to enjoy.
Wellness: We prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of our community through recreational programs, fitness opportunities, and outdoor activities.

Recreation, Parks & Open Space Master Plan

Henrico County’s Board of Supervisors adopted a new Master Plan as of September 24, 2024. This document serves as an important high-level guide that will shape the department’s efforts over the next decade, helping to provide outstanding service to our community.

Division History

The Division of Recreation & Parks began during the Depression. In 1934, organized summer recreation programs were offered at three schools. From 1940 until 1945, summer recreation (June to September) was supervised and administered under the direction of the Henrico County Welfare Board. In 1945, under the County Manager form of government, the responsibilities of public recreation in the County were delegated to the Superintendent of the Department of Education.

In 1950, Recreation & Parks was transferred to the General Government area and placed under the part time leadership of Mr. Ellett R. McGeorge, Jr. In 1956, Mr. McGeorge was appointed as Director. He held this position until his retirement in 1988. Recreation was recognized as a full time operation in 1969 when the County of Henrico Board of Supervisors voted to create the Division of Recreation and Parks. Three bond referendums, $7.5 million in 1977, $7.1 million in 1989, and $16 million in 2000 have enabled the Division to build a sound foundation through the construction of numerous parks and facilities.

Perceiving the need for more citizen involvement, the County of Henrico Board of Supervisors established the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission in 1976 and the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee in 1990.

Division Fast Facts

The Division has compiled a list of Fast Facts that serve as an overview of the department including its history, budget, facilities, and parks.

Division Strategic Plan

The Henrico Division of Recreation and Parks is pleased to present its Strategic Plan, a dynamic roadmap
outlining the organization’s trajectory for growth, development, and service excellence. As stewards of
community well-being and the custodians of vibrant public spaces, this comprehensive plan reflects our
unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and encapsulates the essence of our mission.

Division Organizational Structure

The Division of Recreation & Parks is led by a director who reports to a deputy county manager. The Division is divided into three main sections: Administration, Park Services, and Recreation Services. Recreation & Parks Organizational Chart

CAPRA Accreditation

CAPRA (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies) accreditation is the only national accreditation for park and recreation agencies and is a measure of an agency’s overall quality of operation, management and service to the community. This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services. Henrico County was first awarded with accreditation in September 2019 at the NRPA (National Recreation and Park Association) Annual Conference and received re-accreditation in September 2024.