News Flash

The Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) this week presented the Distinguished Volunteer Service Award to Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Advisory Commission Chairman, Fred Corbett. This award is one of only a handful of individual honors presented at the VRPS annual conference held at Wintergreen Resort.

Fred has served Roanoke County as a volunteer for over 30 years, and has been instrumental in the development of quality athletics fields through his leadership and fundraising efforts. Some of Fred’s most noted accomplishments include the creation of new parks and recreational facilities throughout the County, helping to bring several regional baseball tournaments to the Roanoke Valley, and serving as a District Administrator for 13 area Little League teams. Fred has represented the Cave Spring magisterial district on the Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Advisory Commission since 2007.

Doug Blount, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism says that he can’t think of a more deserving person to receive this honor. “Fred has been a lifelong supporter of parks and recreation, and in particular youth athletics in Roanoke County. He has contributed an incalculable amount of volunteer time over the past three decades, always with a smile and a positive attitude. Fred is a fantastic community advocate and his efforts have ensured that future generations of residents will have a place to play.”

Roanoke County’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department was among the most highly recognized agencies in attendance at this year’s VRPS conference, taking home five statewide honors. The department received two Best Promotional Effort awards for recent marketing campaigns, as well as the Best New Facility award for a trail and raised boardwalk at Walrond Park. Staff member Scott Ramsburg also received an individual award at the conference for Outstanding New Professional.