/ Natural Resources

Over the past 11 months, the Regional Commission has been assisting Montgomery County develop and write a master plan for the County’s Parks and Recreation Department. A community needs survey was launched in August closed at the end October. The survey was administered mainly online, with Commission and County staff administering in-person surveys at local events during these past three months. Printed signs were placed at local gathering places around the County, and the survey was shared electronically on social media. Preliminary results indicate a desire for more outdoor recreation opportunities, more facilities, and satisfaction with the current program offerings. Most who responded on the survey were from Christiansburg and Blacksburg, followed by Riner, Shawsville, Elliston, and other areas. Commission staff is now analyzing the results and providing recommendations to Parks and Recreation Department staff. These recommendations will be combined into the outline of the master plan, and a draft will be developed in December.

For further information, please contact Jennifer Wilsie (jwilsie@nrvrc.org), 540-639-9313, ext. 204 or Michael Gottfredson (michaelg@nrvrc.org), 540-639-9313, ext. 205.