August 2013 - Parks & Recreation - 37

ly moved us in the direction we wanted. These small steps included:
Having a policy that the " life-cycle
costs " of any energy-consuming
system is considered. This means
that you may not buy the cheapest
equipment if that equipment uses
more energy in the long run.
Addressing " low-hanging fruit "
like lighting and insulation to improve the energy consumption of
existing buildings.
Building new structures with green
elements that improve efficiency.
Using a wide range of technologies
like geothermal heat pumps, electric and hybrid vehicles, solar panels and programmable thermostats.
Educating the Public
Reducing your carbon footprint is just

a small part of the answer for park
and recreation organizations. At least
as important is our role in educating
the public so they can learn how to be
more sustainable in their lives, too.
In 2009, Potomac Overlook Regional Park in Arlington, Virginia,
revamped its aging nature center.
The new center has an energy theme
throughout the exhibits, from the solar
power that creates plant life through
the whole chain of life up to humans
and how we use energy. This center
connects how we live to all of the life
on our planet. It is a different approach
from the dusty, taxidermied beavers of
traditional nature centers. And it is an
approach that connects nature to people in more relevant ways.
In 2013, the two all-LED holiday
light shows that the Northern Virginia

Regional Park Authority operates will
have renewable energy credits purchased to offset their power consumption. This initiative has come from a
sponsorship deal with Dominion Power for the light show. It's yet another opportunity to educate the public about
carbon footprints and sustainability.
Park agencies have always had a
key role in connecting people to the
natural world. In a world where our
natural environment is changing rapidly as a result of climate change, we
need to change just as fast in how we
connect with the public on these issues and offer leadership on how to
be part of the solution.
Paul Gilbert is Executive Director of the
Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority
(pgilbert@nvrpa.org).

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Parks & Recreation

August 2013 - Parks & Recreation

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