Danville recognized nationally as ‘Nature Everywhere Community’

DANVILLE, Va. (WDBJ) - Danville’s focus on promoting outdoor recreation and its emphasis on connecting youth to nature has earned the city national recognition.

Danville was recently named a Nature Everywhere Community by the Children and Nature Network. Danville is the first city in Virginia to receive the national award.

“The Nature Everywhere award is a big achievement for us,” said Jason Bookheimer, Division Director of Community Recreation. “It’s been something that the city’s been committed to in our department for decades with really trying to get outdoor education and conservation to the community.”

The Nature Everywhere award recognizes a community’s progress in increasing access to nature for children, especially minorities or those experiencing poverty.

Jason Bookheimer with Parks and Recreation says the Danville Outdoors initiative plays a key role in that accomplishment.

Danville Outdoors is a partnership between Parks and Rec and seven other local organizations to educate kids about nature and take them to parks.

“The Dan River is such a great asset for us and it’s right here in the heart of the city. We have Anglers Park that has over 25 miles of single-track trails. We’ve got community parks that have lots of acreage with them as well. So, getting people the opportunity to get out and connect with nature is probably the most important thing we can do,” added Bookheimer.

Being a Nature Everywhere Community allows Danville to apply for certain grants to keep its outdoor initiatives growing.

Bookheimer says they plan to get more involved with the local schools and do on site tree plantings.

“There’s a lot of science behind the importance of being outdoors. A lot of studies show the amount of play and being outside is being reduced year to year. So, it’s important to us to really focus on getting those services and programs to the community so that we give everybody many opportunities to get outside,” explained Bookheimer.