Angelica Ramos
Contributing Writer
CHRISTIANSBURG- The Arc of the New River Valley held its third annual Arc in the Park event celebrating social connections at Huckleberry Park on June 8, 2024 and presented Brad Epperley with the Renee` S. Brown Award.
The Arc of the New River Valley is a volunteer-run non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for and protecting the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Every summer they host Arc in the Park to celebrate the community they serve and give them and their families an event to celebrate togetherness.
This year’s Arc in the Park gave townspeople many activities to participate in. The splash pad was popular, and people of all ages enjoyed having their faces painted and frozen treats from Aloha Eddies. Residents also had the opportunity to enter into a gift card raffle fundraiser. Community members also had the opportunity to meet Karen Baker, who is running for the 9th Congressional District of Virginia and ask her questions. The Pavilion near the splash pad was the hub for the event because it gave families and friends a place to sit in the shade and share conversation over hot dogs and barbecue.
Around 4 p.m., The Arc of the New River Valley announced Christiansburg Parks and Recreation was being awarded the Renee’ S. Brown Award. Brad Epperley, Director of Parks and Recreation for Christiansburg, accepted the award on behalf of his staff and in his speech, thanked his staff for their hard work and dedication to inclusivity. The Brown family was present for the event and members of the Arc shared that when Renee’ was younger, due to being wheelchair bound, she did not have access to the inclusive play that Huckleberry Park offers. Christiansburg Parks and Recreation makes it a mission to provide events, facilities and opportunities for people of all abilities and serve the community as a whole.
“It is truly an honor,” Epperley said, “to receive this award on behalf of the Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Department. Over the years we have tried very hard to provide inclusive opportunities for individuals of all abilities.”
The Renee’ S. Brown award commends individuals and organizations who embody The Arc’s vision and mission: “People with disabilities leading full, rich lives as active contributing members of their communities.”
“When I received the call,” Epperley said, “it truly made my heart happy. There is not a greater feeling in the world than to know that something you are a part of makes a positive difference in a person’s life. As I stand here today, I will firmly say that we as a department will continue striving for inclusive recreational opportunities and facilities in Christiansburg. My hope is that we are building an environment that is inclusive to all so that for generations to come, this should be the only thing we should desire and strive for without accepting anything less!”
