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Henrico County has a winning track record when it comes to our recreational programs. Given the strong demand in the Brookland District for youth athletic facilities, I found it particularly rewarding to be directly involved in the planning and development of RF&P Park. RF&P Railroad has maintained a presence in our community since the early 1800s and I was appreciative of the
corporation's donation of property for this 50-acre site.
 Since opening in May 1995 with several quality baseball diamonds, the park has undergone an expansion of its facilities to accommodate the Glen Allen Youth Athletic
Association's burgeoning girls softball program and the Glen Allen Ravens football team. Whether throwing out the first pitch of the season or making an informal visit to the park, I have thoroughly enjoyed attending games at RF&P and watching youth of all ages demonstrate their considerable talents on these fields of
dreams.
Of course, the Brookland District is also home to a number of other outstanding athletic facilities benefiting our young people. In recent years, I have participated in the
county's development of the Glen Allen baseball and T-ball complex  adjoining RF&P Park; the Hermitage High School all-weather track and girls'' Junior Varsity softball field; the RF&P all-girls softball complex; the Bethlehem all-girls softball complex at Dumbarton Elementary School; the Duncroft / Castlepoint Park Disc Golf Course; and the Laurel Recreation Skate Park, which won an achievement award from the National Association of Counties. These projects were undertaken in direct response to needs expressed to me by the parents and adult volunteers who so generously donate their time and experience on behalf of youth
sports.
Although the County's structured recreational programs and ball leagues have been phenomenally successfully, many of our residents enjoy more leisurely outdoor activities. I had the pleasure of opening Dunncroft / Castle Point Park in
 December of 1992. This neighborhood park located in the Brookland District features walking trails, open space, a picnic shelter, and play equipment for our youngsters. A picnic shelter, hiking paths, and modern playground are also available in the Brookland District at Crump Park. This 150-acre site includes a pond where ducks will eat bread crumbs out of your hand and bream will occasionally sample the worms on your fishing pole. And for all you golfers out there, both pro-level competitors and weekend duffers, the
County's Belmont Park offers one of the finest and more reasonably priced eighteen-hole public golf courses in the nation.
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