Friend’s President Reports From VAFP Conference

Our new president, Charles Blake and his wife enjoyed the 2026 VAFP conference. Greatly shortened due to space limitations, here is his report.

Marva and I had a marvelous time at this year’s Virginia Association for Parks Annual Conference (VAFP), which was held April 23rd through April 26th at Fairy Stone State Park near the Blue Ridge Parkway. …

The environs of Fairy Stone, like our own area, are historic. Fairy Stone was the site of an iron mining town of 2,500 people circa 1850 – 1900. It provided the iron the Confederacy used in its iron-sided battle ships. Enslaved Africans worked in the mines, and some of their descendants still live in the area….

VAPF’s mission is to lobby government, support Friend’s Groups, and be part of a broader environmental coalition. https://www.virginiaparks.org/about … [A few] things I became aware of at the conference:

One of VAFP’s primary efforts is lobbying. Veterans enjoying lowered/free entry to parks is a specific bill VAFP is promoting. VAFP favors free entry for everyone, but this would be expensive. Funding for Parks is a constant issue!

A $7 admission fee [$5. at Belle Isle] is a barrier to entry for economically disadvantaged people. The lack of transportation to parks is perhaps an even greater impediment! In my opinion this is a human rights issue. FOBI [Friends of Belle Isle] should investigate funding and staffing programs to dismantle economic class barriers to Belle Isle.

The Director of DCR Nikki Rovner spoke to us on Saturday 4/25. She is new to her position, being appointed by our new governor Abigail Spanberger. …

Ms. Rovner suggested Friends Groups can help her succeed by studying issues that effect us, and letting government officials in all branches and levels know our interests and concerns. We should get to know our officials by inviting them to the park! A cookout with our members, and our representatives would be a mutually beneficial educational experience I fully endorse! …

Thanks for sending us to the 2026 VAFP Annual Conference! I recommend we invest in broader FOBI participation in next year’s conference!!! Charles.