Former Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson is settling into his new role as executive director of NOVA Parks and says he has inherited an organization in good shape.
A “very diverse set of revenue” — with operations ranging from golf courses to waterparks — allows the regional body to “weather various storms,” said Wilson during a presentation to the Fairfax City Council earlier this month. He was named the organization’s next executive director in August and began serving in October.
Tickets went on sale Monday for Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run, one of three holiday light attractions operated by NOVA Parks this winter season.
The outdoor winter experience at Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria features illuminated holiday displays, ice skating, photo opportunities, and seasonal refreshments. It opens on November 15 and runs through February 28.
Outgoing NOVA Parks Executive Director Paul Gilbert received the prestigious Pugsley Medal earlier this month for his dedication to conservation, promotion and development of public parks.
Gilbert was nominated for the Honorable Cornelius Amory Pugsley Medal by late Northern Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11). The award was presented Sept. 17 by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, and is recognized as the the most prestigious recognition for the promotion and development of public parks in the country, according to AAPRA. He has been executive director of NOVA Parks for 20 years and will be succeeded by former Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson on Oct. 6.
Former Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson has been selected as the next executive director of NOVA Parks, the regional park authority announced Friday.
Wilson, who served 14 years on the Alexandria City Council, including two terms as mayor, will assume the role of Executive Director in a full-time capacity beginning Oct. 6, succeeding Paul Gilbert, who announced his retirement in April after 20 years leading the organization. During Gilbert’s tenure, NOVA Parks expanded significantly, adding 15 new parks and acquiring more than 1,800 acres of parkland through 22 acquisition transactions.
Welcome to Friday’s weekly roundup of our top stories.
With ALXnow, it’s easy to catch up on the latest news in Alexandria. This week, we focused on coverage of our local, state, and federal governments. We also reported a lot of crime, including a homicide in the city’s West End.
Alexandria leaders are praising NOVA Parks Executive Director Paul Gilbert, who recently announced that he will step down by December.
Gilbert has led the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority for 20 years. In Alexandria, his organization acquired the Winkler Botanical Preserve in 2022, and owns and operates Cameron Run Regional Park and Carlyle House Historic Park.
