Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Due to the expected impact of the winter storm, all Virginia State Park overnight facilities will be closed from Friday, Jan. 23 through Tuesday, Jan. 27. This decision is based on the forecast for unsafe conditions and potential power outages. For updates click here.
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 07, 2025
Contact: Kim Wells, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 804-217-1077, kim.wells@dcr.virginia.gov
Innovation Award bestowed to Virginia State Parks’ Business Revenue and Administrative Team
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Administrative BAR Team with the Innovation Award)
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Visitation Dashboard)
RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia State Parks’ Business Revenue and Administrative (BAR) Team has redefined administrative efficiency through creative problem-solving. By creating the employee Onboarding and Transfer Portal and the Data Dashboards, they instituted two innovative initiatives that streamline workforce integration, financial management and operational oversight.
“I could not be more proud of our Business Revenue and Administrative Team for receiving this Innovation Award,” said Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker. “Their creativity and commitment have transformed complex administrative processes into streamlined systems that directly support our mission. By reducing administrative burdens, they have given our rangers more time to do what matters most—serving visitors and stewarding our parks. This recognition is a reflection not only of their hard work but also of the dedication of staff across Virginia State Parks and our partners in DCR Finance, Information Technology, and Human Resources, whose collaboration makes achievements like this possible.”
Previously, onboarding was decentralized, requiring supervisors to manually coordinate many tasks on many different platforms. Now, the Onboarding and Transfer Portal consolidates everything into one structured system. This shift has reduced onboarding complexity, empowered supervisors and enhanced employee preparedness, leading to higher retention and engagement.
Virginia State Parks’ Data Dashboards now have increased efficiency by consolidating data and information into a customizable, real-time interface that offers immediate access to reservation trends, visitor demographics, programing and financial performance. This allows rangers to spot errors, evaluate budgets, analyze trends and make informed financial decisions within a single system.
By transforming data accessibility, onboarding processes, and administrative training, Virginia State Parks’ BAR Team has set a new standard in administrative excellence, making them a deserving recipient of NASPD’s Innovation Award.
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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.
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