Last night, the Virginia Municipal League (VML) tonight awarded the City of Danville’s Danville Outdoors program the President’s Award for Innovation, the league’s highest honor recognizing creative solutions in local government.

VML President Steve Trivett selected Danville Outdoors as the best among seven category-winning projects announced last month. The award was presented during the league’s annual conference in Roanoke.

City Manager Ken Larking said the award highlights Danville’s commitment to collaboration and community-focused innovation.

“Danville Outdoors is a great example of what happens when city departments, community organizations, and residents come together with a shared purpose,” Larking said. “Our City Council has been instrumental in making this kind of innovation possible by providing the resources and support we need to serve the community in creative and meaningful ways.”

Danville Outdoors is a citywide initiative that transforms parks, trails, and green spaces into places for learning, exploration, and community connection. The program unites multiple city departments and partners—including Danville Parks and Recreation, Danville Public Works, Dan River Basin Association, Danville Science Center, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Master Naturalists, Danville Master Gardeners, The Gabriella Garden Club, The Garden Club of Danville and Danville Public Schools—into a coordinated, citywide hub.

Through collaboration, Danville Outdoors offers hands-on programs, community events, and environmental education that reach residents of all ages while promoting equitable access to nature.

Highlights include:

• Ballou Park Reforestation Project: Restored about 20 trees, with more planned, and engaged over 250 participants in hands-on learning.
• Adventure and Education Programs: Combine outdoor activities with environmental learning in neighborhood parks and redevelopment sites, extending impact without major cost.
• Signature Events: Initiatives like Ladybug Release Day foster biodiversity awareness and community participation.

Earlier this year, Danville became the first city in Virginia designated as a Nature Everywhere Community, joining more than 80 organizations nationwide recognized for expanding access to nature.

VML’s Innovation Awards program honors outstanding problem-solving, management, and citizen engagement across seven categories. Danville Outdoors won in the Community Health category before being chosen for the overall President’s Award.

The City of Danville has a strong track record with the VML Innovation Awards. In 2019, the Project Imagine program won in its category and also received the President’s Award. In 2017, the city was recognized for its use of Facebook Live on River City TV and for the Dan River Twins children’s book project. Earlier awards include the River District Development Project in 2014 and the Safe & Sound Neighborhoods program in 2012.