W&OD Strategic Plan 2012-2017 #bikedc

Actually its the Strategic Plan for Northern Virginia Regional Parks, for which the WOD is the crown jewel as far as cyclists go. 

Both the Plan and the video are typical of strategic plans: filled with vague statements and lofty goals, but not overly informative or surprising.  The plan calls for land acquisition, better care of trails, better use of volunteers, better use of partners, and better use of technology. One interesting data point is that NVRPA generates 83% of its budget through user fees (think swimming pools, cabins...).   NVRPA wants to diversify its offerings so that there are more things to do in the parks.  

NVRPA also wants to improve branding so that when people are in a NVRPA, they realize it is a NVPRA park and not something else.  That's actually not such a bad idea.  Using our favorite park as an example, is it immediately obvious that the WOD is a NVRPA, and not merely a trail that winds its way through different jurisdictions and different parks?

I noticed one shot in the video of the WOD and a cyclists.  You tell me.... was that a legal stop at the stop sign on the WOD?  This perpetuates the confusion of whether those WOD stop signs are merely signs in a park and constitute recommendations - or they are law enforceable stop signs.  Which ever it is, it would be nice if NVRPA reflected that view in their videos.

The plan also reflects why it is important for cyclists to take surveys.  The plan reflects the input it received from park patrons who took a NVRPA survey.

• Park Facilities that respondent households have a need for: #1 Paved walking and biking trails
• Most important park and recreation facilities: #1 Paved walking and biking trails

These survey results influence where the NVPRA will place its priorities.

I visit NVRPA parks several times a week (mainly the WOD and Potomac Overlook).  They are fantastic parks, and we cyclists are grateful for the fantastic bike trails.