Carnifax Takes Helm of JCC Parks and Rec

By WYDaily Staff Friday, January 29, 2010

Starting Monday, James City County's acting parks and recreation director John Carnifax will remove the word "acting" from his title.

Carnifax has served the division for 13 years, most recently as acting director since August. Before that he was deputy director for three years, and had beeen director of parks for nine years.

During his tenure at James City County, Carnifax played a significant role in the acquisition of Chickahominy Riverfront Park and in the development of Freedom Park, the Warhill Sports Complex, and the public/private partnership with the Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex. He was actively involved in the past two County Comprehensive Plan revisions, as well as serving as the lead staff person for the update of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan in 2009.

He is an active member of the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society, where he has served several terms on the Society’s governing board, including two years as the vice president. He is involved in the National Recreation and Parks Association where he has served as a team leader for the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies and is a 2009 graduate of the Leadership Historic Triangle Program, serving as an active member in the development of the new “My Place” inclusive playground.

Carnifax has received numerous awards during his tenure including the 2001 VRPS Distinguished Service Award and the James City County Board of Supervisors 2005 Chairman’s Award for his work in addressing the athletic, health and recreational needs within the community.

Carnifax will continue to report to Community Services Manager, Diana Hutchens. Under current fiscal restraints, the County will look to eliminate the Parks and Recreation Deputy Director position in the FY 11 Budget and adjust workload and staffing as needed.