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Review of Marvel's Spider-man: Miles Morales
Marvel's Spider-man: Miles Morales is Sony's newest video game following the story of MIles Morales as he learns to become our Spider-man.
February 19, 2021 gayinthecle
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is the latest addition to the Spider-Man video game franchise. The release lends itself to the popularity of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This was the first movie about Spider-man characters, other than Peter Parker. It was also the first time a person of color was the star in a Spider-Man movie. But, how does this all translate into a video game experience?
History of Spider-Man
A History of Spider-man
In 1962, Stan Lee released the first Spider-man comic. By the late 70s, his popularity was cemented into the world of Marvel comics and he was becoming one of the most popular heroes. The first video game came to the Atari 2600 system in 1982. It was a simple vertical scroller, building climber catching bad guys.
By the 1990s, we were seeing Spider-Man starring in fighting side scroller styles. Super NES released Spider-Man vs. Venom: Maximum Carnage where you could play as either character. Then on to Capcom spongey Marvel Super Heroes. These played similar to X-men: Children of the Atom.
Sony took their first shot at a Spider-Man video game in 2000. This game was built off of the Tony Hawk's Pro Skater engine. However, it wasn't until 2002, after the release of the Toby Maguire Spider-Man Movie that the game developer Treyarch decided to release a video game under the same name. These movies sparked two additional video games, as well. During this run, you were able to play them on Xbox, some Nintendo consoles, and PlayStation.
Does Whatever A Spider Can
In 2018, Sony gave us Marvel's Spider-Man. This video game was a stand-alone story, separate from the MCU, at the time. This game was an open world with some of the most beautiful cityscape designs. The gameplay was fast and fun, allowing you to learn Spidey moves and fighting styles. This was my favorite Spider-Man video game, to date.
The downloadable content, DLC, for this game, while short, was a great addition to the game storyline. There is nothing more fun than a game where stealth is important for the game's progression. After all, you're playing a wall-crawler, it would make sense to have stealth be a large factor for the game.
There have been strong comparisons to this game and Arkham City. True, they both rely on gadgets to help in their fights, stealth tactics for specific areas, and a fully open world, but that is where a lot of the comparisons end. Batman is about strength, subterfuge, and fear. Spider-man is more of a quick quips to the bad guy to keep them distracted and focused, much more about using the environment to your advantage, and the surprise of stealth.
I absolutely loved playing this game. I still go back to it for some good Spidey fun.
Along Came A Spider
The cool part about Marvel's Spider-Man was how they also introduced Miles Morales in the game. You only get to play him briefly, mostly to build the backstory of the character, but it was still awesome.
We know that 2020 didn't give us a lo to be excited about but when Sony released Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, there was a bit of excitement for gamers everywhere.
This would be the first time that Miles had his own video game that allowed you to play him on the beginnings of his journey into the greater Spider-Verse.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is set a year after the events of the predecessor game. Miles has been under the tutelage of Peter and is slowly learning his powers. We also see that MIles has moved to Harlem and has set up there as Spider-Man. He is also still learning his newfound abilities. From here, Peter tells Miles that he needs to leave the city for a few weeks and he is in charge. Miles is a bit reluctant about taking on the mantle solo. In his game, we get to see him learn his powers and grow, in himself, to become a Spider-Man.
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales introduces you to a host of Spider-man characters and bad guys. Rhino plays the second largest role as a villain. We also see the Prowler, Miles' uncle, giving him some pointers on how to fight. We are also introduced to some of Miles' friends, Ganke, his best friend, and his childhood friend, Phin. We are also introduced to the big villain for the game, the Tinkerer.
With Great Power
For the most part, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales plays very similar to Marvel's Spider-Man, with the biggest differences coming from the animations of Miles' powers. Fighting styles has similarities to the predecessor, using breakable environments to debilitate your enemies, swinging through the city, zip lining across distances, and bringing enemies to you.
Miles gives us the ability to do these things and add his Venom Blast and camouflage to the mix. As you progress through the story, you get to unlock upgraded or new versions of his special moves. All of which can be chained together to inflict large amounts of damage or help in avoiding taking it.
The game works on the same point style upgrades as its predecessor. You also get challenges throughout the city to help gain needed parts to make other upgrades or unlock suits. Though, most just find one or two suits they like and not change often. Some of them have nifty bonuses like the first game and some are just cosmetics. One of the cool ones is the Into the Spider-Verse suit. It allows you to see the effects in fighting like BAM! POW! And Wham!
He's Our Spider-Man
The story for this Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is actually quite good. It plays and feels like you are still a new Spider-Man, learning your way into the mantle you have taken up. You get to see Miles make mistakes, which is important so you can watch your hero grow.
We are introduced to Aaron Davis, the Prowler, in this game. And as we all know, this version of the Prowler is only the newest version of this multi-use character in the Spider-Man universe. Aaron is a pretty big force in Miles' life. He was the uncle he looked up to as a kid and forced to not see due to his ties to crime.
However, the biggest change to the characters in this version is the Tinkerer. In this game, the Tinkerer keeps the name Phineas Mason but is shortened to Phin. Phin has a strong and close tie to Miles and becomes the biggest lesson he has to learn in this game.
With the help of his best friend Ganke, they create an app that helps you track crimes in the city and a way for citizens to reach out to you. Ganke also helps in a supporting role through the game. After all, we all need friends from time to time.
The Results Are in
Spider-Man was one of the first superheroes I was exposed to, as a child. And he has remained one of my favorites. I really loved the 2018 game and the release of the 2020 Miles Morales installment was a huge excitement for me. I went into this having huge expectations for what I would experience.
There are two big drawn backs for the game, at least for me.
First, the game is made for the PlayStation 5 but it is backwards compatible for the PS4. Because of this, there is some lagging and pixelation in places. Nothing that makes it unplayable, just some minor glitching.
Second, there is only about 8-10 hours of game play. You will get the full ten hours if you do all of the side quests, challenges, and etc. If you play for just the story progression, you are looking at 8 hours tops. For a game that retailed at $49.99, it seems a little thin.
Sony has already said that it is doubtful they will release any DLC for this game. There are rumors they are working on a sequel to the first game. There is not firm release date, as of yet. Rumors suggest that it may be 2022. No DLC means this game is quick and leaves us feeling like we need more.
What is good about the game?
The story moves along nicely and the gaming style is familiar to the first one. So you feel comfortable jumping and just having fun.
Its also great that Sony released a game that actually has a much better diversity than its predecessor. This gives us a hero, a story, and an environment that more of us can relate to. A place where we can see ourselves when much of the super hero landscape seems to be dominated by white cis-gendered men, that is unless you need a villain.
While the price tag is a bit steep for a short game, I personally think this is another Amazing Spider-Man game, sorry for the over the top pun but it is Spider-Man, after all. If you have not played it yet, what are you waiting for? Get your copy Marvel's Spider-man: Miles Morales and check it out. If you have played it, drop me a line in the comments section and let me know what you think of the game. Was it what you expected or wanted? Or did it leave you feeling like you wanted so much more?
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2 thoughts on "Review of Marvel's Spider-man: Miles Morales"
There is actually a lesbian couple in the game and the first time they are shown is at the festival then later in the game at a mission
gayinthecle says:
There is, indeed. I thought I mentioned in it that article but it may have been in another one. That is one of the reasons I really got engrossed in the story. It had a little bit of everyone in it and was nice to see a more diverse Spider-verse. Thank you for your comment.


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Q: Slow usb charger for my smart phone? I read that the optimal charger for smartphone batteries is 3.92v (to reduce degradation). Is it possible to implement a system that allows an external "charger" to cause charging to stop at this point?
Added:  People have pointed out that the external USB power supply is not actually a charger and that the charging is carried out by circuitry inside the phone.
Would it be possible to design and implement a circuit external to the the phone that terminated charging when the battery had reached some 'less than 100% charged' state, that allowed a longer battery cycle lifetime and greater whole of life capacity?.

A:
Is it possible to purchase a usb wall charger that charges at that voltage? Or perhaps 3.9v? I'm not finding anything on google.

The USB charger, as you call it, is not charging the battery. It's supplying 5V to the phone. The phone contains a battery charger, which controls charging of the battery. The  charger, inside the phone, regulates the voltage according to the state of charge and desired charging current.
The USB spec says 5V, +0.25V, -0.55V. Your 3.9V would be wildly outside the spec. A good phone would decide that the power source is not reliable, and do nothing with it. A bad phone may be damaged by it.

A: AN EFFECTIVE PRACTICAL LITHIUM ION BATTERY LIFE EXTENSION METHOD.
This method will work with many Lithium Ion battery powered devices that use "USB" (or other) external chargers.
It may not work with some devices that try to operate a 'closed' system that attempts to ensure that only "genuine" chargers are used - but it will work with many of those as well.
It involves inserting a small device in the external charge lead which allows charging current to be monitored and thus for charging to be terminated when the classic CCCV charging cycle switches from CC to CV mode. This is at a point somewhat above the 3.9X v/cell that the question identified but is still at a point which will give useful battery cycle life and whole of life capacity improvement. This is at the expense of a decrease in per cycle charge capacity of typically around 10-15% compared to the absolute maximum achievable.
Devices which use secret mason's handshakes, unusual resistor combinations, digital signalling and other arcane techniques will still usually be amenable to this method as can be completely transparent* up until the moment that it terminates charging.

*

**I mention below use of a small resistor as a current sensor. A drop of say 0.1V maximum is unlikely to cause a problem or be detectable in most cases. If desired a Hall cell current sensor will allow completely transparent current sensing.

A method that will extend battery cycle life and whole of life mAh capacity is to terminate charging when Vbat reaches Vmax. Chargers almost invariable implement "CCCV" charging (constant current followed by constant voltage once Vmax is reached.)
By monitoring charge current and terminating charging when the current starts to drop at the end of the CC phase you get something in the 80%-90% capacity range and useful extended lifetime.
At the start of charge Ichg may ramp up initially so you need a startup timer to preventing charge termination initially. For extra fun, some phones may occasionally drop into a brief low current mode while they do something the maker thinks helps. So a timer to cover this may also be needed.
An eg Arduino would provide the functionality needed with ease.

*

*Monitor charger current with a small series resistor.

*Determine what typical Ichg is.

*Allow a startup period.

*If needed, allow a delay when Ichg falls too low.

*When Ichg falls to low for more than a predetermined period, terminate charge.

Some phones might need more complex decisions, but these can be seen by observation and, in most cases, the above should suffice.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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Q: Is there a way to find the index of a UICollectionView section? Is there a way to find the index of a UICollectionView section?
My CollectionView is populated by arrays that are contained in a master array, and I need to select the appropriate one for the section.
func collectionView(collectionView: UICollectionView, cellForItemAtIndexPath indexPath: NSIndexPath) -> UICollectionViewCell {

    let collectionCell: ChecklistCollectionViewCell = collectionView.dequeueReusableCellWithReuseIdentifier("collectionCell", forIndexPath: indexPath) as! ChecklistCollectionViewCell

    let section = //I need the index of the current section here!

    let sectionArray = allCards[section]

    collectionCell.imageCell.image = UIImage(named: sectionArray[indexPath.row])

    return collectionCell

}

Similar to how it is done here:
func collectionView(collectionView: UICollectionView, numberOfItemsInSection section: Int) -> Int {

    let sectionArray = allCards[section]
    return sectionArray.count

}

A: let section = allCards[indexPath.section]


Hippisley-Cox, Charles (2015) Traditional buildings as ecosystems with spiders as biocontrol for woodworm. The Bulletin of the British Ecological Society, 46 (4). pp. 40-41.
Most professionals working with the built environment are now committed to using fewer potentially dangerous chemicals whenever possible. This recent case study presents the possibility of using spiders to control woodworm populations rather than sprays. The life-cycle of the woodworm Anobium punctatum can be interrupted by the introduction of Pholcus phalangioides as a bio-predator.


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Marina Barayeva is an international portrait photographer, speaker and a host of the Marketing for Creatives show.
Marina is known authority in helping entrepreneurs become influencers in their niche. Always busy with creative projects, she organized an online photography conference, fashion show and has been featured on Art People, CCTV, China Radio International, and other media.
Marina Barayeva is an international photographer, speaker and a host of the Marketing for Creatives show.
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Rand Paul: GOP Needs to Reach Out to 'People That Don't Look Like Us, Don't Wear the Same Clothes'
Madeleine Morgenstern
The Blaze May 11, 2013
Rand Paul: GOP Needs to Reach Out to People That Dont Look Like Us, Dont Wear the Same Clothes
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. , has his photo taken with Linda Stikle, of Anamosa, Iowa, after speaking at the Iowa GOP Lincoln Dinner event, Friday, May 10, 2013, at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. AP)
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said Friday that the Republican Party needs to reach out to minority voters to have any hope of keeping up with an increasingly diverse electorate.
In an unmistakeable sign that he's already gearing up for the 2016 presidential race, Paul told attendees at the Iowa Republican Party's annual Lincoln Day dinner that the GOP needs to broaden its appeal, particularly to black and Latino voters.
"As a party we need to grow bigger and...attract the Latino vote," Paul said. "This is a very practical thing and I'm not ashamed to admit it. We need to attract the Latino vote, we need to attract the African-American vote. It is somewhat of a gateway issue and we have to change the way we are talking about it and who we are if we are going to attract the Latino vote."
Paul, who has previously spoken about the need for immigration reform, said he could potentially vote for the current pending legislation as long as stronger border security was added.
He said illegal immigrants already living in the U.S. have "de-facto amnesty" anyway, and that Republicans "need to treat immigrants with dignity and respect."
"Their kids will be voting and if their kids think we're hostile, they're never going to vote for us," Paul said.
He added, "We're an increasingly diverse nation and I think we do need to reach out to other people that don't look like us, don't wear the same clothes, that aren't exactly who we are. We need to reach out, we're going to have to do something."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Christiansburg Parks & Rec Master Plan 2014
Town of Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Master Plan Adopted by Christiansburg Town Council: August 26, 2014
_______________________ Prepared by: New River Valley Planning District Commission June 2014 With Contributions from: Town of Christiansburg Staff Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission
Table of Contents Chapter 1: Executive Summary .............................................................................................. 2 Chapter 2: Mission, Goals and Objectives .............................................................................. 3 Chapter 3: Existing Conditions ............................................................................................... 5 Chapter 4: Demographics, Trends, Usage and Future Development ...................................16 Chapter 5: Public Input ..........................................................................................................21 Chapter 6: Parks and Facilities Needs and Recommendations ............................................27 Chapter 7: Program and Event Recommendations ...............................................................35 Chapter 8: Accessibility and Connectivity .............................................................................36 Chapter 9: Implementation of the Master Plan.....................................................................38 Appendix ..................................................................................................................................40
Maps and Figures Map 1: Park Service Area Boundaries ...................................................................................11 Map 2: Future Land Use and Current Park Service Area Boundaries .................................20 Map 3: Public Desires for New Programs/Facilities by Area of Town...................................23 Map 4: Existing and Potential Trail and Sidewalk Network ................................................38 Figure 1: Mini Parks and Amenities ....................................................................................... 7 Figure 2: Neighborhood Parks and Amenities ........................................................................ 7 Figure 3: Community Parks and Amenities ........................................................................... 8 Figure 4: Program Participation Trends................................................................................13 Figure 5: Montgomery County Public Schools Parks and Amenities....................................15 Figure 6: Age Composition of the Town of Christiansburg ...................................................16 Figure 7: National Parks and Recreation Offerings ..............................................................17 Figure 8: Christiansburg Versus Median U.S. Facility Offerings .........................................18 Figure 9: Desired Facility and Program Rankings ................................................................21 Figure 10: Household Age Characteristics, Survey and Census ...........................................24 Figure 11: Resident Reasons For Visiting Parks ...................................................................24 Figure 12: Recreation Participation in Times per Month .....................................................25 Figure 13: Number of Household Participants by Activity ...................................................26
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia
Chapter 1: Executive Summary The Town of Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Master Plan is the first step in the process of meeting the needs of current and future residents within the town. Christiansburg has a reputation for providing excellence in recreation programming, as well as park and facility offerings. The town has developed assets that are available to town residents, but also have a regional appeal. These assets include the following:          
Huckleberry Trail Christiansburg Recreation Center Harkrader Sports Complex Christiansburg Aquatic Center Six town-owned parks and one town-leased park Youth and adult sports Senior programs Special population programs Youth and adult programs Christiansburg Skate Park
Outside of these current assets, the town is also developing the 20 acre Diamond Hills Park and the Truman Wilson Property, a 62 acre parcel purchased by the town in 2013 that is in close proximity to the major retail center of Christiansburg. These two new parks will serve as attractions for town residents and regional visitors considering their size and potential for additional facilities for resident users. As part of the process of developing the Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Master Plan, a survey was created and distributed to gather town resident feedback on recreation facilities and programs. The survey was a major factor in developing recommendations for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan which serves as a guide for future development of facilities and programs. Established relationships with other town departments, community groups, Montgomery County Public Schools, and neighboring localities strengthen the ability of the department to meet the recreation needs of town residents. Parks and recreation amenities are available for a diverse population of users. The Town of Christiansburg strives to be known for its well-rounded programs and facilities to meet the needs of the community while supporting opportunities for regional impact and tourism, true to its slogan, "The only place to play; Christiansburg, Virginia." 2
2014 Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Chapter 2: Mission, Goals and Objectives Department Mission The Christiansburg Department of Parks and Recreation mission is to promote and implement leisure programs and services that enhance the quality of life for all ages. In partnership with the community, we pledge to deliver quality leisure programs and services in a personal, effective and successful manner.
Goals and Objectives Goals were developed around four key areas based on direction from the Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and town staff. These areas include:
Parks and Facilities Open Space and Interconnectivity Marketing and Communication Operations and Programs
1. Parks and Facilities Goal 1-1: Maintain existing parks and facilities while supporting newer parks and facilities as the town grows. Objective: Establish a capital improvement program to prioritize funding for facility needs. Objective: Create handicap accessible signature park for the Town of Christiansburg at the Truman Wilson Property. Objective: Explore the feasibility of creating new facilities to reduce crowding or overuse. Objective: Construct multipurpose fields to maximize space. Objective: Develop a softball sport complex to serve residents and bring tournaments to the Town of Christiansburg. Objective: Develop and modify playgrounds and parks with respect to special populations (people that are disabled).
2. Open Space and Interconnectivity Goal 2-1: Provide ease of access for town residents to enjoy the outdoors. Objective: Preserve and plan for open spaces within Diamond Hills Park, the Truman Wilson parcel, and any other future parks. Objective: Evaluate whether recreation assets, businesses and residential areas are connected via trails and sidewalks.
3. Marketing and Communication Goal 3-1: Effectively communicate events, facilities, and programs internally and externally. Objective: Increase outreach regarding events, facilities, and programs through the continued program guide and social media platforms Objective: Advertise tourism opportunities within the town in cooperation with the Montgomery Tourism Development Council.
Goal 3-2: Promote coordination with businesses, schools, New River Valley communities, and support beneficial partnerships elsewhere. Objective: Partner with parks and recreation departments throughout the region to host events and tournaments that are beyond the capacity of one department. Objective: Develop public private partnerships through sponsorships of events, tournaments, and other community activities. Objective: Partner with Montgomery County Public Schools to use facilities for youth and adult sports.
4. Operations and Programs Goal 4-1: Explore the potential for additional community events throughout the year.
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Objective: Market existing events and seek press coverage for stories from town events. Objective: Identify additional town events for varying interests of town residents. Goal 4-2: Develop a cost-benefit model for all capital improvements. Objective: Evaluate the renovation of parks to be retrofitted so they are handicap accessible and incorporate accessibility features into future parks. Objective: Strengthen interdepartmental cooperation by partnering with other town departments on projects to save on costs.
Goal 4-3: Utilize assets within close proximity to town to enhance recreation programs. Objective: Develop New River fishing and water sport programs that incorporate education and activities. Objective: Work with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to develop classes on hunter safety and hunting education. Objective: Develop classes on hiking and camping safety while utilizing the Appalachian Trail. Goal 4-4: Ensure compliance with local, state, and national regulations while staying current on national recreation trends. Objective: Utilize National Recreation and Park Association data and awards as benchmarks for the town. Objective: Observe Virginia stormwater management regulations and incorporate into recreation facility planning.
Radford Softball Clinic offered as a program through the Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Department.
CHAPTER 3: Existing Conditions The Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Department serves approximately 22,000 people within town boundaries and also provides services for residents of Montgomery County and the Town of Blacksburg, as well as surrounding communities. The current assets of the department include the Christiansburg Recreation Center, Harkrader Sports Complex, and seven parks dispersed throughout the community. Parks and Recreation also has two properties for future development, Diamond Hills Park, and the Truman Wilson property. Diamond Hills Park is a 20 acre parcel located off of Independence Boulevard and the Truman Wilson property is 62 acres on the south side of Peppers Ferry Road, N.W. The Town of Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Master Plan serves a dual role of providing an inventory of existing conditions as well as a guide for future development. Following is a description of the parks and facilities within the Town of Christiansburg as well as those under the management of the Parks and Recreation Department. Park Definitions For the purposes of the Town of Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Master Plan, the following park designations were used to determine levels of service within town boundaries. Christiansburg park definitions are based on national standards developed by the National Recreation and Park Association, but have been adapted to match the needs and resources of the town.
Mini Park Mini parks within the Town of Christiansburg are small parks, less than one acre, serving small residential developments with limited population. These mini parks feature small, sometimes specialized facilities geared toward easy accessibility and short-term use by residents within a walkable distance. The service area for mini parks is set at Âź mile. At present, there are five mini parks in town.
Circle Park is a mini park located close to downtown Christiansburg, featuring a playground, swings, and a ½ court basketball court.
Bike Rack/Parking
x x x x x
Rectangular Field
Mini Parks Town and Country Park Wall Street Park Circle Park Wayside Park Downtown Park
Figure 1: Mini Parks and Amenities
Neighborhood Park Neighborhood parks are between one and five acres, allowing for more intense use and include more amenities. Neighborhood parks serve an area within a ½ mile radius, including a larger population than a mini park. Christiansburg currently has one neighborhood park, Depot Park. It is located adjacent to the Christiansburg Aquatic Center and is relatively close to downtown.
Depot Park recently added a paved trail around the park for recreation users.
Neighborhood Parks Depot Park
Figure 2: Neighborhood Parks and Amenities
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Community Park Community parks are between five and 25 acres, generally providing large recreation uses for all town residents. Community parks typically provide amenities such as large athletic complexes/fields, open space, parking, picnic shelters, as well as uses found in some smaller parks. There are currently two community parks, Harkrader Sports Complex and Kiwanis Park. Harkrader Sports Complex is host to baseball tournaments and has adjacent
A future community park, playground areas, complimented by additional Montgomery County Public Diamond Hills Park, is being School amenities including a tennis/basketball courts and soccer fields. built and will be completed in 2014. The park is being reconstructed for the Diamond Hills Stream Restoration Project, part of the Town of Christiansburg's Stream Preservation and Restoration Program established in 2009, will provide an additional community park. The Vision 2020 plan recommends recreational planning with the preservation and protection of natural resources. Therefore, the town has proposed that Diamond Hills Park will offer open space, a permeable loop trail, and picnic areas. Kiwanis Park is owned by the Christiansburg Kiwanis Club; however, the Town of Christiansburg is the primary user. Since the town is the primary user of the park, Kiwanis Park is included in the following table and considered a community park for the purpose of this analysis.
Community Parks Harkrader Sports Complex 2 Kiwanis Park 1
Figure 3: Community Parks and Amenities
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Regional Park Regional parks serve town residents, but also serve needs beyond the town boundary in large part due to their facility capacity or unique assets. Regional parks are more than 25 acres and allow for intense recreation uses such as fields, open space, and large venues for events and sports tournaments. Regional parks can be used for bringing people to town for sporting tournaments or for general recreation. Currently, there are no regional parks within town limits, but a 62 acre site was acquired by the Town of Christiansburg in 2013 to be developed into a park. The land is located south of Route 114, in close proximity to the New River Valley Mall. This park will be adjacent to the Huckleberry Trail extension which is planned to link to the Christiansburg Recreation Center. Montgomery County's Mid-County Park and the Coal Mining Heritage Park and Loop Trail qualify as a regional parks and are located within close proximity to the Town of Christiansburg. Mid-County Park offers the following: outdoor swimming pool, picnic shelters, 37-hole disc golf course, trails, basketball court and a playground. Coal Mining Heritage Park offers a 1.5 mile multi-use loop trail that meets the standards of the International Mountain Bike Association.
Linear Park Linear parks are areas that may be developed for alternative transportation and/or recreational travel, including biking, hiking, horseback riding, and other modes. Linear parks can also be natural corridors intended to connect different forms of recreation as well as commercial areas to residential areas. The Huckleberry Trail is a linear 9
The Huckleberry Trail offers a multi-use trail option for recreation or commuting.
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia park and it currently extends six miles, connecting from the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg, to the Blacksburg Library. Plans to extend the trail in Christiansburg include a bridge over Route 114 that will connect to the Christiansburg Recreation Center. The bridge and extension will be completed in 2014. There are no applicable service standards for linear parks other than providing connections throughout commercial centers and recreation uses throughout towns and regions.
Private Recreation Options Several businesses within the Town of Christiansburg offer private recreation options for residents. These options include exercise classes, golf, bowling, rock climbing, roller skating, and many more. Combined with existing town and nonprofit offerings, Christiansburg has options for almost any recreation user.
Service Area of Parks Each park designation has an associated acreage and service area buffer. National standards exist through National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and have been adapted to fit the current size and demographics of the Town of Christiansburg. Park Designation
Service Area Buffer
Âź mile
½ mile
Following is a map of the current service area boundaries for town-owned parks within the Town of Christiansburg. The majority of town limits are covered by existing service boundaries, with small exceptions for the less populated eastern and southern portions of the town.
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Programs Parks and Recreation programs offered by the Town of Christiansburg serve multiple interests and age ranges. The Christiansburg Recreation Center is the main focus of parks and recreation programs within the town. The Recreation Center hosts youth and adult sports, activities for seniors, and hosts community events in need of a large indoor space. The department also sponsors town events that benefit the whole community. Parks and Recreation programs are described below according to the location of each program. Downtown Christiansburg: The Town of Christiansburg sponsors downtown events throughout the year. The past two years, there have been food truck events downtown sponsored by Downtown Christiansburg Inc. Other events sponsored by the town or other organizations include the Wilderness Trail Festival, Wine and Artisans, Movies in the Park, Cruise-In, Tech Tailgate events, Depot Days, and 4th of July events. Christiansburg Recreation Center: The Recreation Center hosts the majority of indoor recreation programs. Youth and adult sports, senior center, and exercise classes occur at this centrally located facility. The Recreation Center also hosts major events within the town such as the New River Valley Home Builders' Association's Home Expo.
Programs hosted at the Christiansburg Recreation Center:         
Youth community recreation Adult community recreation Special Interest Programs Senior Programs Special Populations (Disabled) Programs Special Events Adult Athletic Programs Youth Athletic Programs Athletic Special Events
Sports tourism has been successful with tournaments hosted within and nearby the Town of Christiansburg. An economic impact study was done to compare the effects of the 2013 USSSA World Series and Dixie World Series. Over a five day period, it was estimated that the total impact of the USSSA World Series included 134 rooms per night, and a total of nearly $287,000 in local impact. The Dixie World Series, over a seven day period, generated 105 rooms per night, and $280,000 in total local impact. The following chart, from the 2013 Annual Report, displays the participation trends of all recreation programs within the town. Program participation is on the rise for 12
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia youth community, adult athletic, special population youth special events, senior special events, and clubs. Programs with the biggest decrease in participation are adult and senior community programs. Figure 4: Program Participation Trends Program
Youth Community Programs
94 100 90 202 214 194 46 46 46 23 18 18 169 162 138 8 5 7 7 8 9 8 8 11 19 21 23 3 2 4 13
343 452 317 1,398 1,457 1,313 496 500 2,643 815 697 689 1,269 1,351 1,212 14 13 21 7 8 9 10 12 13 24 29 21 10 40 40 39
824 705 672 4,167 4,348 3,807 919 989 1,269 1,346 1,197 1,034 13,540 15,584 15,170 1208 773 956 613 559 559 429 427 642 2,181 1,908 1,024 383 234 440 128
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 78 79 102 106 98 96 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 85,891 10,600 10,455 10,335 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2,500 2,910 3,460 6,600 6,400 7,430 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 75
Adult Community Programs Youth Athletic Programs Adult Athletic Programs Senior Citizen Programs Special Population Programs Youth Special Events
Adult Special Events
Senior Citizen Special Events Clubs
Athletic Special Events Outdoor Athletic Tournaments
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Harkrader Sports Complex: The Harkrader Sports Complex hosts tournaments for baseball and softball as well as league play. Downtown Park: The Downtown Park is another venue that the town utilizes to host events throughout the year, such as the Great Christiansburg Easter Egg Hunt each spring, and Movies in the Park.
Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Facilities Christiansburg Recreation Center The Christiansburg Recreation Center is a 62,000 square foot, multipurpose facility that provides a wide range of recreational and leisure opportunities for the community. There are four full court basketball courts, a 1/8 mile indoor track, cardio room, weight room, senior area, two racquetball courts, and classrooms available for rent. Many of the Parks and Recreation Department's programs are housed at the Recreation Center and cater to varying ages and intensities for recreation users. The Recreation Center is free to use by town residents and memberships are available for users outside town limits. Montgomery County Public Schools Amenities Although not owned by the Town of Christiansburg, school facilities operated by Montgomery County Public Schools provide additional options for town residents to utilize for recreation. There are six schools within the Town of Christiansburg offering additional fields, playgrounds, and other amenities. These assets are utilized by the Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Department. The town maintains the Falling Branch Elementary fields and uses the property during nonschool hours.
Park Designation by Acreage
Falling Branch Elem. Community Old Middle School Community
Neighborhood 1 Neighborhood 3
MCPS Schools in Christiansburg
Figure 5: Montgomery County Public Schools Parks and Amenities
Chapter 4: Demographics, Trends, Usage and Future Development Christiansburg Demographics According to 2012 Census estimates, the Town of Christiansburg is home to 21,458 people with 9,609 total housing units. The median family income is $61,290 and Christiansburg's unemployment rate according to the American Community Survey's estimate is 4.2%, annualized for 2012. The median age of Christiansburg residents is 32.8 years. Following is a breakdown of the number of people in each age group within the Town of Christiansburg. Figure 6: Age Composition of the Town of Christiansburg Age Group Under 5 years 5 to 9 years 10 to 14 years 15 to 19 years 20 to 24 years 25 to 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 59 years 60 to 64 years 65 to 74 years 75 to 84 years 85 years and over
Population Percentage 1,721 8.2% 1,420 6.8% 1,237 5.9% 991 4.7% 1,766 8.4% 3,882 18.5% 2,885 13.8% 2,589 12.3% 1,343 6.4% 932 4.4% 1,074 5.1% 910 4.3% 230 1.1% 2012 American Community Survey, 5-Year Estimate
National Trends The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) develops a Parks and Recreation National Database Report each year. There are several components to the report which include trends in program offerings, budgeting, operations, facility service calculations, and more. Following is a chart that details the percentage of recreation departments that offer specific types of programs. These programs include: environmental, water safety, tennis, golf, organized team sports, trips and tours, martial arts, fitness, health and wellness, performing arts, and visual arts and crafts. Christiansburg offers programs in each of these areas.
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Figure 7: National Parks and Recreation Offerings 2010
Tennis Programs
Golf Program
Organized Team Sports 73.3% 69.7% 69.8% 67.2%
Martial Arts 59.5%
70.8% 67.9% 68.6% 88.4% 86.7% 85.7% 86.5%
Performing Arts 58.5% Visual Arts and Crafts
National Recreation and Park Association, Parks and Recreation National Database Report, 2014
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia The Town of Christiansburg performs well in the median population per facility according to the NRPA 2014 Report. If Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) facilities are included, Christiansburg meets and exceeds facility offerings based on population. Even if MCPS facilities are excluded from the count, all facilities meet national standards except for rectangular fields. As the population grows, the town will need to consider additional facilities to meet the needs and desires of residents.
Figure 8: Christiansburg Versus Median U.S. Facility Offerings
Facility Type Playground Diamond Fields Rectangular Fields Tennis Court (outdoor)
Departments Offering 96.1% 92.0% 89.1% 85.3%
Median Jurisdiction Total Population per Town/MCPS Facility Facilities 3,840 14 3,403 8 4,242 12 4,283 8
Christiansburg Population per Facility Town(Includes owned or MCPS) Maintained 1,533 11 2,682 7 1,788 3 2,682 0
Basketball Court (outdoor)
Recreation/Community Center
Swimming Pool (outdoor) Community Gardens Dog Park Golf Course (9 holes)
30,376 32,529 50,852 29,631
N/A 10,729 N/A N/A
Swimming Pool (indoor) Tennis Court (indoor)
32.8% 9.8%
21,458 N/A
Additional takeaways from the NRPA report include the individualization of recreation. Of the top ten activities performed by active Americans, all are individual sports such as walking, biking, running, and swimming. The report also calls attention to safety issues, such as concussions, that are affecting team sports like football and soccer. This could result in more flag football leagues throughout the country, but football numbers in the Town of Christiansburg continue to increase. In July 2012, the Town of Christiansburg developed a Youth Sports Concussion Policy and has taken a proactive approach by educating coaches, officials, and parents about the signs and dangers of concussions. A key policy within the document is, "when in doubt, sit them out.� Each year, the National Recreation and Park Association presents communities with awards for excellence in long-range planning, resource management, and agency recognition. There are five classes of awards based on population. The 18
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Town of Christiansburg falls within the 20,000-50,000 population category. Communities recognized in this category in the past five years include: Westerville, Ohio; Castle Rock, Colorado; Parker, Colorado; Gurnee, Illinois; and Lombard, Illinois. These communities developed and enhanced different areas of recreation planning. Following is a sample of their projects and activities. 
Westerville, Ohio: o Parks and recreation calendar of events. o Online registration for classes and athletics. o Host videos of events and key recreation assets within the town.
Castle Rock, Colorado: o Special Needs Club meets twice a month for sports, food, and fun for ages 10 and up.
Parker, Colorado: o Personal trainers are on staff with fees for each session. o Climbing wall with classes and open climb times throughout the week.
Gurnee, Illinois: o Art, dance, craft, and theater classes for several age groups. o Martial arts classes.
Lombard, Illinois: o Picnic shelter rentals. o Offers advertising spaces for purchase in quarterly activities guide.
Future Development The Town of Christiansburg recently completed the 2013 Comprehensive Plan which includes future population projections developed by Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. The plan indicates that by 2020, the town's population will grow to nearly 25,000. In 2030, the population is estimated to be over 28,000. With this increase from 21,041 in 2010, parks and recreation facilities will need to keep pace to meet the 34% increase in population over a 20 year period. This will put additional strain on the Christiansburg Recreation Center and existing facilities. Following is a future land use map with park service area buffers. Population growth is expected to occur in the eastern, western, and northern areas of town. These areas do not have a community park or smaller facility within their service area buffer, so it is recommended to evaluate the need for future parks based on park proximity.
Chapter 5: Public Input The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission developed a survey, included in the appendix, as an initial form of outreach. This survey was hosted online and advertised on the Town website, the Parks and Recreation Department website, through "Notify Me" which has nearly 700 subscribers, and a link to the survey was printed on Town water bills. Paper surveys were located at Town Hall, the Recreation Center, the Christiansburg Library, and the Aquatic Center. Overall, 619 surveys were completed and comments were utilized to inform the recommendations found in this plan. The Town of Christiansburg also hosted a community input meeting on June 2, 2014 to allow for comments on the draft of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Twelve citizens were present at the meeting. Comments from that meeting have been utilized in editing the Master Plan. Trends in Public feedback: 
77% of survey responses came from town residents
Priorities based on additional or updated facilities and places
Figure 9: Desired Facility and Program Rankings Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Responses 198 188 179 170 140 138 124 123 118 114 111 109 106 93 92 80 78 64 63 48 43
Percentage 32.0% 30.4% 28.9% 27.5% 22.6% 22.3% 20.0% 19.9% 19.1% 18.4% 17.9% 17.6% 17.1% 15.0% 14.9% 12.9% 12.6% 10.3% 10.2% 7.8% 6.9%
Desired Facility/Program Trails - Paved/Concrete Music Venue Trail Running/Walking Town Events Dog Park Aerobics/Exercise Classes Picnic Shelters Trails - Gravel Playground Track Running/Walking Bicycling Camping/Hiking Soccer Recreation Center Kayaking/Canoeing/Rafting Fishing/Hunting Swimming Basketball Tennis Lacrosse Horseshoes
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia 22 23 24 24 26 27 28 29
42 6.8% Senior Activities 41 6.6% Volleyball 34 5.5% Racquetball 34 5.5% Softball 29 4.7% Special Population Activities 25 4.0% Baseball 9 1.5% Pickleball 3 0.5% Frisbee Golf  "Other": Each received one vote: o Dog park o Rook tournament o Tennis o Sidewalks o Mountain biking trail o Music/food events o Weekend special interest o Large open spaces classes – adult o Spin classes o Inline hockey rink o Weightlifting o Field trips for non-seniors o Children's Classes
People responded that they would participate more often in these activities if the town had adequate or additional facilities, by area of town (Top five): Downtown: 1. Paved Trails 2. Music Venues 3. Town Events 4. Trail Running/Walking 5. Dog Park
Roanoke Street/East Side: 1. Music Venue 2. Town Events 3. Paved Trails 4. Trail Running/Walking 5. Playgrounds
Recreation Center: 1. Paved Trails 2. Trail Running/Walking 3. Town Events 4. Music Venue 5. Aerobics/Exercise Classes
NRV Mall Area: 1. Paved Trails 2. Music Venue 3. Trail Running/Walking 4. Playground 5. Dog Park
Following is a map of these results.
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia 
Survey results compared to Census data:
Figure 10: Household Age Characteristics, Survey and Census
Household Statistics, Survey 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%
Household Statistics, Census 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%
Survey respondents generally resembled Census data with the exception of the large 'Under 18' and smaller '25-34' age categories.
The top five reasons that Christiansburg residents visit parks are: 1. Playgrounds 2. Sports 3. Exercise 4. Relax 5. Town Event
Figure 11: Resident Reasons for Visiting Parks
Reason for Visiting Parks Response Percentage Town Event
Exercise Sports
Playground Relax
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Figure 12: Recreation Participation in Times per Month Recreation Center Trail Running/Walking Soccer Track Running/Walking Swimming Basketball Aerobics/Exercise Classes Bicycling Playground Camping/Hiking Fishing/Hunting Picnicking Baseball Softball Volleyball Kayaking/Canoeing/Rafting Tennis Racquetball Education Classes Special Population Activities Senior Activities Pickleball
Times per Month

Top ten activities and places by total participation, meaning the most utilized activities/places (i.e. Christiansburg Recreation Center has many visitors that come 3-5 times/week): 1. Recreation Center 2. Trail Running/Walking 3. Soccer 4. Track Running/Walking 5. Swimming 6. Basketball 7. Aerobics/Exercise Classes 8. Bicycling 9. Playground 10. Camping/Hiking
Cheerleading Camp hosted at the Recreation Center.
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Figure 13: Number of Household Participants by Activity Swimming Recreation Center Trail Running/Walking Playground Picnicking Track Running/Walking Camping/Hiking Bicycling Soccer Basketball Kayaking/Canoeing/Rafting Fishing/Hunting Aerobics/Exercise Classes Tennis Racquetball Education Classes Baseball Volleyball Softball Special Population Activities Senior Activities Pickleball 0
Top ten activities and places visited indicates the most common form of recreation within the town with respect to total participants: 1. Swimming 2. Recreation Center 3. Trail Running/Walking 4. Playground 5. Picnicking 6. Track Running/Walking 7. Camping/Hiking 8. Bicycling 9. Soccer 10. Basketball
Weight Room inside the Recreation Center
Chapter 6: Parks and Facilities Needs and Recommendations These recommendations for parks and facilities are based on feedback from four sources: 1) public input, 2) Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, 3) town staff, and 4) recreation industry research. Each park and facility was evaluated and recommendations are included for each park or facility. Rough cost estimates accompany each recommendation. Costs will vary as projects are designed and built.
Mini Parks Town and Country Park: Town and Country Park is a quiet park serving the neighborhood located on Summit Ridge Road. This tranquil park provides Miracle Recreation playground equipment, swings, and a picnic area that welcomes outings for family and friends.
Recommendations:  
Update playground equipment and swing sets to match other parks' playground equipment updates. Increase parking options with designated parking lot or through expanding the pull off for vehicles.
Wall Street Park: Wall Street Park is located east of the Wall Street and Harkrader Street intersection. This quiet park, tucked away in an established residential neighborhood, offers Miracle Playsystem playground equipment, one half-size basketball court, and a shaded picnic area. A peaceful spot located off the beaten path, Wall Street Park is tucked behind a brick maintenance building that provides a sense of privacy from the road and welcomes family outings and picnics. 27
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Recommendations:  
Create wayfinding signage from Route 11 to direct residents to the park. Increase parking options with on-street parking or small parking lot.
Circle Park: Circle Park is located on Ellett Drive and Circle Drive. This playground, nestled in the middle of an established residential area, boasts Miracle Recreation playground equipment, swings, a picnic area and a halfcourt basketball court. This neighborhood park is also attractive for family outings and picnics. Recommendations:   
Expand parking options through on-street improvements. Install basic fencing to provide a barrier for safety. Explore potential for rentable picnic shelter
Wayside Park: Wayside Park is located at the top of Christiansburg Mountain, off Route 460. Stop at this quaint park for a quick break during your travels. Wayside Park offers picnic tables and plenty of shade for your convenience and relaxation. This park is still being considered for further future development. Recommendations: 
Provide a scenic open space through landscaping and design to enhance the park, and explore the potential to fill and grade the park. Explore options to acquire or utilize land for a neighborhood or community park on the east side of town.
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Downtown Park: Downtown Park is located on College Street beside the armory. Conveniently located in Town, the park offers a paved walking trail leading to the library that passes the fire department and rescue and lifesaving building. Downtown Park offers Miracle Recreation playground equipment, swings, horseshoe pits, a full basketball court, and a shaded picnic area. Recommendations:  
Addition of a rentable picnic shelter for town-residents Replace older equipment adjacent to College Street to match newer equipment in the park.
Neighborhood Parks Depot Park: Depot Park, located on Depot Street, offers Miracle Recreation playground equipment, two basketball courts, a tee-ball field, soccer field, and jogging / walking path. This popular park is an enjoyable place for family outings and picnics and is within walking distance of the aquatic center and skate park.
Install handicap accessible swing on existing swing set. Post distance markings on or beside the trail.
Community Parks Diamond Hills Park (Future): Diamond Hills Park was acquired by the town and has been undergoing a stream restoration project. This park will also have a passive recreation component for people to enjoy the open space and natural surroundings of the park.
Recommendations:   
Incorporate and maintain open space within the park. Develop nature information stations. Complete a small, permeable loop trail for park visitors.
Harkrader Sports Complex: Harkrader Sports Complex opened in 2006 and is located behind the Christiansburg Middle School. The complex has three lighted, multipurpose fields, two of which have 300 foot dimensions and are used for tournament play. A central tower houses a concession stand and restrooms on the main level. The upper part of the tower has an umpire room, office, and room for scorekeepers, scoreboard operators, media, and staff. There is also a walking path, tennis and basketball courts, picnic tables, and two playground areas. Harkrader Sports Complex is heavily used from spring to fall and is often the host site for local baseball tournaments. Harkrader Sports Complex has hosted the Dixie Boys World Series in 2010 and 2012. Harkrader was also the host of the 2013 USSSA Baseball World Series. The Harkrader Sports Complex and the Town of Christiansburg will host the 2014 Nations Baseball World Series and the 2014 USSSA Baseball World Series. Recommendations:  
Explore options to add outdoor exercise equipment to develop exercise stations around the trail. Incorporate pavement distance markings for walkers and runners. 30
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Kiwanis Park: Kiwanis Park is located off Roanoke Street, behind Southern States. This popular park has two lighted multipurpose baseball / softball fields, a picnic shelter, and new Miracle Playsystem playground equipment. Kiwanis Park and the Kiwanis Community Picnic Shelter are sponsored by the Christiansburg Kiwanis Club. Recommendations:     
Develop restroom and concession facility between the baseball/softball fields. Build permanent scorer's area for both baseball/softball fields. Continue to cultivate relationships with the Christiansburg Kiwanis Club. Replacement of lights to the baseball/softball fields. Construct loop trails around both fields that interconnect into a figure eight.
Falling Branch Elementary School: Falling Branch Elementary softball and rectangular fields are maintained by the Town of Christiansburg and are available for town use during non-school hours. This partnership has benefitted recreation program offerings and minor improvements will greatly enhance the property.
Build new dugouts for softball/baseball fields. Designate and build a scorers area. Replace fencing on and around fields.
Regional Parks Truman Wilson Property (Future): The Truman Wilson Property presents a significant opportunity to meet the parks and recreation needs of town residents. The Town of Christiansburg has benefitted recently from hosting United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) and Nations baseball tournaments. These tournaments bring teams from across Virginia, as well as the east coast, that spend money on hotels, restaurants, and other attractions throughout the area. The Truman Wilson property can aid the effort to bring in additional tournaments in sports, depending how the park site is programmed. Recommendations:          
Incorporate cultural attractions to meet desires for town events and a music venue (i.e. amphitheater). Dedicate a portion of the property to passive recreation uses that do not include active ballfields. Develop rectangular fields (i.e. soccer, football, lacrosse etc.) to meet increasing demand for facilities. Develop a signature playground for children of all abilities. Develop softball/baseball enclosed park with ticket booth and concessions, similar to the Harkrader Complex. Incorporate a fenced dog park into the design of the site. Safely connect the park to the Huckleberry Trail to connect prime town assets. Develop a paved loop trail to connect recreation assets. Incorporate croquet and shuffleboard areas into the park design. Add a beach volleyball court.
Linear Parks: Huckleberry Trail: The Huckleberry Trail is an asphalt-paved bike/pedestrian path that connects the towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Distance markers are placed every half-mile and benches are placed along the trail so that users may rest and enjoy the scenery. The Huckleberry trail crosses the road to Warm Hearth Village retirement community, as well as Hightop and Merrimac Roads. Parking is available at both ends of the trail, with additional parking available at the crossings of Warm Hearth, Hightop, and Merrimac. The total distance of the trail, from the Blacksburg Public Library to the intersection of Rte. 114/Peppers Ferry Road, is just over 6 miles. In the fall of 2013, the trail was extended from Rte. 114 to the Christiansburg Recreation Center. The completion of the Renva W. Knowles Bridge will connect the trail over Rte. 114. Once the bridge is completed, the trail will extend from the Blacksburg Public Library to the Christiansburg Recreation Center. Recommendations:   
Explore extending the trail to downtown Christiansburg and to other major population centers within town. Incorporate outdoor exercise stations along the trail. Develop an annual run/walk event that features the Huckleberry Trail.
Facilities Christiansburg Recreation Center: The Christiansburg Recreation Center, located on 1600 North Franklin Street, is a 62,000 square foot, multipurpose facility that provides a wide range of recreational and leisure opportunities for the community. It has a weight room, cardio room, two racquetball courts, senior area, and walk / run track surrounding four full-court basketball courts. Community rooms are also available for rent. Recommendations:   
Maintain existing equipment for weight room, cardio room, and sporting equipment. Perform an energy efficiency audit to determine energy saving strategies that lead to cost savings. Paint, replace floors, and renovate the Recreation Center on an as needed basis.
Additional Recommendations Website Recommendations:  Create a calendar of events with detailed information.  Allow online registration for facility rentals. New Park Recommendations:  Utilize town property or acquire additional property for development of a neighborhood park east of Interstate 81.  Evaluate potential for acquisition of the old Christiansburg Middle School.  Utilize town property or acquire additional property for development of a mini or neighborhood park near Peppers Ferry Road on the northwest side of the town. Signage and Branding Recommendations:  Develop signage to bring a brand to Christiansburg parks.  Create wayfinding signage for all parks.
Chapter 7: Program and Event Recommendations Programming in parks and recreation poses a unique challenge. Youth and adult programs, especially exercise, follow national trends that change each year. The Parks and Recreation Department must continually monitor these national trends in order to meet future demand for classes and programs. Program desires, according to the survey, include town events, exercise classes, camping/hiking classes, water sport classes, fishing/hunting classes, and Tap Class at the Recreation Center. classes for seniors and special populations. Programs focused on outdoor recreation scored highly in the survey and should be a key priority. The addition of fishing, hunting, and water sport classes will diversify the department offerings, reaching different residents within the town. Trails were the clear preference for future desires within the town, followed closely by town events and music venues. Events and music allow a community to show its culture, and offer opportunities for residents to participate in that culture. The Town of Christiansburg currently hosts events throughout the year. These events serve youth, adults, and seniors and include:     
4th of July Celebration Christiansburg Alumni Return Heritage Day Wilderness Trail Festival Ghouls Gathering
    
Lion's Club Craft Fair Christmas Parade Breakfast with Santa Home Expo Great Easter Egg Hunt
These events have been successful, but more events are desired based on survey responses. Recommendations:  Develop phased, 1-2 programs per year, pilot programs for camping, hiking, water sport education, hunting, and fishing.  Plan and construct amphitheater at Truman Wilson Property to host cultural and music events.  As trails develop, organize 5K and other events with themes developed by town stakeholders.  Host an annual downtown music and arts festival, showcasing local talent. 35
Chapter 8: Accessibility and Connectivity The Huckleberry Trail is a significant benefit to recreation users within the Town of Christiansburg, and is one of only a few walking and biking options within town. Limited sidewalk networks serve the downtown area, and the Huckleberry Trail serves the north side of town while providing an option for commuters to Blacksburg. A need exists to connect residential areas such as the cambria area to points of interest within town; such as, businesses, parks, other trails, and other attractions. Trails and Sidewalks: Trail running and walking was a key priority according to the survey responses. The New River Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (NRVMPO) is currently working on a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Included in this analysis is a network of multiuse pathways throughout the town. These trails can connect parks to neighborhoods, and neighborhoods to employment and activity centers. Cost for trails and sidewalks is often the prohibitive factor when evaluating cost versus benefit. Multi-use, 12 foot wide asphalt, typically cost $80 per linear foot or $422,400 per mile while sidewalks cost $40 per linear foot or $211,200 per mile. These costs include materials, engineering, right-of-way acquisition, drainage, etc. It is important to recognize trails have a direct link to economic development. According to a 2004 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Virginia Creeper Trail connecting Damascus to Abingdon, VA accounts for an economic impact of $1.59 million and supports approximately 27 jobs. Exploring additional opportunities for trail expansion can add quality of life and economic value to the Town of Christiansburg. Following is a map of existing and proposed trails and sidewalks throughout the town. Recommendations:  Develop an interlinked trail and sidewalk network to connect major population, recreation, and retail areas.  Create signaled crossings of major roadways/intersections for bicycle and pedestrian traffic, such as the North Franklin/Wades Lane intersection.  Extend the Huckleberry Trail to the downtown area.
Chapter 9: Implementation of the Master Plan Recommendations contained in the Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Master Plan were identified by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, town staff, through the public outreach survey, or by recreation industry research. The steady growth of the Town of Christiansburg will present new challenges and opportunities for facilities, parks, and may dictate the need to broaden offerings within town. The development of the Truman Wilson property is the top priority of this Plan. The public survey clearly indicated trails and cultural events are the highest priority. The 62 acre Truman Wilson site will allow for many of these desires to be addressed. Developing the park with cultural amenities first, such as an amphitheater, and linking the Huckleberry Trail to the park will begin to meet the expressed desires. Sport tourism, such as hosting athletic tournaments, benefits the town through meals and lodging purchased by outside teams and spectators. As stated previously, the two USSSA and Dixie World Series tournaments resulted in a combined impact of nearly $570,000. Maintaining current tournament relationships, developing relationships with additional sports tournament organizations, and marketing any new facilities developed on the Truman Wilson site will allow these numbers to grow and bring greater benefits to the town from teams and spectators. Over the next ten years, the Parks and Recreation Department will need additional financial resources to develop new, and maintain existing, properties and facilities. These efforts will bring additional revenue through sports tourism, increasing property values through quality of life improvements, and will allow the town to serve a more diverse population through the department. The town can develop events that will become part of the culture of being a resident of the Town of Christiansburg, helping connect the town to individuals. This plan, as implemented, will strengthen the town's parks and recreation brand as, "The Only Place to Play; Christiansburg, Virginia."
Appendix Summary of Open-Ended Comments – Survey 
Comments centered on the following items, in rank order: o Fields and Facilities o Trails and Connectivity o Operations and Staff o Programs o Parks o Girls Sports o Marketing and Communications o Events, Arts, and Culture o Fees for the Recreation Center and Aquatic Center o Safety Lacrosse and soccer were the most requested facilities in the open-ended comments o Lacrosse – 14 comments o Soccer – 12 comments
Summary of Comments – June 2, 2014 Public Meeting at the Christiansburg Recreation Center      
Explore the potential for expanding the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission to include more representatives, specifically youth, civic organizations (i.e. Rotary Club) Mr. Epperley was asked about why the Aquatic Center and Skate Park were not included in the Master Plan. Mr. Epperley explained that the Aquatic Center was its own department whose scope covered the Skate Park as well. Music events would be welcomed. The Christiansburg Soccer Club donated $5,000 to help with the addition of the soccer field. They were appreciative of the new look of Depot Park and commented on the now more frequent use. Purchasing combo soccer/football goal posts can aid in multi-use rectangular fields. Field space for youth is important to keep them involved in the community. References were made to studies linking youth sport participation to better performance in school.
The ONLY place to play! Christiansburg, Virginia Cost Estimates for Parks and Facilities These estimates are based solely on equipment and materials and meant only to provide a basic idea of costs associated with park and facility development. Grading, stormwater management, and other costs will be added to these totals. As the town seeks proposals for park and facility development, more detailed figures will be submitted. Item Playground Equipment Parking Spaces Wayfinding Signage Picnic Shelter 900 Square foot Concession Facility with Restrooms Baseball/Softball Dugouts Amphitheater Basic – Wood benches and stage area Intermediate – Terraced seating and stage area Top Tier – Terraced seating, precast stage and sound wall Rectangular Field Complex (Soccer, Lacrosse, Football, etc.) 4-6 Fields
Four Field Softball Complex Chain Link Fence – dog park, ball park, etc. Shuffleboard Court Beach Volleyball Court Field Lighting
Press Box/Scorer's Box
Cost Estimate $35,000-40,000 $1,000 per space $500 per sign $50 per square foot 20 x 30 ft = $30,000 $90,000 $4,000 each $50,000 $250,000 $350,000-400,000 $300,000-500,000 per grass field $500,000-750,000 per turf field $900,000-1,000,000 $18 per linear foot $7,500 $10,000 $100,000 per field, reduced for adjacent fields to $80,000 per field $10,000
Town of Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Survey The results of the following survey will inform the Christiansburg Recreation Master Plan process. Please fill out this survey so that the Town can better meet your parks and recreation needs. Please complete every question and return by mail or drop off at Christiansburg Parks and Recreation Department (Recreation Center), 1600 N. Franklin St., Christiansburg, VA 24073. Thank you! An online version of the survey can be taken at www.surveymonkey.com/s/Christiansburg_Parks_and_Recreation_Survey 1. Is your residence located within the town limits of Christiansburg? (circle one) Yes No Don't Know 2. Please write the number of people in your household within each age category: ___Under 18 ___18-24 ___25-34 ___35-44 ___45-54 ___55-64 3. Which of the following do you live closest to? (check one) __NRV Mall __Christiansburg Recreation Center __Downtown
___65+
__Shelor Motor Mile
4. How would you rate how often you participate in Christiansburg parks and recreation programs/activities? (circle one) Never 0 1 2 3 4 5 Very Often 5. How many times PER MONTH do you visit a town park? (circle one) None 1-2 3-4 5+ 5.1-What is the main reason you would visit a town park? (check only one) __Playground __Picnic __Town Event __Exercise __Relax __Sport __Other (list): _____________________ 6. How many people in your household use the Recreation Center? (circle one) None 1 2 3+ 6.1-How many times PER MONTH do you visit the Christiansburg Recreation Center? (circle one) None 1-4 5-8 9-12 12+ 7. How many people in your household use trails (i.e. Huckleberry) within town? (circle one) None 1 2 3+ 7.1. How many times PER MONTH do you use trails within town? (circle one) None 1-4 5-8 9-12 12+ 8. How many people in your household participate in youth recreation organized by the Town of Christiansburg? (circle one) None 1 2 3+ 9. How many people in your household participate in youth recreation organized by any other organization? (circle one) None 1 2 3+ 10. How many people in your household participate in adult recreation organized by the Town of Christiansburg? None 1 2 3+ 11. How many people in your household participate in adult recreation organized by any other organization? (circle one) None 1 2 3+
12. What do you feel are critical needs in/for PARKS within the Town of Christiansburg?
____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ 13. What do you feel are critical needs for SPORTS FACILITIES within the Town of Christiansburg?
____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ 14. What do you feel are critical needs for PROGRAMS/CLASSES within the Town of Christiansburg?
____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ 15. How many people in your household participate in, or visit, the following activities/places? (write number next to each activity, leave blank if "0�) ___Aerobics/Exercise Classes ___Baseball ___Basketball ___Bicycling ___Fishing/Hunting ___Kayaking/Canoeing/Rafting ___Pickleball ___Picnicking ___Playground ___Racquetball ___Special Population Activities ___Soccer ___Softball ___Swimming ___Tennis ___Track Running/Walking ___Trail Running/Walking ___Volleyball ___Recreation Center ___Education Classes ___Senior Activities ___Camping/Hiking
16. How many times PER MONTH TOTAL do people in your household participate in, or visit, the following activities/places? (Please enter the total for all that apply to your household. Example: If you play tennis 2X per month and your spouse plays 6X per month, enter 8) ___Aerobics/Exercise Classes ___Baseball ___Basketball ___Bicycling ___Fishing/Hunting ___Kayaking/Canoeing/Rafting ___Pickleball ___Picnicking ___Playground ___Racquetball ___Special Population Activities ___Soccer ___Softball ___Swimming ___Tennis ___Track Running/Walking ___Trail Running/Walking ___Volleyball ___Recreation Center ___Education Classes ___Senior Activities ___Camping/Hiking
17. Check any that your household would participate in, or visit, MORE OFTEN if Christiansburg had adequate or additional facilities: ___Aerobics/Exercise Classes ___Baseball ___Basketball ___Bicycling ___Fishing/Hunting ___Kayaking/Canoeing/Rafting ___Pickleball ___Picnic Shelters ___Playground ___Racquetball ___Special Population Activities ___Soccer ___Softball ___Swimming ___Tennis ___Track Running/Walking ___Trail Running/Walking ___Volleyball ___Recreation Center ___Dog Park ___Trails – Gravel ___Trails – Paved/Concrete ___Music venue ___Town events ___Senior Activities ___Horseshoes ___Camping/Hiking ___Other: (please specify) ________________________________ Additional Comments:
____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________
New River Valley Regional Commission


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Dotwatch Shop
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[News] 30 Under 30 Asia: Eric Kim's 'Dot Watch' Is Smartwatch For The Blind
https://www.forbes.com/sites/elaineramirez/2017/04/17/30-under-30-asia…[578]
Dot CEO Eric Kim.
Eric Juyoon Kim, one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia 2017 finalists, imagines a world where the world's 285 million vision-impaired people have the same opportunities to learn and communicate with the same privacy as everyone else. Seeking to disrupt the oligopoly of high-priced braille products, his startup Dot in South Korea recently launched its flagship Dot Watch, a sleekly designed silent assistive device that can display scrolling messages four braille characters at a time and send simple replies or actions through the two side buttons.
"We think that if we make [the device] more affordable, more people will use it … and they'll have better education and jobs," says Kim, cofounder and CEO of the social venture.
Ever since he showcased his startup's idea on a Korean startup investment reality show, anticipation has snowballed for the smartwatch. By the time I first interviewed Kim in late 2015, when he had only a minimal prototype, his story had already been showcased in dozens of outlets, his native Korea donned him one of the proudest examples of innovation in the nascent startup scene, and he had been given the stage at a TEDx Talk in Mumbai, India on the challenges among the vision impaired to adopt braille.
Three years in the making, that smartwatch is finally on the retail market, debuting in London last month for 300 euros ($320). It is being distributed in 14 countries, including the U.K., Australia and the U.S., with the first round of 140,000 preorders to be delivered "soon" -- including one specially engraved for early customer Stevie Wonder, which Kim says they mailed out this week.
Marking Korea's Disabled Persons' Day on April 20, the Dot Watch will go on sale on local e-commerce website Auction in two editions: the black leather wristband "Hellen Keller Edition," with 10% of profits going to support the deaf-blind community, and the grey band "Marrakesh Edition," named for the Marrakesh Treaty that aims to increase braille access to published works, which will also donate 10% of profits to translating new content like "Harry Potter" into braille books.
Unsurprisingly, the road to launch has been as bumpy as the watch's surface. "Every time we fix one problem, there are two more," Kim says. During development, the startup spent many months figuring out the right materials that would allow the tactile pieces to move freely and quickly without letting in water and debris. But it is marked by small victories: Last week, the Korean government selected the Dot Watch as an assistance device, meaning it will provide 80% purchasing subsidies so the country's vision-impaired users can buy it for $60. "With this reference, we can enter the subsidy market in other G20 and developing countries, so this is really motivating for us," Kim says. Last month, Kim pitched a win at the startup competition Slush Tokyo, where he earned a $100,000 prize and the attention of several Japanese investors including Taizo Son.
Eric Kim pitches at Slush Tokyo on March 30.
The watch is just part of Dot's mission to use technology to help the vision-impaired become more independent at an affordable price. Dot wants to tackle two problems: bridging the technological barrier for visually-impaired smartphone users and creating more literacy tools to give the visually impaired the same opportunities to learn, regardless of what country they're in. Most of the visually impaired give up on braille due to difficulties learning it and accessing expensive devices, Kim says. He ultimately hopes to make an impact in India, home to one-third of the world's vision impaired. The company hopes its brand success in developed markets like Europe, the U.S. and Korea will pave the way for its ventures into educational devices. It also plans to develop the Dot Mini, a Kindle-like braille tablet, and the Dot Pad, a smart device that will display tactile graphics and images. It is also planning a public device to assist blind pedestrians that can work with the Dot Watch.
On April 1, the startup officially kicked off development of two models of the Dot Mini, which Kim hopes will be the cheapest braille device on Earth: the Dot Mini Basic, to be priced $200-$299, for reading textbooks and other school materials, and the Dot Mini Pro, at $500-$599, which will have an SD card port and support typing for note-taking. It aims to wrap up product development in October, without all the hiccups of developing its flagship watch.
"This will be totally different because we've already experienced a lot of things through the Dot Watch," Kim says. He hopes the Mini, to be mainly developed as a subsidized device, will be distributed with the help of governments in India, Indonesia and other developing countries. Then it will assess the need for it in developed countries, where he says the vision impaired lack lightweight, simple devices for leisure reading.
"We just focus on creating the world that we want to see. It's not a business approach," Kim says.
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Quora question: Was the agricultural revolution in 10,000 BC really bad, as explained by Yuval Noah Harari in the book sapiens? In my view, the agricultural revolution was the Genesis of the contemporary world.
The issue is that the immediate impact of agriculture was a reduction in the quality and length of life – shortened life expectancy, an increase in disease (from living closely together) a decrease in the variety of foods consumed, the beginning of social stratification, slavery, war and the oppression of women. Archaeologists and anthropologists have puzzled over why people abandoned hunting and gathering for agriculture.
Hunter/gatherers (H/Gs) perceive the world as plentiful – that there is enough to support life and that it is all there for the taking. Farmers and herders perceive a world of scarcity where one has to guard against hard times by planting and tending crops or keeping animals.
H/Gs know more about plants than most botanists they know when a certain plant is ready to be used and where plants grow – it is part of gathering. They know about how animals reproduce and what their needs are – it is part of hunting.
My theory is that the extinctions at the end of the Ice Age introduced the notion of scarcity.
Once scarcity had been invented first people would plant a bit of wild grain, pulses (lentils and similar crops) that could be stored. They stored them and did their regular round coming back to the stored food when times were hard. Over time they put more and more of their energy into the planted crops and spent more and more time in one place – became more sedentary. This eventually led to two things.
First, that the gathered food and hunted meat in the area of the settlements became depleted.
Second, as things became depleted they put more energy into planted crops and husbanded animals they experienced a reduction in the quality of life which increased their perception of scarcity.
Of course, the perception of scarcity is the genesis of our modern world because it was the beginning of what we have today. However, we don't know what would have happened if scarcity and agriculture hadn't been invented.
What I would hope is that we are embarking on a world where we can do away with actual scarcity. If we can also do away with the perception of scarcity we can perhaps base our lives on less labor, more sharing and better conditions of life for all. If we hold on to scarcity we won't share and we won't ever get back to the perceptual Eden of Hunter/Gatherers.


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Windows 10 to friend WhatsApp
Home » News » Windows 10 to friend WhatsApp
Microsoft Edge is going to support WhatsApp
No doubt, the Windows 10 release is one of the hottest news this summer. Apart from an updated version of the OS, Windows users will get another bonus – the "prehistoric" and no longer popular Internet Explorer is going. A new Microsoft Edge browser will replace it.
However, the users of WhatsApp web-version were not particularly happy about it: the new browser did not support this chat app. Just like the previous one, however. That made Microsoft finally say goodbye to non-functional browsers and start catching up with the times. The other day, it was reported that this drawback of Microsoft Edge will soon be fixed and WhatsApp users will be able to communicate easily.
The only question that remains is why users will want to wait that long? You cannot run WhatsApp from Microsoft Edge without any tricks. However, the app runs perfectly on Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Opera.
Microsoft reps say that the web-version of WhatsApp for the new browser will be available after the OS is updated. No particular dates were named, though.
Lifehack: run WhatsApp on Microsoft now!
Here's a little lifehack on how to run WhatsApp for Web on Microsoft Edge without waiting for the update.
Open the web-version of the messenger in Microsoft Edge. Unlike other browsers, in Microsoft's new product you will find no QR-code that you use to enter the app. Don't panic.
In the browser, enter Developer Tool (you can do it by pressing the hot key F12) and enable WhatsApp.
To do that, click the Emulation tab. There you will find an option to change User Agent String in the Mode menu. There you will have to change User Agent String from Microsoft Edge to Chrome, Firefox or Opera (the new browser can be selected in the pop-down menu).
Now – exit Developer Tool and refresh the page with the WhatsApp web-version. If you have done everything correctly, you will see a QR-code and then will be able to run the app.
Tags: Microsoft EdgeWhatsAppWindows 10
Expecting Skype for Windows 10 this summer
WANNA USE WHATSAPP FOR WORK? FORGET IT
Azerbaijan to tighten grip on Facebook, Skype and WhatsApp?
WHATSAPP 2.12.5 UPDATE FOR IOS