vol. 277 / Let's Take This OutsideExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 277 / LET'S TAKE THIS OUTSIDE
This week, we’re excited to welcome Will Dixon, Executive Director of Sports Backers, as our guest editor. Will and the entire Sports Backers team are dedicated to making all corners of the Richmond community more active through a wide array of events, training teams, and programs.
A Richmond native, Will recently stepped into the Executive Director role, succeeding Jon Lugbill, who led the organization for 32 years. While his role may be new, Will is no stranger to Sports Backers; he’s been a key part of the organization for over 17 years. He has steadily risen through the ranks, previously serving as Operations Manager, Director of Sponsorship, and, most recently, Chief Administrative Officer—a role he took on in June 2020.
Will earned his degree from James Madison University and, after graduating, returned to Richmond to begin his career with Sports Backers. Beyond his professional contributions, he has served on several local nonprofit boards, including SwimRVA, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids, and Richmond Region Tourism—reflecting his deep passion for community health and wellness.
Throughout his tenure, Will has played a pivotal role in strengthening Sports Backers’ marketing, sponsorship, and fundraising efforts, helping to expand the organization’s impact on the health and vibrancy of the Richmond region. With a strong commitment to the mission, he’s excited to lead Sports Backers into its next chapter.
In his free time, Will enjoys riding his bike, running and swimming, and spending time at local parks with his family—fiancée Courtney, two sons, and two dogs. Here’s a peek at a few of his favorite parks around town.
Take it away, Will …
Taylor Farm Park
One of Henrico County’s newest parks has quickly become a favorite spot for spending time with my family. Taylor Farm Park features a skate park, dirt pump track, splash pad, two playgrounds, nature and walking trails, and more. My sons are big fans of the skate park and biking elements. We can spend an entire day at Taylor Farm Park, so come prepared with a packed lunch, snacks, and skateboards and bikes in tow. Beyond the amenities, what’s impressed me most about this park is how welcoming and helpful other users have been to my sons, who are beginner-level skaters and riders. Taylor Farm Park offers entertainment for all ages, skill levels, and outdoor interests. Regardless of where you live in the region, it’s a park worth traveling to.
Vitals:
Taylor Farm Park / Open daily from dawn to dusk / 200 Whiteside Road, Sandston
Forest Hill Park
Recently, my family and I spent the morning hiking the trails in the James River Park System. We parked in Forest Hill Park, ventured down to the Buttermilk Trail, and scrambled across the exposed rocks over to Belle Isle. If you want to feel like a kid again—or just enjoy watching kids be kids—add the dry rocks scramble to your list. Just be aware that at certain river levels, the rocks are submerged and not safe to cross.
While we were out there, we ran into a group from Homegirl Hike, said hi to some passing mountain bikers, saw a few grazing deer, and played a round of 20 Questions to finish off the hike once the kids got antsy. Afterward, we headed to The Veil on Forest Hill Avenue for a beer and grabbed lunch at Y Tu Mama (highly recommend the Quesabirria Tacos and the Nachos!).
It’s hard to believe we have such an incredible outdoor oasis just minutes from downtown.
Vitals:
Forest Hill Park / Open from sunrise to sunset / 4021 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond
Deep Run Park
I grew up in the West End and spent a lot of time biking and hiking at Deep Run Park as a kid. And while I still live out in the Short Pump area, it’s been a joy to see Deep Run Park continue to grow and evolve to serve the community. The pump track is perfect for riders of any age, the pond offers enjoyable fishing, and the multi-use trails are ideal for a walk, ride, or run—with plenty of shade and green scenery. And if you’re more into team sports, there always seems to be a pick-up soccer game or cricket match happening.
Even better, thanks to Henrico’s efforts to enhance the walkability and bikeability of the county, I can get from my front door in West Broad Village to Deep Run Park and be on a sidewalk the entire time! After an action-packed day at the park, we like to swing by neighborhood spots including the newly opened Emmy Squared Pizza or MPM Tiki Bar for a bite, then cap off the day with some Ray’s Italian Ice, Gelati Celesti, or Sweet Frog.
Vitals:
Deep Run Park / Open daily from dawn to dusk / 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy, Henrico
More about Sports Backers.
During the past 33 years, Sports Backers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has developed programs and events designed to inspire people to live actively. Sports Backers achieves this work by focusing on a network of collaborative partnerships with other organizations, businesses, local governments, and faith-based institutions. In order to create transformational change, the organization recognizes that it can’t do it all alone; rather, it works collaboratively to build a movement of change in our community to make active living the easy choice.
There are over 8,000 volunteers and staff involved with Sports Backers. Collectively the organization encourages an active lifestyle in all corners of our community. It doesn’t matter if you are filling cups at a water stop, leading a fitness class, or advocating for bike infrastructure, we are all part of the same team. Together we each contribute to the magic that makes Sports Backers' nationally recognized programs and events come to life and help our families, friends, and neighbors live actively.
