HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2018-09-06 VML Award
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
September 6, 2018
Media Contact:
Leah Kosin, Public Information Assistant
lkosin@leesburgva.gov 571-528-5241
Town of Leesburg Awarded Virginia Municipal League 2018
Innovation Award
Awards will be presented at the annual conference in Hampton, September 30
to October 1.
Leesburg, VA (September 6, 2018) – It was announced on Thursday that the Town of
Leesburg has received the Lifelong Learning award, one of five categories presented by the
Virginia Municipal League for excellence in local government.
Each category recognizes innovative problem-solving, excellence in management, citizen
participation, and improved services to citizens. Leesburg was awarded for its Walking Tour
App, which allows residents and visitors to download a free application on their smart phone or
tablet for touring the downtown.
The application provides text, pictures, full narration of each site, and even video clips to
enhance the experience. Visitors can use the app’s map to select a location to start the tour or
they can begin at stop #1 and follow the stop-by-stop directions to each site.
The first two tours launched by the Town were the “Highlights of Historical Leesburg” and the
“African-American History Tour”. The Highlights of Historical Leesburg tour features the most
significant events, architecture, and famous residents, so visitors can get a high level
understanding of the unique aspects of Leesburg. The African-American History Tour provides
detailed information on Leesburg’s African-American experience from the first settlement to
the mid-1900. Stops include historically black neighborhoods, churches, and schools, along
with prominent figures in Leesburg’s African -American community. The Town hopes to add
additional tours in the coming years. Requested tours include a focus on the Civil War in
Leesburg and Downtown Architecture.
The app is integrated with Google maps so you can always find where you are and what
businesses are around you. It also has a geo-location feature that will alert you to a tour stop if
you are walking along the street near a specific tour stop location.
“The walking tour app provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to get out and explore
and learn about the places and events that shaped Leesburg’s history. Having a more
connected and educated citizenry will lead to a greater appreciation for historic preservation in
our community along with a stronger civic connection to the Town and its government,” said
Deputy Town Manager Keith Markel.
VML received nearly 70 entries, from which a panel of judges selected one winner i n each of
five categories. The panel also selected one of the winners to receive the President’s Award.
The awards will be presented at the 2018 VML Annual Conference in Hampton. VML President
Dr. Patricia Woodbury, council member of Newport News, and President Elect Anita James
Price, council member of Roanoke, will present the awards.
For more information about the Innovation Awards, visit www.vml.org/education/innovation-
awards/.
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