Carol Steele, director of Gloucester’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, was recently recognized for her role in developing the state’s comprehensive outdoor recreation plan.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation singled out the work of Steele and two other longtime parks and recreation professionals on Nov. 6 during a Virginia Recreation and Park Society conference in Roanoke.

Steele is a member of the Virginia Outdoors Plan Technical Advisory Committee, a broad panel that guides development of the state’s comprehensive plan for outdoor recreation and land conservation. The plan is issued every five years.

Danette Poole, head of DCR’s planning division, said Steele has been an outstanding contributor to the committee. “(She’s) helped bring the local parks and recreation perspective to statewide planning efforts,” Poole said. “(Her) insights are vital as we work to keep services and programs relevant for Virgin...