Every five years the City of Roanoke Parks and Recreation department updates its master plan; it's a requirement for maintaining accreditation, but frankly is a great way to stay in tune with what the community wants.

The purpose of this plan is to maintain a citizen-driven living document that gives the City direction as to the leisure service needs of Roanoke. Such an inclusive plan contains definitive recommendations and priorities regarding facilities, trails, greenways, outdoor adventure, programs, centers, conservation principles, plus identifying needs for future resources including capital development.

Public input session:

• Date: Sept. 13
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Where: Jefferson Center (Fitzpatrick Hall)
• Can't make it? Send an email to parksrec@roanokeva.gov 

Five years ago hardly a comment about outdoor recreation was received during the update process...let's change that in a dramatic way this time around! Think of this as your opportunity to share ideas on what will make Roanoke a better outdoor community.

There's still time to RSVP for the FREE Radical Reels Film Festival and Outdoor Expo on Sept. 12.

The event at the Jefferson Center features local outfitters, stores, non-profits, and volunteer groups at the Outdoor Expo from 5 to
6:30 p.m. and then 11 short adventure films at 6:45.   

And the best part? It's all free with a canned food donation.

RVSP today so you don't miss some of the most outrageous mountain sport films featuring skiing, boarding, climbing, biking, and kayaking on the big screen.

Radical Reels and Get Outside Expo 

• When: Sept. 12 -- 5-6:30 p.m. Outdoor Expo (Fitzpatrick Hall),  6:45 p.m. Radical Reels showing
• Where: Jefferson Center
• Cost: Free with canned food donation, thanks to sponsors Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, East Coasters, GO Fest, Just The Right Gear, Mountain Junkies, Ride Solutions, Roanoke Parks & Recreation, Walkabout Outfitter, Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing.

by Amy Oberbroeckling for Gear Junkie  

SlingFin, a small outdoors brand based in the Bay Area, will soon launch a unique backpack/pannier combo product that's made of a thick, hard polypropylene material and named after the feisty little mammal popularized via YouTube short film.

The to-be-released Honey Badger backpack is a weird concept that no doubt can take a beating just like the little guy on YouTube. Its super durable exterior is not a cloth but a hard polypropylene plastic shell that folds shut like a case. The design with this tough material is made to stand up to anything in situations like canyoneering or for using it as a haul bag on a big-wall rock climb.

Find out more about the SlingFin backpack,
including when it will be for sale >>>