Henrico roadway named after leader of local nonprofit

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A Henrico County street now bears the name of a local nonprofit's longtime executive director.

As of Friday, June 13, Park Street off of Lakeside Avenue has a second, honorary name: "Jon Lugbill Drive," after the man who led the nonprofit Sports Backers for more than three decades. This street was chosen because it's located just outside the organization's headquarters.

Sports Backers' mission is to "inspire people to live actively," according to a press release from the nonprofit. It produces its own sporting events and programs, supports youth running and fitness programs and advocates for bike and pedestrian infrastructure.

Lugbill, who was Sports Backers' executive director for 32 years, will retire at the end of June. This honorary street naming -- which became official during a ceremony on Friday -- is meant to be a "heartfelt tribute to a remarkable legacy of leadership and community impact."

Ceremony to name Park Street "Jon Lugbill Drive" after Sports Backer's longtime executive director. (Photo: Kenan Korfez/8News)

Ceremony to name Park Street "Jon Lugbill Drive" after Sports Backer's longtime executive director. (Photo: Nan Callahan)

"The designation is more than just symbolic," Sports Backers said in the release. "While it carries Jon’s name, the word 'drive' also reflects the tireless energy, determination and vision that have defined Lugbill’s leadership — and the transformation he helped bring to the Richmond area."

Roscoe D. Cooper, III, the supervisor who represents Henrico's Fairfield District, described Lugbill as a "tireless advocate for making [his] community healthier, more active and better connected."

"Now, if you're trekking along the Fall Line through Lakeside or planning another great Sports Backers event, you can look up at the street sign and draw inspiration from Jon's positive energy and legendary drive," Cooper said in the release.

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Will Dixon will assume leadership of Sports Backers following Lugbill's retirement.

“Naming the street outside our headquarters in his honor is a powerful gesture that ensures Jon’s drive has a permanent place at the heart of our organization," Dixon said in the release. "His visionary leadership over the past three decades helped shape and inspire Richmond region.”