Parks and Recreation Moves Up in Trust for Public Land Park Score Index
Richmond moves from 48^th in 2017 to 22^nd in 2024 out of top 100 cites in America

On May 22, 2024, the Trust for Public Lands released updated their thirteenth Park Score Index for park districts across the country. In a national index of America’s 100 most populous cities, the City of Richmond now ranks #22 in terms of access to high quality park spaces, up from #48 in 2017.

This annual report measures park systems on access, investment, amenities, acreage, and equity. For the 2024 Park Score Index, Richmond scored 62.3 points out of 100 based on the five categories, with 14 measures where points can be awarded. The updated ranking is a 17-point jump from 2023 and is 23 points higher than the year prior.  Richmond’s meteoric rise in park access and resources is a result of intersecting objectives: 

1. The City’s effort to close the park 10-minute walkability gap by creating parks in underserved neighborhoods;
2. The advancement of 4 community center capital projects through opportunities made possible by the American Recovery Plan Act; and
3. The addition of over 80 acres of park lands in south Richmond and the James River Park System.

“Since I took office in 2017, one of the top issues I heard from residents was to improve our park system,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “Now, after seven and half years, more Richmonders have access to our great park system than ever before. Our increased score from the Trust for Public Lands shows the incredible progress we have made in increasing our green space for ALL Richmonders to enjoy! I look forward to this progress continuing for years to come.”

Richmond saw the largest increase in points in the Investment category earning 47 points, an increase of 9 points from 2023. The city has increased the per capita spending for Parks and Recreation from $99 (below the national average in 2022) to $135 per capita (average national spending). The city also saw an increase in points in the measure of percent of low-income households that are within a 10-minute walk of a park. With additional acreage added to Parks and Recreation inventory with sites such as Broad Rock Creek Park located in the 8^th District, South Richmonders can access more greenspace than in previous years.

“Parks are places where we work to redefine our city; where community partners and government work together to activate these spaces,” said Traci DeShazor, Deputy Chief Administration Officer of Human Services. “As we celebrate this new ranking, I would also like to celebrate the staff that are activating park spaces daily and helping the community decide who Richmond is every day.”

Over the last seven years, the city has increased the percentage of city area as parkland from 5% to 7.3% with the purchase of spaces such as the new Dock Street Park, the newly acquired Mayo Island, and the five new parks designated by Mayor Stoney and Council in 2020.

“Our park score shows that Richmond is a premiere place in the country to live and play! We are thrilled to see this monumental movement in our park score. This accomplishment is due to the leadership and support of Mayor Stoney, Council, and Administration, as well as the dedication of our community partners, citizens, and amazing Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities team,” said Chris Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.

To read the entire report, please visit the Trust for Public Land website. For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit our website.