Address:
1209 Admiral Street
Richmond, VA
23220 USA
Email: Ask Parks and Recreation
Phone: (804) 646-5733
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804) 646-0751
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Athletics Division
Administration Office
1209 Admiral Street
Richmond, VA 23220-1701
Phone: (804)646-5733
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804)646-0751
Boxing, aerobics, swimming, football, soccer, basketball, baseball... when it comes to sports, Parks and Recreation has something for everyone.
The Department offers an array of seasonal competitive and non-competitive sports for city residents. In addition to team and individual sports, we offer a variety of fitness, dance, and health-related classes and activities at sites throughout the City, for a complete listing see the current edition of the Parks and Recreation Digest.
The First Tee Golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, and sports facilities are just some of our exciting sports venues.
The available athletic activities are listed below:
Aerobics
Administration Office
1209 Admiral Street
Richmond, VA 23220-1701
Map It
Phone: (804)646-5733,
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804)646-0751
Many community centers offer aerobic sessions tailored for adults and youth. View the current Parks and Recreation Digest and the Pine Camp Guide to get class schedules.
Exercise is For Everyone
Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities offers something for everyone - including aerobics for the elderly and disabled. We have three different aerobic programs that can be practiced by individuals who are unable to withstand the stress that conventional aerobics puts on the legs. The three programs are Chair Aerobics, Walker Aerobics, Water Aerobics.
Don't let a disability keep you from leading an active and healthy life.
Water Aerobics
These fun-filled classes are great for your health. Soothe those aching joints in warm water and have loads of fun in the process! Water aerobics is good for the heart, weight loss, arthritis, and other ailments common to senior citizens.
The classes are held at:
Swansboro Pool
3160 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA 23224
Map It
Phone: (804)646-8088
Youth Basketball
Athletics Administration Office
700 Blanton Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221
Phone: (804)646-1175,
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804)646-0751
Registration
More than 800 children participate in the city's basketball program. Teams for boys and girls, ages 5 - 15, can be found at most community centers. Registration for youth basketball leagues will begin in June with league play beginning in January and going through March.
For more information, contact your neighborhood community center or call (804)646-1175.
Registration: June - December
Play: January - March
Registration Fee: $25
Youth Baseball
Athletic Administration Office
700 Blanton Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221
Phone: (804)646-1175,
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804)646-0751
Registration
Registration occurs annually in the month of March.
League | Age Range | Season Length |
---|---|---|
T-Ball | Ages 5 - 6 | Play: May - June |
Coach Pitch | Ages 7 - 8 | Play: May - June |
Minors | Ages 9 - 10 | Play: May - June |
Majors | Ages 11 - 12 | Play: May - June |
Juniors | Ages 13 - 15 | Play: May - June |
Girls | Ages 9 - 17 | Play: May - June |
The season ends with the City Championship finals and Annual Baseball Bash.
Softball
Youth between the ages of 8 and 15 interested in playing softball should contact their local Community Center.
Boxing
COBRA BOXING
Southside Community Center
6255 Old Warwick Road
Richmond, VA 23224
Phone: (804) 646-1175
Coached by a certified USA Amateur Boxing Federation (USA Boxing) Instructors - the Boxing Program operates out of the Cobra Boxing Gym behind Southside Community Center
For more information please contact us at (804)646-1175.
Cheerleading
Athletic Administration Office
700 Blanton Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221
Phone: (804)646-5733,
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804)646-0751
Registration
Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities cheerleading squads are made up of girls and boys, ages 17 and younger. They are formed at all community centers sponsoring football and basketball teams. Squads attend sporting events and also attend summer and fall cheering clinics.
Under the leadership of volunteer trainers, the squads also practice regularly and cheer for their teams each Saturday during football season. Participation in the program is free and all interested youth are welcomed.
Cheerleading Registration
Mid - August and Early December
Ages 5 - 17
Play: September - November and January - March
Cost: $25 per youth.
For more information about cheerleading, contact your local community center.
Disc Golf
Gillies Creek & Bryan Park
Administration Office
1209 Admiral Street
Richmond, VA 23220-1701
Phone: (804)646-5733,
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804)646-0751
Registration
The City of Richmond is full of many hidden treasures! One of which happens to be the Gillies Creek Park system. Located on the City's east side just off of Stoney Run Drive and Williamsburg Road. Gillies Creek Park has an abundance of activities to offer, some of which are refreshingly different.
Gillies Creek Park sports an 18 hole "Disc Golf Course". Disc Golf is golf played with a Frisbee type disc which is hurled through the air into a chain linked basket to score points. The least amount of putts (throws) it takes a golfer to land the disc into the basket, the faster they can proceed to the next hole (basket location). The game takes about an hour to play and covers a distance of about a mile.
A disc golf course is also at Bryan Park.
Fitness Trails
Administration Office
1209 Admiral Street
Richmond, VA 23220-1701
Phone: (804)646-5733,
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804)646-0751
The department maintains several fitness trails. Users may either run or walk through the courses. You will also notice that the trails provide written exercise instructions throughout various intervals.
Trails are located at:
- Byrd Park
- Cannon Creek
- Pine Camp Arts and Community Center
Football
Athletic Administration Office
700 Blanton Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221
Phone: (804)646-1175,
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804)646-0751
Youth Football
The department offers an excellent football program for city youth. The program boasts many successes, including Brian Still, who went on to become a wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers. Our long standing program is not just about football, but also about helping our youth realize their full potential and achieve their dreams. It is known that sports can motivate youth to realize the importance of academic achievement and teach them the importance of life skills, such as team building, dedication, responsibility and discipline. In addition to the athletic component, the football program also focuses on life skills, duty, safety, education and academics. Each participating community center offers an excellent coaching staff.
No experience is necessary. Instruction is provided. A coach's clinic is offered in late August. If you are interested in being on a team, assisting us with coaching or being a team sponsor, contact the center supervisor at your local community center.
Registration: Mid June
Ages: 9 - 15
Play: September - November
Cost: $25 per youth
For more information regarding our football program, contact (804)646-1175.
Hiking
Administration Office
1209 Admiral Street
Richmond, VA 23220-1701
Phone: (804)646-5733,
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804)646-0751
Hiking Trails | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Location Name | Address / MapIt! | Zip / Area | Telephone # | Days / Hours | Council District |
Belle Isle | 2099 Riverside Drive | 23225 | (804)646-8911 | Sunrise to Sunset | 5 |
Bryan Park | 4308 Hermitage Road | 23227 | (804)646-0036 | Sunrise to Sunset | 3 |
Byrd Park | 600 South Boulevard | 23220 | (804)646-0761 | Sunrise to Sunset | 5 |
Forest Hill Park | 4021 Forest Hill Avenue | 23225 | (804)646-0761 | Sunrise to Sunset | 4 |
Huguenot Flatwater Park | 8600 Southampton Road | 23235 | (804)646-8911 | Sunrise to Sunset | 4 |
James River Flood Wall | 101 Hull Street | 23224 | (804)646-7000 | Sunrise to Sunset | 4 |
James River Park | 4301 Riverside Drive | 23219 | (804)646-8911 | Sunrise to Sunset | 4 |
Maymont Park | 2201 Shields Lake Drive | 23220 | (804)358-7166 | Sunrise to Sunset | 5 |
Oregon Hill Park / Overlook | 799 South Pine Street | 23220 | (804)646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 5 |
Pine Camp | 4901 Old Brook Road | 23227 | (804)646-3672 | Sunrise to Sunset | 3 |
Pony Pasture Rapids Park | 7200 Riverside Drive | 23225 | (804)646-8911 | Sunrise to Sunset | 4 |
Powhite Park | 7200 Powhite Park Trails | 23225 | (804)646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 4 |
Belle Isle
Parking & footbridge to Belle Isle at Tredegar Street. One mile loop trail - woodlands, meadows, interpretive signs, scenic walk alongside rocks and rapids.
Bryan Park
Hermitage Road and Westbrook Avenue; one trail, 1 mile. Parkland around lake.
Byrd Park
South end of the Boulevard- two trails, 1.3 miles, three lakes and grassy fields
Forest Hill Park
Forest Hill Avenue and 34th Street and 41st; two trails, 1.5 miles, lake, stream, grassy hills and woodlands, excellent mountain biking routes through forest.
Huguenot Flatwater Park
On Riverside Drive at the south end of Huguenot Bridge - one trail along river, 1.5 miles. Along a quiet section of river with excellent fishing.
James River Flood Wall
South end of Manchester Bridge, 1.25 miles. Scenic views of city skyline along the river, wheelchair accessible at western section starting under Manchester Bridge.
James River Park Main Area
On Riverside Drive Lee Bridge to Boulevard Bridge: five trails, 5.3 miles. Woodlands and fields. Easy biking along the river with challenging mountain bike trails.
Maymont Park
Between the Boulevard and Hampton Street, four trails, 4 miles. Parkland and gardens.
Oregon Hill Park / Overlook
Riverview overlook on the edge of Oregon Hill Parkway between South Cherry Street and South Pine Street. Excellent views of river. Access to North Bank Trail located between Leigh Bridge to Boulevard Bridge, for 2 miles, via Texas Avenue and Kansas Avenue.
Pine Camp
Azalea Avenue and Old Brook Road, two trails, 1.8 miles. Fields and woodlands.
Pony Pasture Rapids Park
7200 Riverside Drive, 1 mile West of Huguenot Bridge - four trails, 3.5 miles. Fields and woodlands. Easy biking, good fishing and scenic rocks and rapids.
Powhite Park
Chippenham Parkway and Jahnke Road, three trails, 1.5 miles. Fields, woodlands, stream and steep hills. Excellent mountain biking.
Rafting
If interested in rafting on the James, please contact the businesses below for more information:
River City Adventures
Travis Bayes or Travis Dodge
River City Adventures
100 Stockton Street
Richmond, VA 23224
(804)233-4000
Riverside Outfitters
Matt Perry
Riverside Outfitters
6836 Old Westham Road
Richmond, VA 23225
(804)560-0068
Sledding
Administration Office
1209 Admiral Street
Richmond, VA 23220-1701
Phone: (804)646-5733,
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804)646-0751
Sledding is allowed in all the city parks after snowfalls during the winter. Sledding on sheets of metal or similarly dangerous material or the use of any sort of mechanized devices on the slopes is prohibited. All parks close at dusk and sledding is prohibited after the park closes.
For more information about sledding rules and regulations contact, (804)646-5733.
Youth Soccer
Athletic Administration Office
700 Blanton Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221
Phone: (804)646-1126
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804)646-0751
Each year, over 2,000 players participate in soccer. With a six-field complex, the department coordinates play for more than 100 soccer teams.
Soccer leagues are formed in the fall and spring.
Team members practice daily after school and play scheduled games at designated fields on Fridays and Saturdays.
Players are divided into teams by ages. The House League is for youth ages 5 through 14. The league is comprised of participants from playgrounds, community centers and schools.
For additional information on soccer programs contact your local community center or call (804)646-1126.
Aquatics Office
700 Blanton Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221
Phone (804)646-1174
Inclement Weather Line Number (804)646-0751
Are you ready to take a plunge? We're ready for you to join us!
The department operates seven outdoor pools and two indoor pools. Indoor pools are where Richmonders can swim year around.
We offer American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim lessons at all levels from beginning to advanced - child to adult. Lifeguard certification, first aid and CPR training are also available.
Pools have regular hours for open-lap, family, and adult swim sessions, if there are no swimming classes scheduled.
During the summer months each pool attracts an average of 200 - 250 patrons per day.
The Open Swim/Lap Swimming has general hours for the public.
For Group Swim prior paid reservations are required. Contact e-mail: Jerrod.Booker@rva.gov
Indoor Pools | Quad | Address / MapIt! | Zip / Area | Telephone # | Council District |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bellemeade | South | 1800 Lynhaven Avenue | 23224 | (804)646-8849 | 6 |
Calhoun (RRHA) CLOSED | North | 436 Calhoun Street | 23220 | (804)646-4083 | 3 |
Swansboro | South | 3160 Midlothian Turnpike | 23224 | (804)646-8088 | 5 |
Summer Pool Schedule
Outdoor pools will open for the 2023 season on June 10
Outdoor Pools | Quad | Address / MapIt! | Zip / Area | Telephone # | Council District |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Battery | North | 2719 Dupont Circle | 23222 | (804)646-0127 | 3 |
Blackwell | South | 238 East 14th Street | 23224 | (804)646-8718 | 8 |
Fairmount | East | 2000 U Street | 23223 | (804)646-3831 | 7 |
Hotchkiss | North | 701 East Brookland Park Boulevard | 23222 | (804)646-3762 | 6 |
Powhatan | East | 1000 Apperson Street | 23231 | (804)646-3595 | 7 |
Randolph | West | 1507 Grayland Avenue | 23220 | (804)646-1329 | 5 |
Woodville | East | 2305 Fairfield Avenue | 23223 | (804)646-3834 | 7 |
Water Safety Instruction Classes
Lifeguard training classes are offered several times prior to the start of the summer swim season, for more information call (804)646-1174.
Swim Team - RICHMOND RIPTIDES
One of the showcase programs within the Department is the Richmond Riptides Swim Team, formally known as the Richmond Racers.
The Team was established in 1992 and currently has more than 70 members who compete in two leagues.
The first league, the Virginia Community Swim League is a league composed of six other municipally sponsored teams from the Richmond and Tidewater areas. The second league is the United States Swimming League which has a quarter of a million members. It is the national swimming organization that sponsors local, state and national meets leading to the Olympics and other international competitions.
Team membership is challenging, exciting and fun! It offers year-round training in the four basic swim strokes- butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. The team offers young people a chance to make new friends, visit other cities, learn valuable skills and build confidence and self-esteem.
Criteria for Joining
New swimmers interested in joining the Racers organization must complete the Richmond Racers application and meet the following criteria, swimmers must be able to swim a minimum of 25 yards and they should be able to swim two of the four competitive strokes.
Coaches will evaluate new talent Monday through Thursday by appointment at Swansboro Pool. For more Richmond Racers information, please email RichmondCityRiptides@gmail.com.
Richmond Racers Swimming Levels, Descriptions and Practice Requirements | |||
---|---|---|---|
Level | Age Group | Performance | Practice Required |
I | All age groups, primarily 12 and under | N/A | 1 to 2 days per week |
II | All age groups, primarily 12 and under | N/A | 2 days per week |
III | All age groups, primarily 12 and under | Must meet expectations | 3 days per week |
IV | All age groups, primarily 11 and over | Must meet expectations | 3 to 4 days per week |
V | Age 13 and over | Must meet expectations | 4 to 5 days per week |
Tennis
Athletics Administration Office
700 Blanton Avenue
Richmond, VA 23221
Phone: (804)646-1208
Inclement Weather Line Number: (804)646-0751
Tennis enthusiasts throughout the city play year-round on more than 140 courts maintained by the department. The city's tennis program serves youth ages 6-17. Our tennis program operates hosts classes at various locations in the fall, spring, and summer.
PRCF Tennis court locations:
Tennis Courts | Type | Address / MapIt! | Zip / Area | Telephone # | Days / Hours | Council District |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Abner Clay Park | Tennis Court | 501 Brook Road | 23220 | (804)646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 2 |
Ann Hardy Plaza | Tennis Court | 3300 First Avenue | 23222 | (804)646-4824 | Sunrise to Sunset | 6 |
Battery Park Community Center |
Tennis Court | 2803 Dupont Circle | 23222 | (804)646-0944 | Sunrise to Sunset | 3 |
Bill Robinson Playground |
Tennis Court | 721 North 35th Street | 23223 | (804)646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 7 |
Blackwell Community Center |
Tennis Court | 300 East 15th Street | 23224 | (804)646-8630 | Sunrise to Sunset | 8 |
Broad Rock Community Center |
Tennis Court | 4615 Ferguson Lane | 23234 | (804)646-8824 | Sunrise to Sunset | 8 |
Broad Rock Sports Complex |
Tennis Court | 4825 Old Warwick Road | 23224 | (804)646-8746 | Sunrise to Sunset | 8 |
Bryan Park | Tennis Court | 4308 Hermitage Road | 23227 | (804)646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 3 |
Byrd Park | Tennis Court | 600 South Boulevard | 23220 | (804)646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 5 |
Chimborazo Playground |
Tennis Court | 2900 East Grace Street | 23223 | (804)646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 7 |
Fonticello Park | Tennis Court | 2813 Bainbridge Street | 23225 | (804)646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 5 |
Forest Hill Park | Tennis Court | 4021 Forest Hill Avenue | 23225 | (804)646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 4 |
Gillies Creek Park | Tennis Court | 4425 Williamsburg Avenue | 23231 | (804)646-4309 | Sunrise to Sunset | 7 |
Greene Playground |
Tennis Court | 1745 Catalina Drive | 23225 | (804)646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 9 |
Hotchkiss Field Community Center |
Tennis Court | 701 East Brookland Park Boulevard | 23222 | (804)646-4466 | Sunrise to Sunset | 6 |
Mary Munford Playground |
Tennis Court | 211 Westmoreland Street | 23226 | (804)646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 1 |
Lucks Field | Tennis Court | 1926 T Street | 23223 | (804)646-3818 | Sunrise to Sunset | 7 |
Powhatan Community Center |
Tennis Court | 5051 Northampton Street | 23231 | (804)646-0973 | Sunrise to Sunset | 7 |
Powhatan Playground |
Tennis Court | 5014 Northampton Street | 23231 | (804)646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 7 |
Thomas B. Smith Community Center |
Tennis Court | 2015 Ruffin Road | 23234 | (804)646-8490 | Sunrise to Sunset | 8 |
Westover Community Center |
Tennis Court | 1301 Jahnke Road | 23235 | (804)646-8995 | Sunrise to Sunset | 4 |
Whitcomb Court Community Center |
Tennis Court | 2302 Carmine Street | 23223 | (804)646-2988 | Sunrise to Sunset | 6 |
Facilities with multiple courts include:
Tennis Courts | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Location | Address / MapIt! | Zip / Area | Telephone # | Days / Hours | Council District |
Battery Park | 2803 Dupont Circle | 23222 | (804) 646-0944 | Sunrise to Sunset | 3 |
Broad Rock Sports Complex | 4899 Old Warwick Road | 23224 | (804) 646-5733 | Sunrise to Sunset | 9 |
Byrd Park | 600 South Boulevard | 23220 | (804) 646-0761 | Sunrise to Sunset | 5 |
Hotchkiss Community Center | 701 E. Brookland Park Blvd. | 23227 | (804) 646-4466 | Sunrise to Sunset | 6 |
Westover Community Center | 1301 Jahnke Road | 23235 | (804) 646-8995 | Sunrise to Sunset | 4 |
The department works with area tennis associations and enthusiasts on a year round basis.
For additional information call (804)646-1208.
To reserve a court, contact our scheduling office at (804)646-0761.