Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities Announces Merger of Park Ranger and James River Park System Outdoor Education Programs 

Merger will allow for enhanced visitor services within the park system

Richmond, VA – As visitors flock to Richmond’s beloved park spaces, the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation, & Community Facilities is announcing the merging of two public-serving programs. Effective immediately, the Park Ranger program and James River Park System Outdoor Education program will become a streamlined initiative, enhancing visitor services through youth and public programs throughout Richmond’s vibrant park system. The mission of the Park Ranger program is to “engage park visitors and improve access to shared spaces.”  

“When the City Council first approved funding for the park ranger program in 2022, the goal was to enhance the experience for park users,” said Kristen Nye, former City Council President and lead patron of the program's funding. “I’m excited to see the program evolve and build on the services already available to Richmond families and park visitors.”   

The combination of Outdoor Education and Park Rangers will expand supportive services throughout Richmond parks. Park visitors can expect to see more opportunities for consistent public programs within and beyond the James River Park System. Park Rangers will lead regularly scheduled programs at the nature center and offer opportunities for volunteers to serve as hosts, trail monitors, or river safety ambassadors.

The Park Ranger program will continue to provide outreach services to individuals visiting the parks, provide wilderness first aid as needed, and facilitate invaluable communication and partnership with first responders during emergencies. Accompanying this expanded scope of services offered to park visitors, the Park Ranger program will continue to provide high quality school programs, summer camps, and professional development opportunities for students and teachers. 

"The best way to ensure our parks are open and welcoming to all has always been through activation of the space," says former James River Park Superintendent and Groundwork RVA Executive Director Nathan Burrell." The merger of these two programs offers just that, by accelerating public engagement opportunities in the spaces we love for all Richmonders".    

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The City of Richmond’s Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility of the Department of Public Works will host a public engagement forum that evaluates alignment alternatives of the Fall Line Trail through Bryan Park. This informational forum will take place Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Richmond Police Department Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23220.

Serving as a gateway to the city, Bryan Park will not only house the northernmost city segment out of fourteen segments on the trail but also serve as a trailhead for thousands of existing and future park visitors. Trailhead amenities include parking, bathrooms, picnic areas, water fountains, recreational space, and picnic shelters. Having these facilities at the trailhead allows users of the trail to rest, refuel, and enjoy the natural surroundings of the space.

“The City has worked with the region through the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) on the FLT Project, as a collective investment for the region. This project will enhance accessibility and make it easier for all residents to enjoy the park and its amenities,” said Dironna Moore Clarke, Deputy Director for the Department of Public Works. “The Fall Line Trail represents the City’s commitment to enhancing community connectivity and promoting sustainable transportation options.”

The 43-mile Fall Line Trail passes through seven Virginia localities: the Town of Ashland, Hanover County, Henrico County, the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, the City of Colonial Heights, and the City of Petersburg.

For information about the trail visit:

• City of Richmond- Fall Line Trail | Richmond (rva.gov)
• Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA)- Central Virginia Transportation Authority | Plan RVA
• Sportsbackers- Fall Line - Central Virginia's Transformative Trail (falllinetrail.org)

The City of Richmond is excited to announce the beginning of the public engagement phase for its comprehensive parks and recreation vision plan. This initiative, named Richmond INSPIRE (Imagining Neighborhood-Shaping Parks and Inclusive Recreation Experiences), A Citywide Vision Plan for Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities aims to develop a world-class park and recreation system that is equitable, resilient, and cherished by all residents. 

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) and consultant team Design Workshop will be starting the public engagement process through dialogue with residents, staff, partners, stakeholders, and local experts to ensure the vision for the department reflects the community's needs and desires. Throughout this period, workshops will be held across the city in all council districts to facilitate broad participation and input. Additionally, PRCF will be posting a virtual workshop on the website, with online engagement options that residents can access at their convenience if they are unable to attend an in-person. 

Residents are invited to participate in this collaborative effort to create a vibrant and inclusive recreational landscape for all by attending one of the following upcoming workshops: 

Richmond INSPIRE will craft a community-supported vision for parks and recreational spaces, complete with a detailed action plan for phased implementation. To learn more about the master planning process, find ways to get involved, and to RSVP for the upcoming meetings, please visit the website at www.richmondinspire.com. Residents can also access the first community survey. 

UPDATE: Advisory Lifted

City of Richmond Update to Tredegar Pipeline Trail Pipe Repair

August 1, 2024

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is lifting the recreational water advisory for the James River beginning at the Manchester Bridge (9^th Street) in the City of Richmond and ending at Osborne Landing in Henrico County. The advisory was issued July 17, due to a sewer release near the Pipeline Trail, along the James River.

The City has met regularly with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and VDH since this incident, and DEQ and VDH have been actively monitoring the situation. Water quality sampling results collected by DEQ on July 29 and July 30, indicate bacteria concentrations in the James River in the prior advisory area are at levels acceptable for all recreational water use.

The City of Richmond continues to address the 42” failed pipe at the Tredegar Pipeline, which is a combined sewer system pipe. Long term and short-term actions include the following:

1. Installation of two large 42” inflatable plugs [COMPLETED]
   1. The plugs are designed to close off segments of the sewer line from any flow while repairs are taking place.
   2. Both plugs have been installed.
2. Temporary patching to the impacted areas of the pipe [COMPLETED]

• Consisting of epoxy and steel plates which are designed to seal all leakage points.
  
  • The temporary patch installations are complete.

3. Isolation of the damaged line segment to prevent any additional flow into the pipe [IN PROGRESS]
   1. A welder was onsite July 18, 2024 to assess the feasibility of a more permanent option. The assessment identified the solution to install metal flanges, which will be welded in place to completely isolate both ends of the pipe.
   2. This work will begin the week of August 5, 2024.        

The longer-term and more permanent solution requires an in-depth engineering design and coordination process as this 42” pipe is elevated above the river, where access and the ability to mobilize repair crews is a challenge.

 The City of Richmond is an old city with aged infrastructure. The Department of Public Utilities is responsible for a territory which includes 5,000 miles of water, sewer and gas pipes as well as 200,000+ other assets (i.e. fire hydrants, meters, valves). Condition assessments help to inform repair, rehabilitation and replacement schedules.

Residents, businesses and visitors rely upon the James River as a water supply source, an economic driver and a recreational resource. The City continues to undertake significant construction projects to protect and preserve the James River while partnering with stakeholders to help identify and prioritize ways to enhance the river.

VDH Lifts Recreational Water Advisory for the James River - Newsroom (virginia.gov)

July 24, 2024 

The City of Richmond continues to work with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regarding two isolated events which occurred during July 2024 at the Tredegar Pipeline Trail. These are two separate incidents and not a continual leak. Initial investigation showed that the first leak on July 2 was related to a wet weather event and was exacerbated by a stormwater connection from an adjacent commercial property. The City reported this to DEQ within 24 hours as required. The City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities confirmed there were no leaks on July 3. There were also no citizen reports of the pipe leaking for the two weeks between the two incidents. The July 2 incident has been closed by DEQ.

The second incident was reported to the City on July 15, and the city immediately responded. The repairs are ongoing and the updates are outlined below.

The Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) continue to monitor the impacts to the river. Sampling will continue to determine when the Recreational Water Advisory for the James River from Manchester Bridge to Osborne Landing will be lifted by VDH, when VDH determines bacteria levels are acceptable for recreational contact. The City is meeting regularly with DEQ and VDH to continue collaborative conversations regarding repairs.

Repair Updates

The City of Richmond continues to address the 42” failed pipe at the Tredegar Pipeline, which is a combined sewer system pipe. Long term and short-term actions include the following:

1. Installation of two large 42” inflatable plugs
   
   • The plugs are designed to close off segments of the sewer line from any flow while repairs are taking place.
   • Installation of the large inflatable plugs started July 18, 2024 and one plug was successfully installed. Installation of the second plug is in process.
2. A temporary patch to the impacted area of the pipe (i.e. under the belly of)

• Consisting of epoxy and steel plates which are designed to seal all leakage points.
  
  • This work began Monday, July 22, 2024 and has been challenging as crews have had to consider workarounds based on the location and complexity of the impacted area.

3. Isolation of the damaged line segment to prevent any additional flow into the pipe
   
   • A welder was onsite July 18, 2024 to assess the feasibility of a more permanent option. The assessment identified the solution to install metal flanges, which will be welded in place to completely isolate both ends of the pipe. This work is expected to begin the first week of August 2024.               

The longer-term and more permanent solution requires an in-depth engineering design and coordination as this 42” pipe is elevated above the river, where access and the ability to mobilize repair crews is a challenge.

The City of Richmond is an old city with aged infrastructure. The Department of Public Utilities is responsible for a territory which includes 5,000 miles of water, sewer and gas pipes as well as 200,000+ other assets (i.e. fire hydrants, meters, valves).  Condition assessments help to inform repair, rehabilitation and replacement schedules.

July 17, 2024

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued a recreational water advisory for the James River beginning at the Manchester Bridge (9^th Street) in the City of Richmond to Osborne Landing in Henrico County. For the safety of people and pets, VDH is advising that recreational water activities, such as swimming, wading, tubing, and whitewater kayaking (where submersion in the water is likely), should be avoided.  

The City of Richmond’s drinking water is upstream from the impacted site and is not impacted.  

This advisory is being released out of an abundance of caution due to a leak in a sewage pipe on the Pipeline Trail, which was reported on July 16. City crews joined with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), immediately responded to assess the site, and performed testing which confirmed high levels of bacteria. Investigation revealed that a bypass pumps had gone off-line. Crews were able to re-establish the bypass pumping operation to remove all flow from the pipe thereby severely diminishing the sewage release. Repairs of this 42” pipe will begin within the next 24 hours. Repairs include installation of large inflatable plugs, isolation of the damaged line segment to prevent any additional flow, and a temporary patch to the impacted area of the pipe. The City believes this immediate response will eliminate further impacts to the river. The long-term solution requires more in-depth design and coordination as this 42” pipe is elevated above the river, where access is a challenge. 

Signage has been installed at the public access points. Public access points to the James River in the impacted area include Great Shiplock Park and Chapel Island, 14th Street Takeout, Dock Street Park, Wharf Street / Intermediate Terminal, Ancarrow’s Landing, and Osborne Landing.  

FAQs 

 As a City of Richmond resident, should I be concerned about my drinking water? 

No. The City of Richmond’s drinking water source is not impacted. Drinking water samples continue to meet Virginia Department of Health (VDH) standards.  

Should I swim in the river? 

Not until the advisory is lifted. Recreational water activities, such as swimming, wading, tubing, and whitewater kayaking (where submersion in the water is likely), should be avoided. However, activities, which are not likely to result in water submersion (boating, fishing, canoeing), may continue with proper caution to avoid contact with the water. 

Why did this happen? 

The pipe has been identified as being put into service over 50 years ago and is further environmentally compromised based on its exposure to the elements and its location – which is suspended above the river.  

What is the City doing to prevent this from happening in the short-term? 

The City is working with a contractor for both temporary and permanent repairs. The temporary repairs include installation of large inflatable plugs, isolation of the damaged line segment to prevent any additional flow, and the service of a welder to create a temporary patch to the impacted area of the pipe.  

What is the City doing to prevent this from happening in the long-term? 

The long-term solution requires an in-depth engineering design and coordination as this 42” pipe is elevated above the river, where access is a challenge.  

As part of the 67th annual Festival of Arts, the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities (PRCF) will host a Fourth of July celebration at Dogwood Dell on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

This free event will feature the Richmond Concert Jazz Band beginning at 5:30 p.m. The Richmond Concert Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. with a patriotic and pop music concert. The evening’s fireworks display will accompany the Richmond Concert Band playing “The 1812 Overture” at 9:15 p.m. The public is welcome to bring small coolers (glass bottles or alcohol are not allowed) or can purchase food from one of the vendors on site. 

Richmond Police Department will enforce the following no parking areas from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on July 4. Towing will be enforced beginning at 2 p.m.

• 700-1000 block of Blanton Avenue  between Garrett Street and Grant Street (Both sides)
• 400- 600 block S. Arthur Ashe Boulevard between Blanton and Idlewood Avenue (Both sides)
• 00-2200 block Park Drive between Pump House Dr. and Blanton Avenue (Both sides)
• 2600 block Idlewood Avenue between S. Arthur Ashe Boulevard and S. Robinson Street  (Both sides)
• Trafford Road (Police Memorial Way)
• 1000 block South Belmont between Grant Street and Garrett Street (both sides)
• 2900-3200 block Douglasdale Road between Blanton Avenue and Douglasdale Road
• 400-3600 block McCloy Street / Douglasdale Road between Idlewood Avenue and Portland Place
• 1400-2000 block Pump House Drive (Both Sides)
• 400-600 block S. Sheppard Street (Both Sides) between Blanton Avenue and  Idlewood Avenue
• 2000-2400 block Maplewood Avenue (Median Only) between S. Meadow Street and S. Davis Avenue
• 2000-2400 block Rosewood Avenue (Median Only) between S. Meadow Street and S. Davis Avenue
• 2900-3100 block Garrett Street (Both Sides) between Blanton Avenue and S. Belmont Avenue (Bus Route)
• 3500-3600 block Douglasdale Road (Both Sides) between Douglasdale Road and Portland Place

Arthur Ashe Boulevard at Idlewood Avenue will close to vehicular traffic beginning at 6 p.m. Parking is available at Dogwood Dell, with over flow parking at City Stadium, 3201 Maplewood Avenue, with free shuttle bus service 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Richmond Police Department reminds the public that what goes up must come down; celebratory gunfire is dangerous and puts your friends and family in jeopardy. Random gunfire that results in bodily injury to another person is considered a Class 6 felony and can carry a penalty of up to five years’ incarceration (Code of Virginia 18.2-280).

Use and possession of fireworks in the Richmond city limits is also illegal and is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor with penalties of up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine (Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code).