Public Input Wanted on Campus Plan for Pine Camp

The department will hold a second public meeting to receive suggestions, ideas and comments for the development of a campus plan for its Pine Camp Arts and Community Center property on Wednesday February 9 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, which is located at 4901 Old Brook Road.
Over the years, the department has received various suggestions and ideas for the improvement and use of this city parks and recreation property that currently contains a community center, playground, walking trail, and basketball courts. The property also serves as the site of the city’s cultural arts center.
The purpose of this meeting is to engage the public in dialogue regarding any future improvements to the property that could occur based on the desires of city residents and visitors.

Spotlight Gallery to Feature Local African-American Artists

In celebration of Black History Month, the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will host an art exhibit featuring the works of five local African-American artists: Maurice Beane, John Greene, Emmett Johnson Jafari, Jay Sharpe and Richard Ward. The exhibit, titled “Five Men: African-American Works in 3D,” will open with a reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on February 4 at the Spotlight Gallery, which is located within the department’s Pine Camp Arts and Community Center at 4901 Old Brook Rd.
In addition, several of the artists will discuss their work on Friday, February 4,from 6 p.m. to 7p.m. at Pine Camp prior to the opening. Both events are open and free to the public.
This annual Black History Month exhibit will trace the artistic influence of African-Americans from the rich imprint of Africa to current trends in contemporary art. “Their works will amaze you,” said Dr. Carolyn Graham, the department’s interim director.
The exhibit will be on display through March 11 in Pine Camp’s Spotlight Gallery. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Volunteers Needed to Help 'Tree the Track'

Do you enjoy Byrd Park? Have you ever used the Byrd Park vita course? Are you looking for a way to help make our city a better place to live? Then join the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities and the Friends of Byrd Park on Saturday, January 22, from 9 a.m. to noon, in a Neighbor-to-Neighbor project that will help beautify the park.
Volunteers are needed to help plant 30 new trees around the Byrd Park vita course. The holes will be dug in advance, and volunteers are needed to mulch, water and shovel dirt around the new plantings. This project is a great activity for families to enjoy together, and all ages can help.
Neighbor-to-Neighbor is an initiative of Mayor Dwight C. Jones to encourage the residents of Richmond to get involved and become active architects in “Building a Better Richmond.”
For more information and to volunteer to help Tree the Track, call 355-2639 or 342-9005 or visit www.Richmondgov.com/Mayor and click on the Neighbor-to-Neighbor link.

Day of Service Project Scheduled in Bryan Park

Please join the Friends of Bryan Park and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities in celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and the National Day of Service by volunteering for a Bryan Park environmental cleanup project. The work will take place on January 17 from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Bryan Park. This ’Day On, Not A Day Off’ project is endorsed by Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ Neighbor-to-Neighbor initiative, which encourages Richmond residents to get involved to help “Build a Better Richmond.”
Volunteers are needed to help cleanup the park’s floodplains and remove trash and debris from areas along the park’s creek beds and lake. This is an opportunity to give something back to the city, as well as to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and would be a great activity for individuals, service groups or teens.
All volunteers should wear heavy shoes or work boots, bring their own work gloves if possible, and meet at the park’s Shelter #1 at 9:30 a.m. to receive trash bags, assignments and instructions.
Bryan Park is located at 4308 Hermitage Road. The entrance to the park is just north of the I-95 entrance ramp. Park signs will provide directions to Shelter #1.
For more information and to register, call (804) 646-5454, visit http://www.richmondgov.com/ and click on the ‘Day On, Not A Day Off’ link, or e-mail Carla.Childs@RichmondGov.com.

Brain Games Coming Soon

The department will offer two days of brain aerobics for adults 55 and older who want to keep their minds young and fit.
The fun games and mental exercises designed especially for adults will begin at 11 a.m. on Jan. 14 and Jan. 28 at the department’s Westover Community Center, located at 1301 Jahnke Rd. It’s free to participate.
For more information, call 646-8995.

Public Input Wanted for Pine Camp Campus Plan

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, January 12, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to receive suggestions, ideas and comments for the development of a campus plan for its Pine Camp Arts and Community Center property. The meeting will be held at the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, which is located at 4901 Old Brook Road.
Through the years, the department has received various suggestions and ideas for the improvement and use of this city parks and recreation property that currently is home to a community center, playground, walking trail, and basketball courts. The property also serves as the site of the city’s cultural arts center.
The purpose of the meeting is to engage the public in a dialogue regarding any future improvements to the property that could occur based on the desires of the citizens.