Parks and Recreation Takes 2020 Festival of Arts Virtual

Richmond, VA – The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) continues to take the safety and health of our residents as a top priority. Based on current guidelines and careful consideration, PRCF has made the decision to change the model of the 2020 Festival of Arts. In lieu of holding our weekly shows at the Dogwood Dell Amphitheater, PRCF will hold weekly live 40 minute performances via the department Facebook page.

Kicking off the season on Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m. will be Jazz fusion band Plunky and Oneness. Other scheduled performances include:

·        Corey El (R&B) on July 24

·        Susan Greenbaum (Folk/Pop) on July 31

·        A Festival Frolic (Dogwood Dell Musical Revue) on August 7

·        City Dance Theatre on August 14

·        Kadencia (Afro-Puerto Rican) on August 21

For more information about how the City of Richmond is responding to COVID-19, please visit www.richmondgov.com/covid19.

For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Parks and Recreation Alters Summer Camp Model for 2020 Offerings

Richmond, VA – The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) continues to take the safety and health of our patrons as a top priority. Based on current guidelines and careful consideration, PRCF has made the decision to change the model of programming for Summer 2020. We will not be offering traditional summer camps this year, which includes the Great Summer Escape Day Camp, Generation Z Teen Camp, All About Art Camp, Summer Dance Intensive, and Outdoor Adventure Camp. However, we will be piloting the following programs below for the month of July and continue to assess our offerings beginning in August.

PRCF will host a free “Summer Fun Pop Up” at 20 locations across the city for ages 6 to 12 years old. This free summer programming will be held entirely outdoors, include games that have minimal contact, and operate from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Children ages 18 and under would also have an opportunity to eat breakfast and lunch through the USDA Meals for Kids Federal Food Program.

 “Choose Your Own Summer Adventure” in partnership with Richmond Public Library and other local community partners, will offer a fun filled virtual summer of art, dance, and outdoor education opportunities that can be completed at your convenience. While the program itself is free, parents will have the option of registering their child for a camp in the box pack that will include all materials for art and outdoor education projects. Interested parents can register at https://parksandrecreation.richmondgov.com at a cost of $25 per child per week. Those that are looking for an art only program can also register at the above link at a cost of $50 per child, which will include a project than can be done over multiple weeks. Age appropriate classes will be posted on the department’s social media channels.

Both camp options will begin on Monday, July 6. “Choose Your Own Summer Adventure” will begin registration on Monday, June 22.

For more information about how the City of Richmond is responding to COVID-19, please visit www.richmondgov.com/covid19.

For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Parks and Recreation Update: Summer Pool Operations and Return of Workforce Development Program

Richmond, VA – The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) continues to take the safety and health of our patrons as a top priority. After careful consideration, review of information from professional associations and guidance from federal and state agencies, PRCF plans to open the City of Richmond indoor swimming pools starting July 6, 2020. Outdoor pools will not be opening at this time. Funding originally allocated for outdoor services will be used to support the Workforce Development Program that was cut from the budget due to the economic cost of COVID-19.

Swansboro Indoor Pool (3160 Midlothian Turnpike) will open for lap swim beginning on Monday, July 6. Operating hours will be from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Bellemeade Indoor Pool (1800 Lynhaven Avenue) will begin their Learn to Swim classes on Monday, July 6 at 9 a.m., with classes running each hour until 7 p.m. These classes will be free for the months of July and August only.

To reserve time for lap swim or register for a Learn to Swim class, please visit https://parksandrecreation.richmondgov.com. Learn to Swim class registration can also be done by contacting Erica Kirkland at 804-646-8849 or email Erica.Kirkland@richmondgov.com.

The Workforce Development Program is designed to empower 54 participants with job skills applicable for entry-level positions. These workers will assist in the enhancement of Richmond’s public spaces, which have proven an in-demand asset in the Richmond community due to social distancing and home isolation.

PRCF is dedicated to providing services an equitable opportunity to access services and programming. During the 2019 summer season, the seven department operated pools saw an average of 1,200 to 1,500 visitors daily. The logistical challenges of being able to provide access at our outdoor pools safely this summer would severely limit the number of patrons the outdoor spaces would be able to accommodate. While this was a difficult decision, the department has determined that the challenges outweigh the benefit to the few that we would be able to safely serve. 

For more information about how the City of Richmond is responding to COVID-19, please visit www.richmondgov.com/covid19.

For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Parks and Recreation Update: Openings for Phase 2

Richmond, VA – The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) continues to take the safety and health of our patrons as a top priority. As the city moves into Phase 2 of reopening, PRCF will implement the following:

·        Rentals of picnic shelters will resume. Groups should be limited to 50% occupancy of the shelter space or 50 people, whichever is less.

·        Rentals of athletic fields for practice only. Interested groups will need to submit a plan of action to the department on how they intend to mitigate exposure, maintain at least ten feet between participants and instructors, and keep groups to 50 persons or less.

·        Limited parking will be available at Pony Pasture and Ancarrows Landing.

·        Parking lots at Texas Beach, Tredegar Green, 22^nd Street, and 42^nd Street will be open for use.

·        Entrance to the James River Park System at 21^st Street will reopen.

·        BMX Bike Trail at Gillies Creek Park will be open for use.

·        Tennis courts and pickleball courts will be open for use.

·        Playgrounds will be open for use.

·        Dog parks will be open for use.

·        Manchester Climbing Wall will be open for use.

·        Skate parks will be open for use.

·        Outdoor basketball courts will have the hoops reinstalled over the next two weeks.

·        Limited restrooms will be available.

There will be a gradual reopening of the tennis courts, basketball courts, and restrooms beginning on Friday, June 12, with an expectation of having all amenities available for use by Friday, June 19. We reiterate the importance of social distancing and avoidance of large gatherings and group activities.

With the additional amenities reopening, PRCF asks that social distancing standards be maintained at all times and that face coverings be worn if possible. Amenities that can be considered high touch areas (playgrounds, railings, fences, bathrooms, etc) cannot be cleaned on a consistent basis to mitigate potential exposure to the virus and should be used with caution.

The city and department understands the importance of the park system and recreational programs to our residents and will re-evaluate the need for closures, cancellations, and further openings as this unprecedented situation evolves.

Staff at PRCF’s Administrative Office will be available to assist residents via phone at 804-646-5733 or email at AskParkRec@richmondgov.com .

For more information about how the City of Richmond is responding to COVID-19, please visit www.richmondgov.com/covid19.

For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.