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.

Parks and Recreation Update: Anncarrow’s Landing Parking Limited

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 of Richmond continues to learn more about this virus, additional steps are being taken to help control the spread.

Effective Friday, April 10, 2020, PRCF will implement a vehicle limit at Ancarrow’s Landing with a “one in, one out” policy. This restriction will assist in the social distancing measures that have been implemented by Governor Northam’s Executive Order 55 and carry through the holiday weekend. Brander Street, leading up to the entrance of Ancarrow’s Landing, is also marked as a no parking zone. All vehicles illegally parked in this area will be ticketed and/or towed.

As a reminder, the Tredegar Parking lot, the parking lot at Pony Pasture, access to the James River Park System (JRPS) at the Pipeline entry point, and entry to the JRPS at the 21^st Street Tower will be closed on Saturdays and Sundays until further notice. For this weekend only, closures will begin on Friday, April 10.

The city understands the importance of the park system to our residents and will re-evaluate the need for closures and cancellations 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.

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Parks and Recreation FAQ

In order to dispel confusion regarding the “Stay at Home Order” issued by Governor Ralph Northam on Monday, March 30 and how it relates to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF), we have put together a brief frequently asked question list. We hope that this will clear up any misunderstandings that have arose.

What is the “Stay at Home Order”?

Issued by Governor Ralph Northam on March 30, 2020, the Stay at Home Order states:

 “All individuals in Virginia shall remain at their place of residence, except as provided below. To the extent individuals use shared or outdoor spaces, whether on land or on water, they must at all times maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any other person, with the exception of family or household members or caretakers. Individuals may leave their residences for the purpose of:

 a. Obtaining food, beverages, goods, or services as permitted in Executive Order 53;

b. Seeking medical attention, essential social services, governmental services, assistance from law enforcement, or emergency services;

c. Taking care of other individuals, animals, or visiting the home of a family member;

d. Traveling required by court order or to facilitate child custody, visitation, or child care;

e. Engaging in outdoor activity, including exercise, provided individuals comply with social distancing requirements;

f. Traveling to and from one’s residence, place of worship, or work; 

g. Traveling to and from an educational institution;

h. Volunteering with organizations that provide charitable or social services; and

i. Leaving one’s residence due to a reasonable fear for health or safety, at the direction of law enforcement, or at the direction of another government agency.”

The full text of the Executive Order can be read here.

How long will these restrictions last?

Executive Order 55 is scheduled to end on June 10, 2020.

Are the parks closed?

No, open space parks located within the city limits are not closed, just some of the amenities.

What cannot be used at a park?

Basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, skate parks, ball fields, playground equipment, and the dog parks cannot be used during this state of emergency and while Executive Order 55 is in place. Team sports such as basketball and football should not be played. Furthermore, swimming or sunbathing at the James River is also prohibited.

What can I do at a park?

Visitors can exercise, bike, walk, run, or hike within the parks. You can also fish and paddle in the James River.

What do I do if I see a group of more than 10 individuals?

If you see a group of more than 10 congregating, please call the Richmond Police Department non-emergency number at 804-646-5100.

Parks and Recreation Update: Barker Field, Chimborazo, and Northside Dog Parks will close to the public

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. Previously, PRCF cancelled all permitted use of the athletic fields, picnic shelters, park houses, all department sponsored programs and activities, and all community centers and offices to the general public.

Effective Saturday, March 28, 2020, PRCF will close Barker Field, Chimborazo, and the Northside Dog Parks to the public until further notice. Also, traffic gates located within Byrd Park on Strollers Lane, Westover Road, and Trafford Road will be closed on both Saturday and Sunday until further notice. This closure is aimed to reduce vehicle traffic within the park and allow patrons more space to move around.

All other PRCF parks and trails remain open. Be advised that our outdoor amenities are not sanitized, so use with caution and follow the CDC health and safety guidelines. We reiterate the importance of social distancing and avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people and group activities.

We understand the importance of the park system to our residents and will re-evaluate the need for closures and cancellations 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.

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