Northside Dog Park Opening Saturday

The department will open its third public dog park on Saturday, August 18, with a celebration from 9 a.m. to noon that will include food, music, prizes, canine demonstrations, activities and treats for all. All dogs that are spayed or neutered and their owners are invited to attend.

     The Northside Dog Park is located behind Henderson Middle School at the end of Forest Lawn Drive. A map locating the park and much more fun information can be found online at http://northsidedogpark.com. 

     The new dog park includes two sections, one for large dogs and one for small dogs, and has ample parking, park benches and picnic tables. It was built with volunteer help from the Friends of the Northside Dog Park, who were instrumental in organizing support for the park and determining its location. Organized as a 501-C3 under the Enrichmond Foundation, the Friends of the Northside Dog Park are also sponsors of the opening celebration and have developed the website at http://northsidedogpark.com to continue to raise support for the park.

     The dog park’s hours will be from sunrise to sunset, and is free for anyone to use. The park rules are posted at the site.

     “We are very pleased to see the opening of this new city dog park,” said Dr. Norman C. Merrifield, director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “With our other dog parks, Barker Field located in Byrd Park and the Church Hill Dog Park located beside Chimborazo Park, this helps us round out our services to our canine friends and their families. We are most appreciative of the Friends of the Northside Dog Park, who have helped make this possible.” 

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Free 'Eggstravaganza' Set for March 24

The Department has partnered with Radio One to hold a free spring “Eggstravaganza” for children age 12 and younger on Saturday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Forest Hill Park, 4021 Forest Hill Ave. The event will feature two egg hunts at 12:30 p.m., one for ages 5 through 8 and another for ages 9 through 12. A total of 25,000 candy-prize filled eggs will be up for grabs in the two egg hunts.

     The event will also include music by DJ Milli, hula hoop demonstrations by RVA Hoop House, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, a balloon artist, free give-away’s, opportunity to purchase photos with Mr. Bunny, children’s fingerprinting provided by the Richmond Sherriff’s Office, and vendors selling a variety of foods.  In addition, children age 4 and younger can enjoy story telling every 30-minutes and other activities in “Bunny Town.”

     Children who want to participate in the egg hunts should bring their own basket. In the event of rain, the Eggstravaganza will be held on Sunday, March 25, from 1 to 4 p.m.  

Department Announces Change to Upcoming Black History Art Exhibit

The work of Jerome Jones will be featured along with that of Dawn Cherry Miles in the department's annual Spotlight Gallery Black History Month exhibit scheduled to open with a public reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Jan. 27 at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center. The exhibit, titled “Imagery, Imagination and African Influence,” will no longer feature the work of Thaddeus LaCrette as previously announced.         Jerome Jones, like Dawn Cherry Miles, is a local African-American artist. He has gained national acclaim for his unique and diverse collection of work. His creative style of portraiture reflects the likeness of his subjects and what they love to do.
     Jones also will participate with Miles in the artist’s discussion to take place on Jan. 27 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Pine Camp Theater.
     The theater and the gallery are located within the Pine Camp Arts and Community Center at 4901 Old Brook Rd. Both events are open and free to the public.

     The exhibit will continue to be on display through March 2. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

James River Park Programs Scheduled

The department has scheduled three programs to be held in its James River Park System.       
     On Friday, July 29, children and their families are invited to come to the park’s headquarters at Reedy Creek, 4001 Riverside Drive, for a program called “Insects at Night.” This program offers a hands-on investigation of insects caught in light traps and is co-sponsored by the James River Park System and VCU. No fee or advance registration is required for the program, which will take place from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

     On Saturday, July 30, back by popular demand, the department will offer a guided Torch-Lit Walk on the Slave Trail. The walk, which will cost $5 per person, will start at 8:30 p.m. from Ancarrow’s Landing, located at 1308 Bander St. No advance registration is required, and return transportation to the parking lot following the walk will be provided.

     On Friday, Aug. 12, the department will offer a “Moonlight Paddle and Picnic for Wounded Warriors.” This free program is co-sponsored by the James River Park System, the James River Outdoor Coalition and McGuire Veterans Hospital, and all veterans, “wounded warriors,” handicapped individuals, and the general public are invited to participate. The event will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Huguenot Flatwater, located at 8200 Riverside Drive. Advance registration by Wednesday, Aug. 10, is required by calling (804) 646-8911. There is no fee to participate.

 

City to Kickoff 55th Annual Festival of the Arts June 10

Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the City of Richmond will kick off the 55th annual Festival of the Arts on Friday, June 10, at 8 p.m. on the Dogwood Dell stage with the Upper East Side Big Band. The festival features 30 evenings of outdoor family entertainment at Dogwood Dell throughout out the summer that are free to attend.
Highlighting the annual festival will be the city’s Fourth of July Celebration at the Dell. This year, beginning at 4 p.m., it will feature local hip hop group Kids in Da Biz, jazz by Sharon North, a concert on the Carillon bells, and rousing patriotic music by the Richmond Concert Band concluding with a fireworks extravaganza.
Other highlights of the annual summer festival include a Gospel Music Fest on Sunday, July 10, from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., a Latin Jazz and Salsa Festival on Saturday, July 23, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a special tribute to local musician Page Wilson on Sunday, July 17, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. that will feature Terry Garland and Lil’ Ronnie, Wilson’s band Reckless Abandon, and the Janet Martin Band performing rock, blues and Americana music.
In addition to the wide variety of musical entertainment, the festival brings dance, movies, and theater to the Dell, as well as an entire lineup of morning and afternoon entertainment especially for young audiences on the Ha’Penny Stage, which is adjacent to the Dell.
Families are encouraged to bring picnics and blankets to performances, however no alcohol or pets are allowed. The outdoor amphitheatre is located in Byrd Park at 1300 Blanton Avenue, just north of the Boulevard Bridge.
The Festival of the Arts is produced by the Cultural Arts Division of Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. The complete schedule of programs can be downloaded from the main page of the city’s website at www.richmondgov.com.

Free Family Fishing Fair set for June 4

The department will hold a Family Fishing Fair on Saturday, June 4, from 9 a.m. to noon at Shield’s Lake in Byrd Park. The event will be free and open to anyone five years old and older. No fishing license is required because it’s Virginia’s annual Free Fishing Weekend.
Local fishing experts will be on hand to teach basic freshwater catch-and-release fishing.
If you plan to attend, the department recommends that you bring water to drink and a folding chair. Also bring your own fishing poles and tackle if you have them. The department will have some poles and tackle available for use, but these will be limited to two per family.
Co-sponsoring the event with the department are Region 3 Bassmasters, Trout Unlimited, Virginia Fishing Adventures, Green Top Hunting & Fishing, Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries, and Chesterfield County.

City's Free 'Eggstravaganza' Happening Saturday

The department will host the City's annual free spring “Eggstravaganza” on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, located at 4901 Old Brook Road. The event was originally postponed due to rain.
The annual free event includes a total of 20,000 candy and prize-filled eggs to be found in three separate egg hunts for children of different ages between 4 and 12. In addition, there will be a “Bunny Town” for children 3 years old and younger.
This free family event promises to be fun for all and will feature music by DJ Mili, hula hoop demonstrations, balloon artists, a caricature artist, arts and crafts, face painters, child fingerprinting, basketball, and the opportunity for children to have their picture taken with Mr. Bunny. Food vendors also will be on hand throughout the day.
Children who want to participate in the egg hunts need to bring their own basket and register for a color-coded wrist band that will allow them to participate in the hunt for their age group.
In addition to finding the prize eggs, games and activities with prizes will go on throughout the day.
The event is co-sponsored by the City and Radio One, and free parking will be available at John Marshall High School and Henderson Middle School.

Eggstravaganza Postponed Due to Weather Forecast

Due to Saturday’s weather forecasts, the department will now host its “Eggstravganza” on Saturday, April 30, at Pine Camp Arts and Community Center, located at 4901 Old Brook Road, from 10am-2pm. All aspects of the event will remain the same as planned for the original event. The event is free and will feature a total of 20,000 candy and prize-filled eggs. There will be three separate egg hunts for children ages 4 to 6, ages 7 to 9, and ages 10 to 12. Activities include a special “Bunny Town” for children 3 and younger, music by DJ Mili, hula hoop demonstrations, balloon artists, caricature artist, arts and crafts, face painters, child fingerprinting, basketball, $5 haircuts for boys, the opportunity to have a picture taken with Mr. Bunny and more. Food vendors will also be on hand throughout the day. Children who want to participate in the egg hunts need to bring their own basket. Parking for the event will be at John Marshall High School. Radio One is the department’s co-sponsor for the event.

View the Night Sky in Bryan Park

The department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, the Friends of Bryan Park and the Richmond Astronomical Society present a night of gazing at the stars in Bryan Park tonight, Thursday, April 14, at 8 p.m. This is a free family event, featuring an expert who will be on hand to explain the view. High-powered telescopes will be set up, and Virgo, Ursa Major, the double stars in Leo, and the big cluster in Cancer, recognized in ancient times and known today as the Beehive or M44, should be visible. In addition, the moon, Saturn and the Big Dipper should be visible to the naked eye. This is a weather permitting event. No pets are allowed due to the delicate nature of the equipment used. Follow the sings to Shelter #3 for parking. The viewing will be acroos the street on the soccer field.

April 16 Arbor Day Festival Offers Fun for the Entire Family

Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will co-sponsor Stay Co2ol With Trees, Richmond’s third annual Arbor Day celebration with fun and information for everyone in the family. Come out and enjoy the activities at the Carillon in Byrd Park on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It's free to attend and will be held rain or shine. At the event, children can climb trees, hunt “treasure,” create art or make a pinecone bird feeder. They will meet PBS KIDS’ Clifford the Big Red Dog and Nutzy, the Richmond Flying Squirrels’ mascot, as well as members of the Richmond Police Department’s Mounted Patrol and the Richmond Fire Department. The Sharon Rae North Trio, a jazz combo, will entertain; tree care professionals will be on hand to offer expert advice; and woodcarvers will demonstrate their skill. Plants, landscaping services, pruning tools and more will be exhibited and on sale, and a “Wow! Tree Walk” will be held throughout the event. What's a “Wow! Tree Walk?” It’s “Wow! I didn’t know bad mulching could kill a tree! Wow! I didn't know that trees can reduce street maintenance costs . . . raise property values . . . reduce summer and winter energy costs!” Wow, it's free park walks led by experts who will answer all your questions about trees. Also on the program, from 11 a.m. to noon, Lou Verner, wildlife-mapping coordinator of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, will explain “Why We Won’t Save Wildlife Without Native Plant Landscapes.” In addition, gardening expert Richard Nunnally will be on hand to talk with fans and help solve plant problems. The festival will conclude with a ceremonial tree planting presented by the American Legion Post 84 with their Color Guard and Memorial Rifles. Arbor Day sponsors include the Richmond Tree Stewards, Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, and Richmond’s Urban Forestry Division of the Department of Public Works. Gold corporate sponsors include Dominion, the Richmond Times-Dispatch and Community Idea Stations Public Broadcasting. Silver Sponsors include Cisneros Roofing, Colesville Nursery, Davey Tree Expert Co., Glen Allen Nursery, Riverside Outfitters and Virginia Department of Forestry. Bronze Sponsors include Arborscapes LLC, Circle Safety & Health Consultants LLC, Ginter Park Residents Association, Hudgins Landscaping, James River Grounds Management, Richmond Flying Squirrels, Richmond International Raceway, Truetimber Tree Service Inc., Vermeer Mid Atlantic, and Westover Hills Neighborhood Association. The Richmond Tree Stewards are trained volunteers who help the arborists of Urban Forestry care for trees along city streets and in parks. In 2010, they volunteered more than 1,500 hours of service to the city. You too can be a Tree Steward. Learn more at http://richmondtreestewards.wordpress.com or visit with them at the festival.