On May 20, 2026, the Trust for Public Land has named Richmond’s park system among the top 25 in the nation in its 2026 ParkScore Index, ranking the city No. 24 among park systems serving America’s 100 most populous cities.

The annual report evaluates park systems based on access, investment, amenities, acreage, and equity. In the 2026 ParkScore Index, Richmond earned a score of 65.2 out of 100 across five categories and 15 performance measures. While Richmond moved from No. 16 in 2025 to No. 24 in 2026, the city’s overall score increased by 34 points compared with its 2018 rating.

Richmond’s continued top 25 ranking reflects several key factors, including:

• Increased investment in parks and recreation. The ParkScore Index measures aggregate parks and recreation spending, including volunteer contributions averaged over three years. Richmond’s per-capita investment increased from $186 in the 2025 report to $194 in 2026.
• Expanded park access. More residents now live within a half-mile walk of a park.
• Growth in park acreage and median park size.

“Our city parks are vibrant green spaces and gathering places that reflect the spirit and future of Richmond,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “This recognition speaks to the dedication of city staff, community partners, and residents who work together to create parks that foster connection, wellness, and opportunity. Every improvement we make helps ensure our parks remain welcoming spaces where all Richmonders can thrive.”

Richmond saw its largest increase in the Access category, earning a score of 77 out of 100, a three-point increase from 2024. With new community centers now open at Lucks Field, T.B. Smith, and Southside, along with the additions of Mayo Island and Midtown Green, 83% of Richmond residents now live within a 10-minute walk of a publicly accessible park. In the Equity category, the city saw a 20-point decrease from the 2025 score to 67 out of 100. While last year's once-in-a-lifetime addition of Mayo Island and Midtown Green to the City’s park system added 28.8 acres[JO1] [HD2] [JO3] [HD4]  of greenspace that are accessible to all residents living, working, or visiting downtown, due to Park Score’s methodology, these additions impacted the Equity aspect of the ParkScore. Within the individual criteria of the Equity category, the department did see an increase with 82% of residents of color and 85% of low-income residents that live within a 10-minute walk of a park, representing increases of 3% and 1%, respectively, from the previous year’s report.

“Richmond’s continued recognition as a top park system reflects years of investment, collaboration, and community commitment,” said Chris Frelke, director of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “From expanding access to opening new community centers, we are focused on creating high-quality parks and recreation experiences in every neighborhood. This achievement would not be possible without the support of City leadership, our partners, residents, and the dedicated PRCF team who bring these spaces to life every day.”

As the department prepares for the next Park Score Index submission this fall, the City is also advancing Richmond INSPIRE (Imagining Neighborhood-Shaping Parks and Inclusive Recreation Experiences), Richmond’s first comprehensive parks and recreation planning initiative in decades. Richmond INSPIRE will help guide future investments in park access, amenities, connectivity, equity, and recreational opportunities citywide, which are all key factors measured in the ParkScore Index. Through community-driven planning and long-term investment strategies, the initiative will support the city’s continued progress toward building a more accessible, equitable, and high-quality park system for all residents. The city is also improving coordination across park maintenance, capital projects, land planning, and greenspace development to support future park expansion and investment.

The full 2026 ParkScore Index is available on the Trust for Public Land website. More information about Richmond Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities is available on the department website and social media channels.