With high intensity rain events forecasted for the region, the City of Richmond is actively preparing for potential flooding and urges residents and businesses to take precautionary steps to help minimize impacts.

While weather events are beyond our control, the City’s agencies are taking proactive steps to mitigate potential effects. The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has deployed crews to inspect and clear storm drains in known trouble spots. Staff remain on-call and are prepared to respond quickly to blocked inlets or drainage issues. Additional signage for flood-prone streets has been staged and is ready for deployment if needed. Residents and businesses are encouraged to play a vital role in flood prevention by keeping storm drains clear of trash, leaves, sediment, cigarette butts, and lawn debris. Blocked inlets can significantly reduce drainage capacity, leading to localized flooding, driving hazards, and property damage even during minor rain events.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is also actively engaged, coordinating signage deployment in areas with known flood risk. While the Magnolia Street flood gate is currently inoperable, signage will be placed to alert drivers. Bainbridge Street flood gates remain operational. Emergency Services Operations (ESO) teams, along with Urban Forestry, Traffic, and Maintenance crews, are on call through the night to respond as needed.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) will also be monitoring levels in the James River. James River Park System staff have protocols in place ensure the safety of all park users and have been activated with the recent rains. PRCF asks that residents adhere to the posted signage at river entry points.

City departments and partners are receiving regular weather updates and continuing coordinated response efforts to safeguard public infrastructure and community wellbeing. Flooding is a common occurrence during severe rainstorms, and several contributing factors can increase the risk. A full list of those factors is available on the City’s Stormwater Management page www.rva.gov/public-utilities/stormwater-management under the “Floodplain Management” tab. Long-term, the City’s RVAgreen 2050 plan has identified “Reducing risks and impacts to the community and natural environment from extreme precipitation and flooding” as one of its key objectives. The full plan is available at www.rvagreen2050.com/rvagreen-2050-plan.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed by visiting www.rva.gov or following us on Facebook and Instagram @RVAGov. The City of Richmond thanks the community for its cooperation and continued vigilance during this weather event.

Looking for something to do this summer? The City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) is sure to have an event or program to kick start your summer along with great, free activities for everyone in your family!  

The 2025 Festival of Arts season is in full swing at Dogwood Dell. Remaining performances and events for the month of June include the Multicultural Festival presented by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and ReEstablish Richmond on Saturday, June 14 beginning at 1 p.m. and the KOS Band on Saturday, June 28 beginning at 8 p.m. The full schedule for the 68th Festival of Arts can be found on the Parks and Recreation website. 

The department will also be celebrating Juneteenth with three events. Beginning with Our Man Mitchell, the Journey Program from Pine Camp Arts and Community Center will perform their play about John H. Mitchell, Jr. and how he used his position and platform as Editor in Chief of The Richmond Planet to advocate for Richmond’s black population. The free performance will take place on Saturday, June 14 at 2 p.m. at Pine Camp Arts & Community Center (4901 Old Brook Road). On June 19, the Juneteenth celebration will continue at Intermediate Terminal (3101 Wharf Street) with the 4th Jubilation in June Festival featuring Grammy nominated R&B artist Carl Thomas. The festival will end with a fireworks show beginning approximately at 8:50 p.m. On Friday, June 20, Legacy Band will be performing at Dogwood Dell beginning at 8 p.m. 

Jazz at Fountain Lake at Fountain Lake in Byrd Park will be returning for 2025! This event introduced in 2023 features jazz and R&B artists as part of the department’s Open Streets concept which allows for the space to be used for a range of activities. The first performance featuring The Francoise Experience will be on Sunday, June 29 beginning at 4 p.m. 

For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit our website. 

On May 21, 2025, the Trust for Public Lands released their fourteenth Park Score Index for park districts across the country. In the 2024 national index of America’s 100 most populous cities, the City of Richmond now ranks #16 in access to high quality park spaces, up from #22 in 2023.

This annual report measures park systems on access, investment, amenities, acreage, and equity. For the 2024 Park Score Index, Richmond scored 69.9 points out of 100 based on the five categories, with 15 measures where points can be awarded. The updated ranking is a 6-point move from 2023 and is 26 points higher than the 2018 score.  Richmond’s increase in the park access and resources is a result of intersecting objectives: 

1. Increased investment that looked at the aggregate parks and recreation spending, including volunteer hours. In 2023, the City spent $135 per capita versus the $186 per capita that the City spent in 2024.
2. Increased city-wide amenities which includes basketball courts, sports fields, splash pads, and playgrounds.

“Our parks are more than just green spaces — they’re where we reimagine what Richmond can be,” said Mayor Danny Avula. “They come to life through the hard work of City staff and the deep commitment of community partners who are creating spaces for belonging, health, and joy. As we celebrate this ranking, we’re really celebrating the people who show up every day to make our parks places where Richmond’s story is written — together.”

Richmond saw the largest increase in points in the Amenities category earning 92 out of 100 points, an increase of 45 points from the 2023 score. The city also has increased the per capita spending for Parks and Recreation from $135 per resident to $186 per resident as calculated on a three-year average.

“Richmond’s park score reflects the incredible progress we’ve made in making our city one of the best places to live, play, and connect,” said Chris Frelke, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities. “This achievement is the result of strong leadership from the Administration and City Council — and it wouldn’t be possible without the ongoing support of our community partners, residents, and the dedicated PRCF team who work every day to make our parks welcoming and vibrant for everyone.”

To read the entire report, please visit the Trust for Public Land website. For more information about the department, follow PRCF on Facebook, X and Instagram or visit our website.

Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities Announces Merger of Park Ranger and James River Park System Outdoor Education Programs 

Merger will allow for enhanced visitor services within the park system

Richmond, VA – As visitors flock to Richmond’s beloved park spaces, the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation, & Community Facilities is announcing the merging of two public-serving programs. Effective immediately, the Park Ranger program and James River Park System Outdoor Education program will become a streamlined initiative, enhancing visitor services through youth and public programs throughout Richmond’s vibrant park system. The mission of the Park Ranger program is to “engage park visitors and improve access to shared spaces.”  

“When the City Council first approved funding for the park ranger program in 2022, the goal was to enhance the experience for park users,” said Kristen Nye, former City Council President and lead patron of the program's funding. “I’m excited to see the program evolve and build on the services already available to Richmond families and park visitors.”   

The combination of Outdoor Education and Park Rangers will expand supportive services throughout Richmond parks. Park visitors can expect to see more opportunities for consistent public programs within and beyond the James River Park System. Park Rangers will lead regularly scheduled programs at the nature center and offer opportunities for volunteers to serve as hosts, trail monitors, or river safety ambassadors.

The Park Ranger program will continue to provide outreach services to individuals visiting the parks, provide wilderness first aid as needed, and facilitate invaluable communication and partnership with first responders during emergencies. Accompanying this expanded scope of services offered to park visitors, the Park Ranger program will continue to provide high quality school programs, summer camps, and professional development opportunities for students and teachers. 

"The best way to ensure our parks are open and welcoming to all has always been through activation of the space," says former James River Park Superintendent and Groundwork RVA Executive Director Nathan Burrell." The merger of these two programs offers just that, by accelerating public engagement opportunities in the spaces we love for all Richmonders".    

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The City of Richmond’s Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility of the Department of Public Works will host a public engagement forum that evaluates alignment alternatives of the Fall Line Trail through Bryan Park. This informational forum will take place Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Richmond Police Department Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23220.

Serving as a gateway to the city, Bryan Park will not only house the northernmost city segment out of fourteen segments on the trail but also serve as a trailhead for thousands of existing and future park visitors. Trailhead amenities include parking, bathrooms, picnic areas, water fountains, recreational space, and picnic shelters. Having these facilities at the trailhead allows users of the trail to rest, refuel, and enjoy the natural surroundings of the space.

“The City has worked with the region through the Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA) on the FLT Project, as a collective investment for the region. This project will enhance accessibility and make it easier for all residents to enjoy the park and its amenities,” said Dironna Moore Clarke, Deputy Director for the Department of Public Works. “The Fall Line Trail represents the City’s commitment to enhancing community connectivity and promoting sustainable transportation options.”

The 43-mile Fall Line Trail passes through seven Virginia localities: the Town of Ashland, Hanover County, Henrico County, the City of Richmond, Chesterfield County, the City of Colonial Heights, and the City of Petersburg.

For information about the trail visit:

• City of Richmond- Fall Line Trail | Richmond (rva.gov)
• Central Virginia Transportation Authority (CVTA)- Central Virginia Transportation Authority | Plan RVA
• Sportsbackers- Fall Line - Central Virginia's Transformative Trail (falllinetrail.org)