Mission
Our mission is to serve people of all ages and abilities by maximizing all available resources to deliver exceptional, clean, safe and accessible parks, inviting recreation facilities and programs that support the community needs and desires for a community to live, work and play. We will measure our success by high levels of customer satisfaction, exceptional service, efficiency of our resources and positive community development of our public spaces, recreation facilities and program services that meet the values and needs of citizens and visitors.
Vision
The City of Richmond's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities seeks to be recognized by the community and the region as a department that provides high quality and well maintained parks, recreation facilities and programs that are accessible, cost effective and support the citizens' vision and values for cultural unity, affordability, livability and healthy lifestyles that will create high economic value for living and working in Richmond.
Facts about the Department
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities is home to more than 169 parks, open spaces, athletic
fields, playgrounds and tot lots. Within the department's inventory are:
- 1 BMX Bike trail
- 2 disc golf courses
- 27 athletic fields
- 21 baseball fields
- 34 softball fields
- 73 basketball courts
- 9 swimming pools
- 136 tennis courts
- 58 tot lots (playgrounds)
- 41 horseshoe pits
- 24 walking, nature, bike/and or exercise trials totaling approximately 27 miles
- 35 park or playground houses and 13 picnic shelters
We oversee 21 community centers while providing a full spectrum of recreational services and programs for all of
Richmond's citizens. Included in the park system is the James River Parks System which has been rated as the top
municipal park in the United States. Additionally the Department has in its inventory more than 90
monuments/statues/memorials, nine decorative fountains, Dogwood Dell, the Carillon and seven cemeteries.
History
The first Parks and Recreation properties acquired were Western Square (now called Monroe Park), Marshall Square (now called Libby Hill Park) and Gamble's Hill Park (now the property of NewMarket Corporation from a property trade in the 1980s to acquire our Brown's Island Park in the James River). These first properties were acquired between 1851 and 1854
Surprisingly, active recreation programming began as a private enterprise in the early 1900s. In a display of civic leadership
through the support of the local business community, the first "public" playground was established in the backyard of a Methodist
Settlement House at 17th and East Main Streets. The playground was opened at this location to provide a few moments of relief,
enjoyment and comfort for the many children working as laborers in the nearby tobacco factories.
By September 1908, Richmond City Council had seen from this first "experiment" in public recreation the importance and value of what
should be a child's main work: wholesome, constructive and active play. Council passed the first resolution concerning supporting,
funding and establishing a municipal recreation program.
In part, their September 17, 1908 resolution states: "Whereas, it is of
the utmost importance to both the morals and health of any community that its children should be afforded opportunity for innocent
and healthful recreation in the open air; and for such enjoyment, in every city, a large number must depend upon the generous care
of the municipality."
Partners
Richmond Parks and Recreation Foundation - Individuals or corporations can help citizens of Richmond improve the City's parks and recreation facilities by making contributions to our programs.
Visit, Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Advisory Board for more information about their organization.
