The James River Park System
Owned by the City of Richmond, the JRPS is a public park in Richmond Virginia. The Friends are citizen stewards of the James River Park. We provide ongoing support for conservation, enhancement, and recreational enjoyment of the park, while protecting its natural and historic environments, in partnership with the City of Richmond Department of Parks & Recreation.
Watch & Listen
Audio Tours of the Park
Explore the secrets of the James River Parks’ unique geology – one exciting part of our Science in the Park section. The guided mobile audio tours are narrated by former James River Park Manager Emeritus Ralph White. Hit the trails! »
Discover & Play
Take a class with JRPS Education Staff. All of our programs seek to improve the quality of access to the Park’s unique ecology and recreational opportunities, and we offer programs throughout the year.
Environmental Science
Learn to identify flora and fauna, fish for the Big One, listen to bird calls, and explore the geologic history of the Fall Line. JRPS environmental education programs help students of all ages experience the Park’s wild places while getting to know the Park more deeply. Explore today! »
Adventure Recreation
Want to learn to navigate the Lower James by kayak? Climb to the top of Manchester Wall? Explore the Park’s trail systems by foot or by bike? JRPS educators emphasize front-country Leave No Trace ethics while seeking to give you an experience that will stoke your sense of adventure. Let’s play! »
Volunteer & Give
Support the Park Master Plan
The FOJRP Board is underwriting the development of a 10-year Park Master Plan to protect the Park for future generations and to create a long-range unified vision moving forward. Read on »
Monthly Volunteer Opportunities
Each month (except in summer), the Friends meet at a park location to tackle a JRPS-directed project. And the Invasive Species Removal Task Force always needs an extra set of hands. Help out! »
Become a member
We are Park Strong! Join the Friends and we will work together with park staff and other park supporter organizations to promote, conserve and support the park. Join today! »
Park Locations
Explore the park — each location has its own unique personality.
Park News
The Chicks are Preparing to Take Flight!
Experience this exciting moment by keeping tuned-in to RVAOspreyCam and watch them leave this nest. The time is now since once the chicks take flight the family will soon abandon the nest until the parents return next year, hopefully, for another breeding season.
Artist in Residence June Workshop
Come explore your creativity, enjoy the park, and get inspired in an on-site Creative Workshop facilitated by the park’s Artist-in-Residence, Shay Wilson, on Sunday, June 23 from 2:00-3:30 pm.
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Pony Pasture’s History is in its Name
Prior to the City’s 1970 annexation, Pony Pasture was part of Chesterfield County, and it was also a pony pasture.
read moreNew Park Video, New YouTube Channel
For those moments when you can’t get to the Park our new video highlights the Park’s beauty and introduces a variety of activities available to visitors.
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New Murals Beautify North Bank Park (Texas Beach) Stair Tower
In a project jointly sponsored by City of Richmond Parks and Recreation, VCU Painting and Printmaking Department, Friends of the James River Park, and James River Hikers, students from the VCU Painting and Printmaking Department painted the walls of the North Bank Park stair tower.
read moreStay Connected
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