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
Ospreys Fledge
Maggie and Walker’s return this spring brought a flurry of activity as they repaired their damaged nest, laid eggs and introduced a new pair of chicks to the osprey nest audience. The family has left the nest until, we hope, they return next season. Thanks to RichmondOutside for their innovative coverage of this springtime wonder.
New Riverfront Bus Stops
Finally, there is bus service to the river! Try out a new way to get to downtown Richmond’s riverfront. GRTC has added 4 new bus stops to allow for better riverfront access for all Richmonders.
read more
Mayor Stoney All Smiles on His First Rafting Trip Down the James
Mayor Levar Stoney took some time to go rafting on June 16 with representatives from FOJRP, JRA, James River Park staff, Historic Falls of the James Scenic River Advisory Committee, rvaMORE and JROC.
read moreJuly Creative Workshop
Explore your creativity, enjoy the park, and get inspired in an on-site Workshop facilitated by the park’s Artist-in-Residence. We meet at noon at the Pony Pasture parking lot and will finish up at 1:30 pm.
read more
Perseid Meteor Shower Bike Tour
Sign up for a scenic and challenging ride along the Virginia Capital Trail then camp under the stars to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower!
read moreStay Connected
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Join our email list to get updates on what’s happening in the James River Park! Sign up today »
