Dear Friends-
I hope you are all enjoying your Summer in the Park. We have been hard at work trying to keep the James River Park System clean and supporting the Park staff in keeping the Park well-maintained for your enjoyment. There have been some recent changes in the Park management team, and we are excited to share them with you today.
We’re happy to announce that Andrew Alli has been appointed as the new James River Park Superintendent. For the last 11 years, Andrew has moved through the ranks at the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities (DPRCF) and most recently served as DPRCF’s Trails and Greenways Superintendent. He will continue to work in that role as well as take over the management of the JRPS, the City’s largest and most visited park. We are confident that his leadership will build upon the incredible foundation laid by his predecessors and the tireless work of Park staff, volunteers, and dedicated community members. We look forward to collaborating closely with him to ensure the James River Park System continues to thrive as a vibrant, accessible, and cherished resource for all.
As a Richmond native, Andrew has always had a deep connection to the city’s parks and all they offer. Andrew’s Environmental Studies education from VCU solidified his passion for conservation initiatives and community engagement. Just out of college, Andrew spent time developing urban farming and sustainability initiatives. This work was integral to his understanding of the importance of community engagement and complex problem solving. Andrew began his parks career as a maintenance ranger at Powhatan State Park. He very quickly fell in love with the world of parks management, and eventually landed a job as a maintenance technician at James River Park back in 2014. Since then, Andrew has made significant contributions to the growth and development of JRPS and Richmond’s ever-expanding trail system.
The role of Superintendent is absolutely critical to the health, accessibility, and future of the James River Park System. It requires a unique blend of passion for conservation, deep understanding of natural resource management, and a profound commitment to community engagement. From maintaining miles of trails and preserving vital habitats to overseeing educational programs and advocating for essential infrastructure, the Superintendent guides the daily operations and long-term enhancement of this invaluable asset.
The James River Park System is more than just green space; it is the beating heart of Richmond. It provides solace, adventure, and a vital connection to nature for thousands of residents and visitors every single day. As we continue to advocate for critical projects like the transformation of Mayo Island into new public parkland and expand our efforts in natural resource management and long-term conservation planning, Andrew’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding these initiatives to success. With the onboarding of many new park spaces within Richmond, Andrew recognizes the importance of quality park access for all. He will continue to work on projects which prioritize better connections to our green spaces.
Giles Garrison, the most recent JRPS superintendent, has moved up to become an Operations and Programs Manager for DPRCF. This new role gives her a wider range of responsibilities and the ability to make an impact across the entire City. We have loved working with Giles and look forward to continuing to support her in her new role. Our paths will continue to cross as we work with DPRCF leaders to implement our new Natural Resource Management Plan, which was released to the public a few weeks ago and can be read about here- https://jamesriverpark.org/a-new-conservation-initiative/
Please join us in extending congratulations to Andrew Alli. We are incredibly optimistic about the future of the James River Park System under his guidance and look forward to working together to ensure our urban oasis flourishes for generations to come.
Stay tuned for more updates on park initiatives and opportunities to get involved!
See you in the Park.
Josh
