Thank you to all of the responsible park users in the James River Park System. Since the implementation of the various restrictions, we have seen a dramatic decrease in calls related to congregating groups. Although this is positive news, this is not a time to relax our standards and as the temperatures warm up, more people will be tempted to enjoy the park. Please keep these guidelines in mind while exercising:

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities (PRCF) continues to take the safety and health of our patrons as a top priority. As the City of Richmond continues to learn more about this virus, additional steps are being taken to help control the spread.

Effective immediately PRCF will close the Texas Beach/North Bank Parking Lot, the Tredegar Parking lot, the parking lot at Pony Pasture, access to the James River Park System (JRPS) at the 21st Street Tower on Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays. Due to high demand the James River Park System will be implementing a 60 vehicle limit at Ancarrow’s Landing on Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays with a “one-out to one-in” vehicle policy after the limit has been met. Brander Street, leading up to the entrance of Ancarrow’s Landing is also marked as a no parking zone. All vehicles illegally parked in this area will be ticketed and/or towed.

The entrance to Pipeline Trail is closed until further notice

The Manchester Climbing Wall is closed until further notice

The James River Park System remains open to the public in accordance with the executive order to allow individuals to leave their residence for one of the following purposes: to obtain food, supplies or medical care, or for exercise. The order defines exercise as, “engaging in outdoor activity, including exercise, provided individuals comply with social distancing requirements.”

To ensure the safety of everyone, park visitors must follow CDC social distancing guidelines. We also ask all users to please follow the safety guidelines outlined below:

• Practice social distancing – avoid large gatherings and maintain a distance of 6 feet from others when possible.
• Do not form groups of 10 or more at any time (no groups, gatherings or meetups with the exception of immediate households).
• Per Mayor Stoney’s Statement, please refrain from Sunbathing or Swimming during the time of the stay-at-home order.
• Avoid high-touch points (i.e. benches, bike racks, water fountains, fix-it stations, railings).
• Please try to avoid or limit use on narrow corridors like T. Tyler Potterfield Bridge and the Footbridge to Belle Isle from Tredegar Street.
• Park in designated areas only. If trailheads or parking lots are busy, please consider returning at another time or finding another location to enter/exit the park.
• Give a friendly greeting so people know you are coming and can adjust accordingly. Avoid using headphones or earbuds which hamper your ability to hear people approaching and other important warnings.
• While on single track trails such as Buttermilk and Northbank, please use safe speeds and pull off of the trail in safe area when being passed to maintain proper social distance.
• Keep dogs on a leash and maintain control of your pet at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
• Leave No Trace – practice packing-in and packing-out with your gear and trash.
• Restrooms are closed.
• Bring water, apply sunscreen, and wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Please stay home if you are sick!
• Please be flexible and patient. The park is seeing a surge in attendance.
• Generally peak hours of park usage are between 2pm-7pm.
• Now is the time to explore lesser known locations outside of the James River Park System. Please check in at our website as we highlight other amazing places in Richmond.