The Richmond Metropolitan region is growing increasingly diverse. We also have a tremendous Spanish-speaking community. Like everyone else who loves Richmond, they enjoy visiting the James River Park System.
Park Superintendent Giles Garrison shared this note with us about Dia de Seguridad del Rio – a program that helps our River Safety message break through the language barrier. She coordinated this program through the JRPS Outdoor Education Team and the City of Richmond’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement. Adriana Rosales from that office provided the wonderful photos.
Friends of the James River Park is proud to support events like this, and the staff that makes them possible.
“Dia de Seguridad del Rio was a great success! James River Park System’s Outdoor Education team collaborated with Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement (OIRE), the Richmond Fire Department (RFD) and volunteers to offer River Safety Day to the Spanish-speaking population. The effort provided equitable engagement to a previously unserved demographic and set us up for more events like this.
OIRE created a multi-pronged social media strategy leading up to the event, advertising our event and simultaneously informing folks about river hazards and safety. JRPS created Spanish language flyers and distributed them to the Spanish-speaking community. Friends of James River Park assisted with the production of fantastic t-shirts with artwork donated by local artist Tim Skirven. Previous river safety PSAs were translated into Spanish and we plan to play them on Spanish radio stations in perpetuity. JRPS met with RFD and OIRE at the fire station to provide a brief Spanish lesson before the event.
During the event City partners and volunteers kept everyone safe on the water. JRPS engaged a new and incredibly valuable group of volunteers who are thrilled about helping out in the future. This event was an energizing catalyst for collaboration within city departments, new partners, and the Spanish speaking community.
JRPS extends huge thanks to Brandie Carter at OIRE, RFD’s Lieutenant Brian Beatty, Everyone at the Station 5 C shift, and volunteers and staff for making this happen. We can’t wait for the next one… ¡Hasta la próxima!”
