On September 13th, Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney presented his plan for allocating $155 million in American Rescue Plan funds. To formulate his plan, his administration looked at the results of a recent survey of Richmond residents and solicited feedback from Richmond City Council members.

In addition to funding for affordable housing and health equity, the plan directs $78 million towards parks and community centers.

To those who may ask: Richmond’s Public Schools received significant funding from another tranche of American Rescue Plan money. The School Board will allocate their funds as they see fit.

The next step is for Richmond’s City Council to adopt the Mayor’s funding plan. This likely won’t happen for at least the next month, but now is the time to let the Mayor and your Council member know that you support his plan for park funding. While not all $78 million will flow to the James River Park System, we will likely see significant funding. Large funding opportunities like this allow us to more aggressively move forward with our Master Plan and Park improvements. The Master Plan calls for improvements to trails and better access points for nearby communities – among other things.

And remember – a rising tide raises all boats. Funding for parks in Richmond provides a benefit to all.

Please submit your statement of support by e-mail to the City Council here.  Your comments will be distributed to Council members prior to any meeting and will be entered into the official record. If you’re not certain who your Council member is, you can find them here.

Thank you for all you do to support the James River Park System, and thank you in advance for being our advocates to City Council!