On Thursday, May 14th, we cut the ribbon for the Nature Exploration Area on Belle Isle. We’re still glowing.

This intentional space was built for children to play and adventure and belong. It was built with local, sustainable materials to connect children’s play to the rivers and woods that surround the play space. It was constructed through community to spark joy and inspire stewardship.

Our deep gratitude goes to the organizations who embraced this dream with us along the way and who made it possible to bring it to light: The Robins Foundation, Second Presbyterian Church, and CSX.

Thank you to all those who came to celebrate, especially Mayor Danny Avula, Adam Spanberger, Ellen Robertson, Sarah Abubaker, Capital Region Land Conservancy, and more.

Thank you to Giles Garrison and our former Executive Director Josh Stutz, Marvel Design, and True Timber Arborists for championing this project over many years. We would not be here today without your vision, and without your embrace of the importance of community in driving that vision.

We are rich in our community in the people who care for the Park every day. Thank you to Richmond’s Parks & Rec and the JRPS operations team who upended their normal work schedules to create this space for wonder, adventure, exploration, and joy. Thank you for the work that you did to get us here today, and for the work you do every day that fosters wonder and joy in natural spaces along the James.

Everyone who has been involved in this project along the way has been dreaming of the day when this area was ready for Richmond’s children. Play, explore, and protect natural spaces for the generation that comes after you.

Rest assured, we’re not done in the Park. We have more plans for improvements at Belle Isle, Dock Street Park, and across the James River Park System to improve access and enhance how our visitors connect with it. 

Please consider donating or volunteering time as we continue moving forward.