Category Archives: parks

‘Hands Across the Sand’ On Belle Isle This Saturday

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From announcement:

Join Hands this Saturday to Support Clean, Renewable Energy

Dear Sierra Club members and friends:
Join us for Hands Across the Sand in Richmond on Saturday, June 26 at 11 AM. Hands Across the Sand is a participatory event against offshore drilling and supporting clean energy. Hands Across the Sand events is being staged across Virginia and across our nation as well as in 20 other countries. Be a part of this simple that compelling event to send a message to our leaders: “Say NO to offshore drilling, Say YES to Clean, Renewable Energy”. 11 AM we gather and at 12 noon we’ll all join hands at different locations to demonstrate our commitment to this simple message. For details about the Richmond event including how to sign up, go to the following URL:

On Facebook.

For more general information about the event go to:
www.handsacrossthesand.org

Glen Besa, Director
Sierra Club-Virginia Chapter
glen.besa@sierraclub.org

JRA Says ‘Bike for the James’

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From the James River Association announcement:

Virginia Outside is holding a kids mountain bike benefit day at Belle Isle on June 26th from 9:00 am-11:00 am. Come out and enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the James River while learning the basics of bike safety and riding technique. Experienced and trained staff will be on hand to teach riding basics, trail safety, and the importance of an outdoor experience. The cost is $20. All proceeds will be donated to the James River Association. Ages 6-12. Kids will be grouped based on skill level. All participants must provide their own bike and helmet.

To register, contact Tee Clarkson, tsclarkson at virginiaoutside.com or 804-687-1869.

For more information on Virginia Outside go to www.virginiaoutside.com

Oregon Hill Park, 1888

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From The Daily Times, May 22, 1888

A Desirable Improvement Completed

It is expected that there will be held a meeting this week of the City Finance Committee to consider appropriation of $3,500 for the purchase of, and beautifying, the proposed new park on Oregon Hill. This land begins at Hollywood on the Canal bank, and runs parallel with it eastwardly to Church street. It embraces a large square adjoining Hollywood, the strip along the slope of the hill overlooking the river and a large square at Church street. Terraced and beautiful with shade trees, but it will be as pretty a park as any in the city, and one that the people in this populous section want. People entering the city over the Petersburg bridge and by the Alleghany road will be struck with the beauty of the slope, which, while proving an ornamentation to the section, will enhance the value of all the property in the neighborhood.

City Says: Please follow River Regulations

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City press release:

Reminder: Please follow River Regulations

The city of Richmond reminds visitors to the James River Park to obey Richmond’s river regulations.

“The regulations were put in place by the city of Richmond to increase public safety at the river. We want the public to enjoy the park, but we want them to be safe and to obey the regulations. They could save your life,” said J.R. Pope, director of the department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.

The regulations require that anyone in the water must be wearing a life jacket when the water level reaches five feet at Richmond’s Westham Gauge. When the river level reaches nine feet, the river is closed and it is illegal for anyone who does not have a whitewater permit to be in the water.

“Now that the weather is warm, more people are coming out to enjoy the park and the river, and we want the public to know these river regulations,” Pope said. “If you plan on getting in the water – even if it’s just to wade along the shore or to go sit on a rock – it’s important for your own safety that you follow the regulations.”

Park staff posts signs throughout the James River Park, at river access points, when the water level reaches five feet that state you must wear a life jacket, and when it reaches nine feet the signs indicate that only people with a permit are allowed in the water.

Citizens can also check James River water levels before they leave home by calling Richmond’s weather and river level hotline at (804) 646-8228 and then selecting option 4, or by visiting the National Weather Service’s website at http://www.erh.noaa.gov/akq/ and typing “James River Westham” in the search box.

Pope says that many people don’t understand or underestimate the power of the river and that looks can be deceiving. While the water may look calm on the surface, it can be moving with such force below the surface that it makes it impossible to keep your footing even in a few feet of water. Also, conditions can change very quickly.

In addition to obeying the water level regulations, here are some other measures the department recommends people take to be safe at the river:
· If you can’t swim – just don’t go in.
· Never go in the water when you are alone.
· When visiting the river, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
· Pay attention to your surroundings. Water levels and conditions can change VERY quickly.
· Always wear shoes in the river.
· Be aware that the river bottom is uneven and may drop off suddenly and that the rocks can be slippery.
· Always have young children wear life jackets.
· Don’t overestimate your skills. Even the strongest swimmers and most experienced boaters can and have experienced difficulty.

Regulations also forbid bringing glass containers into the park, so remember to use plastic or paper items instead.

Finally, please do not litter. “Litter makes our parks unsightly and unsanitary,” said Pope. “You can help make Richmond a great place to be this summer by helping to keep our parks clean so everyone can enjoy them. We keep plenty of trash cans and recycling boxes around throughout of the park, so please use them.”

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