The purpose of this monthly newsletter is to keep Foundation partners and affiliate groups better informed with monthly updates on our activities, upcoming meetings, and other news of interest.  Your input is welcome.  If you have content to add to a future newsletter, wish to subscribe, or want to unsubscribe, please contact the Foundation webmaster/secretary, Karen Townsend at webmaster@rrpfoundation.org.

2007 Partners Luncheon Summary - Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The Carillon

 President Joyce Stargardt welcomed guests at 12:05 p.m.

P, R & CF director J.R. Pope was introduced and spoke briefly, thanking the partners for their efforts in supporting the mission and programs of the department. Mr. Pope also introduced Roslyn Johnson, new deputy director of P, R, & CF. Joyce Stargardt introduced other city staff and representatives who were present.

Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to greet and network prior to lunch. John Zeugner and Karen Townsend presented a PowerPoint program, describing the mission and work of the Foundation. Partner group guidelines were also discussed.

A round-table introduced: Foundation members and Foundation bookkeeper Trish Fields, Citizens’ Advisory Board president Alice Lee, city staff members Roslyn Johnson, Mary Lois Mitchum, Brian Little, Christy Everson, and Barbara Brock, and representatives from:

The 17th Street Farmers’ Market
Hook a Kid on Golf
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Dogwood Dell
Friends of William Byrd Park
Friends of Monroe Park
Carillon Advisory Committee
Friends of James River Park
Friends of Scuffletown Park
Friends of Bandy Field
P, R, & CF Cultural Arts
Friends of Fonticello Park

Thanks to all who attended, and all who helped make this a very enjoyable event!

Partner and Department News

Department announcements from Christy Everson...

It Starts in the Parks - Saturday, June 9 - 10am to 3 pm
Join Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities for its Second Annual It Starts in Parks Family Festival on June 9 in Byrd Park.  This free family park festival will fill the park around Fountain Lake with fun activities and games for all ages, from youth to senior citizens. There will be a moon walk, a bungee jump, a rock climbing wall, athletic and sporting events and competitions, live music and entertainment on the department’s mobile stage, arts and crafts, nature exhibits, free giveaways, games and prizes, and much much more!  In addition, a host of exhibitors will be on hand to share information on how you can get and stay healthy.

Mark your calendar and come join in all the fun and healthy activities that Start in Parks!

Summertime can be fun and educational for Richmond’s youth!
Summer is almost here! Do you know what will your children be doing?  Look no further than the City of Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities to find exciting summer programs for youth. The Department offers The Great Summer Escape, a day camp for children ages 6 through 12, at its community centers located throughout the city. The camps meet weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting June 25 and running through Aug. 24, and include arts and crafts, fun and games, sports, swimming, dancing, field trips and much more to keep your children safe and entertained throughout the summer months.

Registration is based on income and will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 16 through April 20 at the community centers.

If that’s not enough, the Department also offers specialty camps that focus on everything from art and photography to NASA and robots. Your child can play tennis, soccer, basketball or football, attend a variety of “mad science” camps, enroll in an art or dance camp, learn to weave or make jewelry, focus on pinhole photography, or become involved in a theatrical performance. There is even a Camp Diva for girls, a hairdressing camp, a manicure and pedicure camp, and an adventure camp with rock climbing, kayaking and more!

Registration for specialty camps ranges from $25 to $450 and is ongoing, with scholarships available when needed.
There’s no excuse for your children to be bored this summer! For the complete list of camps and more information, or to find a community center near you, call 646-5733 or visit the Department’s website at www.RichmondGov.com/parks.

From Carl Otto....

Gillies Creek Park summer activities off to flying start.
The BMX track has been reworked and racing has begun. Come and ride or come and watch. Additional information at RichmondBMX.com.

The disc golf course summer league has started. Competition is every Wednesday night at 5:45 PM registration and 6 PM start.

Questions? call Carl Otto at 648-3042

Calendar of Upcoming Board Meetings and Other Events

April 25 - Regular board meeting at Chimborazo Park Round House (delayed one week from usual)
May 16 - Regular board meeting, location TBA
June 20 - Regular board meeting, location TBA
Summer Recess - July & August
September 19 - Regular board meeting, location TBA
October 17 - Regular board meeting, location TBA
November 14 - Regular board meeting, location TBA
December 12 - Board Breakfast, location TBA

Regular board meetings are held at 4:30 pm on the third Wednesday of most months. Locations vary as noted above.  Partners are cordially invited to join any or all Board Meetings.  For directions, please refer to the City's web page for community center information.