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.

A Message from the Foundation's Executive Director
21 May 2007

Dear RRPF Partners:

The second annual City Parks Celebration, called “It Starts In Parks”, will be held in William Byrd Park on Saturday, June 9th , from 10 am - 3 pm. The Department, its partners and sponsors, will be providing fun, music, games, food, prizes and much more for Richmond citizens and families ! Most of the Festival activities will be oriented around the Boat Lake, and many children will be brought in from all over the city to learn about recreation programs, health and safety issues, cultural arts and more.

J R Pope has requested that all available Parks’ Friends groups try to bring a display for their group’s activities. This is a good opportunity to “strut your stuff”, and “show and tell”. Bring publications, t-shirts, props & displays, etc. Anything to grab the attention of kids, families, etc. City will provide a table and 2 chairs (register with Ms Cotton at 646-5733). If you have a tent, or an umbrella, bring it too – you’ll be lucky if you find shade (set-up starts at 9am). Fun hats, clothes, and other gimmicks will attract attention and visitors, so do be creative and engaging.

We hope you’ll be able to join us; send a crew for the morning and a crew for the afternoon, we’ll get grouped together, and we’ll compare notes on out successes, issues, and ambitions. We can make it great fun, so send us your best.  RSVP me too.

Also, the Dogwood Dell opens its 51st Season on Friday, June 8th, with a production with the Richmond Ballet, performing samples of their work. Prior to this, the Foundation will host a dessert reception at the Carillon for special guests and Dell Supporters, and seating will be reserved for the Ballet performance. For an invitation, please contact Polly Jefferson at 690-0641

Everybody have a safe summer!

Best,
John Zeugner
Executive Director, RRPF
288-5005

Board of Directors Meeting Summary - Wednesday April 25, 2007
Chimborazo Park House

 President Joyce Stargardt called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

Joyce Stargardt reported that some Philip Morris employees will be doing a departmental work day at Byrd Park. The project will take place over several days, with employees bringing their families on the final day.

P, R & CF Director, J.R. Pope reported on a number of different items: Focus groups for the department’s master plan are scheduled to begin meeting at Pine Camp. Registration for summer camps and programs has begun. Fees for programs will be charged depending on family income. The 14th Street Earth Day event will take place on Saturday, April 21. There will also be an event at Byrd Park to promote the Cool City initiative, which Mr. Pope chairs. The City of the Future is still in the budget process, with $19 million allocated over five years for P, R & CF. It Starts in Parks will be held in Byrd Park on June 9. Hopefully the department mascots will make their debut at that time. The department has initiated a teen entrepreneurial program, with four teens employed to create products such as the summer camp T-shirts and perform other jobs such as engraving trophies. CarMax has agreed to a partnership where they will sponsor a basketball team at Pine Camp. There will no longer be a sole commercial rafting company on the James River. Any commercial rafting efforts should call the department Scheduling Unit (646-0036) to get a permit. No permit is needed for private rafting.

Treasurer, Carl Otto reported that Polly Jefferson is handling deposits well. The Farmers’ Market is open for the season.

Executive Director, John Zeugner mentioned that several grants have been applied for. The importance of making sure all applications are correct and all components have been checked was stressed. The CarMax/Pine Camp basketball partnership was approved as a project partner.

A resolution was passed granting authority to the Foundation Treasurer to sign financial documents and instruments pertaining to the Foundation’s account. Appropriate amendments will be made to the Foundation by-laws.

In old business, a resolution was passed approving redistribution of the Peak Experiences allocation to the Foundation.

Discussion centered around having partner groups set up tables at It Starts in Parks. It was suggested that a “one stop shop” – having all groups in a single area – would be the best way for partner groups to present their information.

The Foundation will host a dessert reception on the deck of the Carillon on Friday night, June 8, prior to opening night of the Festival of Arts at Dogwood Dell. The Richmond Ballet will perform on the Dell stage at 8:30 p.m. Bill Conkle will head the invitation committee.

The Memorial Foundation for Children is accepting grant requests through the end of May, with funds to be distributed in December.

In new business, it was announced that 25 people from all over Virginia participated in a recent horseshoes tournament in Gillies Creek Park. The next tournament is July 21. Also, a new playground is planned for Hickory Hill. Some new programs coming to recreations centers include the Take Me Fishing program and some ecological programs.
 

Department News

Department announcements from Christy Everson...

Mark your calendar for Richmond’s newest festival!
Put Saturday, June 9, on your calendar and plan to attend the second annual It Starts in Parks Family Festival in Byrd Park, sponsored by Richmond’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.

This free outdoor family festival will fill the park around Fountain Lake from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with healthy and fun activities and games for all ages, from children to senior citizens. From athletic events and competitions, to board games and art projects, this festival offers something for everyone. Come try out the bungee jump or rock climbing wall, see nature exhibits, enjoy live entertainment on the department’s mobile stage, visit with a host of health-conscious exhibitors, play games, win prizes and enjoy a day in the park with your friends and family.

Volunteers Needed
The Department needs at least 30 volunteers to help assist with the It Starts in Parks Festival. Needed are:

• Four to assist with parking & check in for stage acts, stage changes, announcements and door prizes
• Four to assist with lines for the inflatable slide, rock climbing wall and bungee bounce
• Two to help with concessions
• Six to help with the pedal boats (2 shifts from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. – should be strong enough to help people get in and out of the boats)
• Three to help with golf
• Two to help with senior games
• One to help with fishing
• Four to help at the information booth
• Two to serve as mascots (will wear squirrel or chipmunk costume)
• Two to assist mascots

All volunteers must agree to a background check and will receive a free Starts in Parks t-shirt. Anyone interested, please call Christy Everson at 646-5944.

Register for Summer Camps
Children can still register for the Department’s summer camp programs. The Department offers summer day camps as well as “specialty” camps. For complete information visit the Department’s web site at www.RichmondGov.com/parks.

Dogwood Dell Opening
The Festival of the Arts opens June 8 with a performance by the Richmond Ballet.

Calendar of Upcoming Board Meetings and Other Events
 
May 23 - Regular board meeting, Landmark Theater (delayed one week from usual, at 4:00 PM)
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.