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Loading Glossary… Malique Middleton Feb 10 2026 at 4:37PM on page 45
Suggestion
Please redesign and OPEN freedom park. Possibly a pocket park, meadow or something in the sort.
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The installed version of the browser you are using is outdated and no longer supported by Konveio. Please upgrade your browser to the latest release.Richmond INSPIRE - 90% Draft Plan
Share your thoughts on the 300-page draft of Richmond INSPIRE, the City of Richmond’s first citywide parks and recreation vision plan since the 1970s! If you do not have time to review the full plan, we encourage you to review the 13-page Executive Summary, which provides a high-level overview of the plan. To access the Executive Summary, please select the “Next” button at the bottom of the screen. The documents and survey will be available for review and comment through March 6, 2026.
Use the tool below to read or browse the draft document, provide general feedback, leave comments directly on the document, and read and respond to comments from other community members. All comments submitted on the document are visible to the public. Please be respectful, keep comments focused on the content, and refrain from using profanity.
A brief three-question survey is also available. The survey is designed to gather quick feedback on the Big Moves in Richmond INSPIRE and to identify any important topics or priorities that may be missing. Participants who complete the survey will be eligible to win a $50 gift card. Link to Survey
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LaJuan Neal Feb 9 2026 at 2:36PM on page 44
Suggestion
Label should say "Broad Rock Sports Complex"
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 11:45AM on page 112
Suggestion
Please share and coordinate this information with Friends groups. The value of the park is also important to them.
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 11:40AM on page 96
Suggestion
There is concern that stormwater drainage and debris from the adjacent highway, located above the restoration plan, will continue to flow into the restoration area. Without a plan to mitigate this pollution, the plan will not be sustainable.
Please address this before the restoration project is completed.
Please address this before the restoration project is completed.
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 11:28AM on page 90
Question
How will current watershed issues in existing parks be addressed?
Bryan Park has longstanding concern for stormwater and other debris coming into the park from the adjacent highway into its streams. While this may be a challenge as the site borders Henrico County, it is a real concern to the community, harmful to the environment and its watershed.
Bryan Park has longstanding concern for stormwater and other debris coming into the park from the adjacent highway into its streams. While this may be a challenge as the site borders Henrico County, it is a real concern to the community, harmful to the environment and its watershed.
in reply to Kerin James's comment
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 11:23AM on page 90
Suggestion
Oops - This was meant for the first paragraph of Strategy 7.1
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 11:20AM on page 90
Suggestion
Consider sound abatement with new parks, as well as options for existing parks. Noise pollution is also real, and detracts from the park experience.
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 11:15AM on page 80
Suggestion
Include Friends Groups as a partner
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 11:13AM on page 79
Suggestion
Include Friends of Parks as a partner.
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 11:10AM on page 67
Suggestion
Please include community members to try the website, both older and younger, to ensure user friendliness, before implementation.
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 11:05AM on page 53
Suggestion
It looks like Friends of James River Park are considered partners in this strategy.
Please include other Friends Groups. Friends of Bryan Park are very active and engaged.
Please include other Friends Groups. Friends of Bryan Park are very active and engaged.
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 11:01AM on page 53
Question
Many park improvement projects are identified , yet there is no identification of what they entail. Is it to be assumed that this is related to 1.2.c? How will the parks be made aware of potential projects?
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 10:56AM on page 44
Question
There is no plan for Bryan Park, yet there is an indication in another chapter that there is a future project planned?
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 10:49AM on page 41
Suggestion
Much concern has already been expressed regarding the lack of funding for park upkeep by the city and the importance of protecting what you already have. Since budget funding has historically been inadequate, it seems that including existing parks in this future plan is more important than ever.
Kerin James Feb 9 2026 at 10:40AM on page 73
Suggestion
Include Virginia Register of Historic Landmarks as a partner.
Karl Huber Feb 6 2026 at 4:41PM on page 145
Suggestion
What the other comment says here about Bryan Park applies to Byrd as well, and probably others. As we all go through a cycle of planting more trees right now, we are going to need some access to water.
Anne-Marie McCartan Feb 5 2026 at 9:02PM on page 106
Suggestion
Coordination between PRCF and DPW of mowing is often uncoordinated. I'm sure DPW means well but sometimes they don't know the particulars of what is happening individual parks.
Anne-Marie McCartan Feb 5 2026 at 9:01PM on page 106
Suggestion
Friends groups are a tremendous asset to our city parks. Figure out who to support their work as much as possible.
Anne-Marie McCartan Feb 5 2026 at 8:50PM on page 66
Suggestion
These are good areas for more attention. Regarding "lighting in key areas," please DO NOT add to light pollution when selecting lights. For instance, two huge floodlights were installed at the Byrd Park maintenance building which are totally antithetical to best practices in outdoor lighting.
Kathleen McLaughlin Feb 5 2026 at 3:14PM on page 149
Suggestion
It would be helpful to include an index as well as a table listing each PRCF, what facilities and recreation equipment/opportunities are currently included at each PRCF, and a quality assessment of each PRCF based on a standardized set of metrics.
Kathleen McLaughlin Feb 5 2026 at 3:02PM on page 125
Question
My experience is that there are wait lists for garden space. Is there any plan to increase garden space through the use of vertical gardening practices. Some vertical gardens incorporate a central composting core that helps feed the plants and allows the growth of a large amount of food/flowers within a small footprint.
Kathleen McLaughlin Feb 5 2026 at 2:53PM on page 105
Question
How would this cross-reference or interface with the State Historic Preservation Officer’s recent historic preservation plan, which included cultural sites and landscapes?
Kathleen McLaughlin Feb 5 2026 at 2:50PM on page 103
Suggestion
This is a very important program but seems like a tortured fit within the context of this plan.
Kathleen McLaughlin Feb 5 2026 at 2:36PM on page 61
Suggestion
This could actually increase the number of vehicle on pedestrian accidents and you are putting people in an area where they would be breathing in a lot of dangerous car exhaust.
Kathleen McLaughlin Feb 5 2026 at 2:34PM on page 60
Suggestion
Last time I checked, a ‘bus’ is a vehicle so you might want to change the title of this map.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 4:44PM on page 47
Suggestion
On one map, it reflects Bryan Park with an Improvement project. However, there is nothing on the 10 year project plan list.
Where can the Bryan Park Azalea garden erosion and pond repair projects be found? These are very important to park visitors.
Where can the Bryan Park Azalea garden erosion and pond repair projects be found? These are very important to park visitors.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 4:23PM on page 79
Question
How will greatest need be defined?
There are several parks with a history of underinvestment that are in need of support.
There are several parks with a history of underinvestment that are in need of support.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 4:20PM on page 80
Suggestion
Include Friends groups as a partner.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 4:10PM on page 91
Suggestion
Yes, stormwater management in Bryan Park is needed. Perhaps could be considered as a priority case.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 4:02PM on page 97
Suggestion
Include recycling program at existing parks. Currently not often available.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 4:01PM on page 97
Suggestion
Evaluate and add water access when able and appropriate to support planting of trees and plants in existing parks.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 3:57PM on page 98
Suggestion
Please include permeable pavement efforts instead of placing blacktop.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 3:55PM on page 99
Suggestion
Also important to consider and respect the historic nature of each park and its existing environment.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 3:53PM on page 99
Suggestion
Please invite Friends groups to participate, as several are already working on invasive plant removal, and it is important to coordinate efforts. This will decrease potential for duplicate efforts.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 3:48PM on page 105
Suggestion
Please include Bryan Park with its unique history, including the connection with Gabriel's rebellion.Bryan Park is already designated as an historic landmark.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 3:45PM on page 106
Question
Does this include Friends groups and existing parks?
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 3:43PM on page 116
Suggestion
As noted in strategy 11.2, volunteers are mentioned as vital partners to PRCF, yet are not listed as partners in the Action Items.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 3:36PM on page 116
Suggestion
Please consider representation of the Friends' groups in this framework so that they are included in communications about the park they are supporting. Often, difficult to know who to contact and get updates for progress.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 3:31PM on page 127
Question
Appreciate the focus on low-income areas for access to fresh food, as this is not currently consistent.
How will this be managed as farmers markets expand to include crafts and other local sellers? How will this be managed so that it is sustainable and causes no damage within the park?
How will this be managed as farmers markets expand to include crafts and other local sellers? How will this be managed so that it is sustainable and causes no damage within the park?
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 3:20PM on page 106
Question
Does this include proactive measurement for existing parks that are not a primary focus in this document?
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 1:13PM on page 145
Suggestion
Community engagement with recreation groups using the parks should include expectations for maintaining site, oversight and follow up to hold group accountable.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 1:10PM on page 145
Question
Why isn't Bryan Park included in these future plans?
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 1:08PM on page 145
Suggestion
Consider how community engagement between PRCF and Friend groups will occur. Current role does not seem to include this direct connection, which is sorely needed.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 1:04PM on page 149
Suggestion
Consider including Friends groups in strategic plans for parks. This will ensure communication and increase trust.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 1:02PM on page 149
Suggestion
All fees paid should got to support PRCF, not go to the General Fund as is being suggested.
This is one way the city can help support the parks, which already do much to support the city.
This is one way the city can help support the parks, which already do much to support the city.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 1:01PM on page 149
Question
How will this be implemented? JRPS already has a plan.
Will each park have its own plan, coordinated with the community and Friends groups? They are all so different, it seems the only way for this to be successful.
Will each park have its own plan, coordinated with the community and Friends groups? They are all so different, it seems the only way for this to be successful.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 12:59PM on page 149
Suggestion
Imperative to include the community and Friends groups with ALL planning being considered for use of the parks. It must be completely transparent, with open discussions and well publicized opportunities to do so.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 12:56PM on page 149
Suggestion
Camera in the parks have been suggested in the past, which could help identify and/or prevent the vandalism that occurs. Perhaps selecting areas that have a high level of vandalism would be a place to start.
Increased security in the parks could also be helpful, even police drive through on a somewhat regular basis may deter some of the damage done.
Increased security in the parks could also be helpful, even police drive through on a somewhat regular basis may deter some of the damage done.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 12:52PM on page 149
Suggestion
Currently there is a lack of accountability of facility use by those who are permitted to used the park. Please include requirements for fees appropriate to the number of folks using park, with no exceptions unless approved by higher levels, perhaps City Council. Fees should go tor PRCF funding, not the General Fund.
For example, RVA Big Market a for profit business, pays no fees to use the park, with thousands of people coming to visit, resulting in much erosion in the azalea gardens and potential damage to the azalea garden pond. There are currently no PRCF plans to fix the erosion or the pond. Park users were excited last year when with the support of FoBP, the fountain was finally repaired, adding much beauty to the landscape. Now it is quiet, looking like a large mud puddle.
Perhaps if there had been a mechanism to charge fees that could then be used to fix the situation, the beauty of both could be restored.
For example, RVA Big Market a for profit business, pays no fees to use the park, with thousands of people coming to visit, resulting in much erosion in the azalea gardens and potential damage to the azalea garden pond. There are currently no PRCF plans to fix the erosion or the pond. Park users were excited last year when with the support of FoBP, the fountain was finally repaired, adding much beauty to the landscape. Now it is quiet, looking like a large mud puddle.
Perhaps if there had been a mechanism to charge fees that could then be used to fix the situation, the beauty of both could be restored.
Kerin James Feb 4 2026 at 12:40PM on page 145
Suggestion
Bryan Park, is very large and there is limited water accessibility, so volunteers must water plants by using water jugs from 1 of 2 available spigots. The planting of natives, azaleas and trees all require water. Inground irrigation was in place in the Azalea garden years ago is no longer feasible, however additional watering spigots in areas coordinated with the FoBP are essential to support the work of the volunteers who actively work to improve the park.
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