New signage for JRPS speaks to all users with a simple message.

New signage for JRPS speaks to all users with a simple message. 

Personally, we love this sign!

It speaks to all users equally and asks all users asked to take responsibility for the trails that they enjoy!

Talk About It Here...

First Legacy Project for Richmond 2015 Announced

By now, just about everyone has heard about Richmond2015 Legacy Project at PSP.   The idea is simple, make Richmond a destination for mountain biking by being one of only 10

or 11 IMBA Ride-Centers in existence!What is an IMBA Ride Center?  Is a prime destination spot for mountain biking that not only has trails for riding, but lends itself to enrich the experiences of mountain biking by creating a more proactive environment.  The idea for the IMBA Ride Center is to include both Pocahontas State Park (PSP) and James River Park System (JRPS) as the destination spot.  Plans of linking both systems via road and off-road bicycle travel are being considered. The plan is calling for the Northern section of PSP, just South of Courthouse Rd to receive the largest amount of changes, including: 

• 100 spot parking lot

• Hand Cycle Station / Storage

• Hand Cycle Trail

• Approx 30 mls of new mountain bike trail

• Skills Area (both for Hand-Cycles training and obstacles)

• Shelter

• 3 Acre Staging Area

• Restrooms / Showers

• Possibility for a small repair shop

Estimated costed for the Legacy Project range from $800k to $1.2Million.  But 1st a series of obstacles must be hurdled, the least of which the Master Plan for PSP must be changed.  PSP

revisits the Master Plan every 5 years and the last plan for set forth in 2011; so to move forward, a proposal and public hearing must 1st happen (happened on Aug 1st) followed by the state of Va. to revisit the old master plan, create an amendment, send it in for a vote, and approve or disapprove.  

Even if approved, the cost of the project is the single largest factor for failure or success! The Gov.has pledged $50k of funding towards the project and this is to be matched from Dominion Power, but that still leaves at least a $700k balance to complete the project.  

The other issue will be volunteers; All projects related mountain bike trails are from the efforts of volunteer groups, from downtown Richmond to PSP to the mountains in the West part of Va.  Without volunteers working in their spare time, none of the trails we ride our bikes on would be here today. NONE of THEM.  It takes thousands of hours of work to complete these trail and it simply can not be understated that in order to get Legacy Project 2015 from idea phase to completed, it will take thousands more and you help will be needed. 

That said, ETA for the project (if approved) is April 2015.We are a long way to getting there, but it will also be upon us before you can blink an eye. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation should be voting on the amendment to the PSP Master Plan by early Sept. Once given the "OK", Local groups like the Friends of PSP and Richmond-MORE will be setting their bars high for fundraising events! 

Talk about this on CCVA.

Richmond RPD to step-up JRPS Patrols

As the title suggests, this is an update about Richmond PD police presence in the JRPS; which I believe to also entail normal planning and in response to any recent events in JRPS.

A first point that must be made it that the JRPS falls under two different precincts, the 1st & 3rd:   Just about everything but Belle Island is out of the 3rd precinct.  The following was given by someone of the 1st.

RPD P1 has initiated "overtime" positions which should increase police presence on Belle Island (most of the overtime is on the weekends). There are also have several larger initiatives planned for the park system that will involve more resources and personnel.  

Our local contact is not involved with any of the new initiatives, but wanted to give an update as to how RPD is paying attention to issues around Richmond, and in particular, in the parks where so many of us go as a form of recreation, gather with friends and family, etc.  

Lieutenant Timothy Wyatt of the 1^st Precinctis responsible for Belle Island is fine with any posting of this information.  He also would be happy to speak on the subject at any meetings that may arise from such topics. 

Side Note: About 3 weeks back, Lisa and I were hiking through Forest Hill Park and came across 3 RDP uniformed officers on some Kawasaki duel-sport bikes; they appeared to be practicing maneuvers, etc.   

And we have also noticed patrol cars cruising through Forest Hill Park, so some one in Richmond is paying attention.  

James River Parks System's New Manager = Nathan Burrell

A huge and well-deserved congratulations to Nathan Burrell! 

After a nation-wide candidate search, Nathan J. Burrell, who has worked in the parks system full-time for approximately 10 years now, and has been Richmond's Trail Manager since around 2005, will be the City's new JRPS Manager.

Nathan will be now be moving from acting Interim-JRPS Mgr. to adopting the position permanently.  A position that has been open since Ralph White retired from the department after more than 30 years back in Dec. 2012. 

A quote from Nathan Burrell, “I’m excited about this opportunity to help in making Richmond one of the most livable cities in the U.S. with my focus on the management and development of one of our greatest resources, the James River Park,” said Burrell. “I am especially committed to maintaining a balanced approach between adventure recreation and environmental stewardship, which is critical to the future of the park.”

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Link to Times Dispatch Article:

Best Urban Trail

Once again, jrps gets NOD! 

Blue ridge outdoors

BEST URBAN TRAIL

Editor's Picks...

BUTTERMILK TRAIL, RICHMOND VIRGINIA
Part of Richmond, Va.’s award-winning urban James River Park system, Buttermilk is revered by the city’s outdoor sect. Everyone from dog walkers to advance mountain bikers use the trail, so it can be slightly crowded, but you won’t find a better trail in the middle of a major city. This singletrack trail is well maintained and has everything one could ask for: steep climbs, roots/rocks, and consequence. Steep drop-offs line the riverside part of this trail, so beginners on bikes are urged to use extreme caution. Trail runners love the short climbs and riverside scenery; mountain bikers love the speed, tight turns, and technical sections. Linking up Buttermilk with the North Bank Trail and the Belle Island system will give you a 12-mile ride through the inner forest of the inner city.

source: BlueRidgeOutdoors.com Dec.28th, 2012

The Ralph White Story

Here is a GREAT STORY that shows the roots of the JRPS and how it got where it is today! 

A huge Thank You to Ralph White taking it on the chin from the city and maintaining course because the brilliance of your vision of the JRPS has come to light! 

Without Ralph and his cutting through the "RED TAPE" of the City, the JRPS and the volunteer groups of the local parks would still be in 2001, full of garbage and drugs. THANK YOU RALPH WHITE!

Ralph White Article on Style Weekly