Yes, Virginia, there is a JRPS License Plate!
FOJRP board member Warren Foster, who kickstarted the JRPS license plate project a couple of years ago, had the honor of going to DMV last week to see and approve our new Virginia license plate! It's been a long time coming, but here it (almost!) is!
Isn't she lovely!
DMV is ordering the steel, and though the plate(s) so many of us pre-ordered in 2010 or 2011 won't arrive for this holiday season, they should arrive in our mailboxes in February or March. We know it's been hard to be patient and we thank all of you who ordered them so long ago. In early 2012, anyone who wants one of these beauties will be able to order their own JRPS license plate through the DMV site. We'll keep you posted.
Ralph White, JRPS Park Manager, to retire
We've heard the official word from beloved Park Manager, Ralph White, that he will retire in Jan. 2013. After all Ralph has done for the JRPS and the city, it will be impossible to fill his shoes (and kneesocks!), but we are glad we can spend this next year showing him how much he means to us. It is no hyperbole to say that Ralph and his work in the JRPS has improved and enriched the lives of millions of people, and will continue to. Pretty cool. We're so thankful to be among those who know and love him.
Read local articles about Ralph's retirement:
Looking for the perfect holiday gift?
Our snazzy new t-shirts have been getting rave reviews from stylish river buffs. Snag one today for your favorite river lover. And how about combining it with a Friends membership? All you need to add is the bow on top!
T-shirts available at Riverside Outfitters and TaZa Coffee n Creme for $15 each. Memberships available online on our Be a Friend page. Thanks, as always, for your support!
Riverfront Grant Approved
At the Friends of James River Park August meeting, the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission gave a presentation regarding an application for a competitive grant for the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program to be used for trails and signage on Chapel Island along the James River, just west of Great Shiplock Park. FOJRP supported the RRPDC's grant application and our board voted to support the Chapel Island/James River Public Access Enhancement Project with $5,000 from our general fund and 200 hours of volunteer labor from our members.
In November we were notified by the RRPDC that the grant has been awarded! Thanks to the RRPDC for all the heavy-lifting! This eastern section of the city desperately needs more park and river access and opening Chapel Island, which is city property, and accessible from the Great Shiplock Park section of the James River Park System and adjacent to the Capital to Capital Bicycle Trail, will add so much to Richmond's robust urban park system.
FOJRP is proud to be part of a project that will open river access of what is now an underused area to underserved communities. River access at Chapel Island will offer health benefits, wildlife viewing opportunities, fishing, walking, paddling, and other environmentally friendly activities to a wider community.
Get current weather, water conditions, trails info, activities, and more.
Map it! Plan your park visit.
Winter in the Park
Remember this? Ken Huston and R.L. Croft created this beloved sailboat out of Pony Pasture driftwood back in November 2010. Although considered "temporary" art, the boat was well made. It survived rough weather, 11' river levels, and as seen here, snow. The James River finally claimed the boat by spring 2011, yet the pleasure it gave lives on.
Spanish translation now on site
Amigos del Rio offers Spanish-speaking and park-loving web visitors an overview of the Friends and useful information on two hot spots -- Belle Isle and Pony Pasture. And thanks to the help of VCU's CreateAThon, you'll see park signs in Spanish and may hear public service announcements in Spanish as well.
Our favorite line and sign: Take Pride. Éste es tu río.
2011 River Heroes
The Boathouse and Friends of James River Park named Mike Ostrander of Discover the James, Passages Adventure Camp, and Seven Hills Middle School for Boys the 2011 River Heroes!
Read more about each of our river heroes.
Specials at The Boathouse
The Boathouse at Rockett's Landing continues to donate to the Friends of James River Park from the sales of the Watershed Special.
Fall Watershed Special
- Fall salad: Local roasted beet salad with Manakintowne arugula, Bonnyclabber blue goat cheese, orange infused Ciirrus vodka vinaigrette
The Boathouse donates 20% of sales of those specials to the FoJRP -- over $4,000 to date. Thank you for your partnership!
