Richmond Parks highlights 2025 activity, Glenn Miller improvements and spring events

Richmond Parks and Recreation staff on March 12 presented a year-end summary highlighting strong program activity, a sizable volunteer contribution, and ongoing capital work at Glenn Miller.

The park superintendent said the department recorded 772 rentals in 2025 and received about $381,000 in grants and donations. The markets reported more than $375,000 in vendor sales for 2025, and the floral division accounted for 884 volunteers who together logged 5,436 hours across the parks system.

Staff noted several facilities projects: the team repaired the irrigation pond levy, replaced a major playground slide at Glenn Miller, rehabbing a restroom building at Middle Fork Reservoir, installed trail signage, and completed a kickoff for project phases 2–6; the superintendent said phase 1 of the Glenn Miller improvement plan is nearly finished and estimated an overall completion date of September 2026.

Market staff (Carol) gave a February snapshot: $3,115 cashed out on SNAP, $608 in WIC redemptions, $255 in vendor fees collected, and modest bridging-the-gap and SmartSnap activity; since July the farm-to-pantry project has delivered roughly 3,400 servings of fresh produce to local food pantries.

Recreation staff reviewed spring programming: JUCO camp registration opens next week, industrial softball registration is underway, and the annual egg hunt is set for Saturday, March 28 at Glenn Miller Golf Course from 2–4 p.m.; staff said volunteers and department partners helped prepare roughly 10,000 eggs and that a sensory-friendly area will be available.

The department has sent the annual recreation guide to final print; distribution will begin with a March 18 newspaper insert and at upcoming markets and events.

What’s next: staff will continue community outreach for vendor recruitment, finalize Glenn Miller phase work, and provide timeline updates to the board.