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Richmond Parks reports vandalism at new trail nodes, strong pool season but lifeguard staffing limits season length; senior center reports membership growth
Summary
Parks staff reported vandalism at newly poured trail-node concrete, a strong pool season with 15,205 visits and lifeguard staffing constraints that shorten the swim season. The Richmond Senior Recreation Center reported membership growth and expanded programming; staff also described a dock-slip promotion and ongoing maintenance at the reservoir.
Park staff told the Richmond Parks and Recreation Board about damage to new trail amenities, pool attendance trends and senior-center programming during routine division reports.
Denise, the park superintendent, said crews found vandalism at three new trail nodes where concrete perimeters have been poured and pavers are still pending. "We did have a little bit of vandalism carved out," she said, and staff are discussing mitigation measures while finishing remaining concrete and installing pavers.
On pools, Park Assistant Superintendent Jim said the 2025 pool season had "a very good season" with 15,205 people using the pool; users included local residents, a junior college program, Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc. and day-care groups. He explained the season closes earlier in late summer because of staffing limits: "99% of our lifeguards are high school students," and once school resumes it is difficult to fully staff lifeguard shifts.
At the reservoir, Jim said dock ramps and floating docks have been repaired and the department will offer a limited-time dock-slip promotion: "Anyone who wishes to purchase a dock slip for the remainder of the season, will also get included the 2026 season." The department distributed a flyer and staff said slips bought before the end of the current season will include next year's slip.
Richmond Senior Recreation Center director Becky reported membership growth (22 new members in July and nearly 400 new members over two years), expanded programming including popular Tai Chi classes and a drumming class that attracted more than 40 participants. Becky also described an archiving project to organize records and artworks dating to 1973 and said the center plans an open house to display the collection.
Donna Hanley, coordinator of a bereavement/caregiver support initiative, told the board about an upcoming presentation for people who have lost a spouse and monthly caregiver lunches provided in partnership with LifeStream.
The board received the operational reports; no formal votes were required on these items.
