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Paddle in Your Park

Welcome to Paddle in Your Park! Your opportunity to get out and paddle in your own neighborhood!

Quick Details

  • PIYP: April 11th, 12 AM-3 PM at Deep Run Park
  • PIYP: April 25th, 11 AM-3 PM at Forest Hill Park
  • PIYP: May 9th, 1-4 PM at Hopewell City Park
  • PIYP: June 21st, 11 AM-3 PM at Lakeview Park
  • PIYP: September 26th, 4-6 PM at Dorey Park

People

Donation - Boys to Men Mentorship

$ 11

Prices include all taxes and fees

Join us as we offer a variety of free paddling experiences appropriate for all ages and skill levels, to increase diversity in the sport, and to promote inclusivity in the paddlesports community here in Richmond. Try a kayak, stand up paddleboard, or whitewater raft at these events.

Paddling equipment and safety gear will be provided for families and individuals to take out on the water and enjoy nature. Paddle in Your Park is all about making outdoor recreation accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Pre-register on this webpage or walk-up day of!

Earth Day Fest

Join RVA Paddlesports and Henrico Rec and Parks on April 11th to celebrate Earth Day in fashion, with free paddling and raft demonstrations. We will be at Deep Run park from 12 to 3pm, hoping to get as many people out on the water as we can! These events are hosted in partnership with Boys to Men Mentoring Virginia.

While these Paddle in Your Park community outreach events are completely free, participants are encouraged to donate to the Boys to Men of Virginia. Boys to Men is an incredible program that partners young boys with mentors who can help them grow into themselves with grace and maturity.

a group of people riding on the back of a boat in the water

JROC Gear Swap

Join us for Paddle in the Park at Forest Hill Park on April 25th!  This family-friendly event welcomes community members of all ages and experience levels to try kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in their own neighborhood.  The James River Outdoor Coalition is organizing a gear swap at Forest Hill Park on April 25th from 11 to 3pm.

In partnership with this event, we will be offering paddling at the Forest Hill Park lake. Come check out some well-loved gear and get out on the water for a good cause! Whether you’re brand new to paddling or just looking to build some confidence on the water, our staff will provide all the equipment, safety gear, and instruction you need, just show up ready to have fun. 

a group of people sitting on a raft in a body of water

PIYP in Hopewell

On May 9th, we will be bringing Paddle in your Park back to Hopewell! This event was a blast last year, as park goers got to enjoy paddling on the Appomattox River. Hopewell Downtown is organizing this pop-up event to bring the joys of paddlesports to the greater Richmond area. Boys to Men Mentoring will be at Hopewell City Park with us providing food for the event, making this one you won’t want to miss!

Play All Day

June 21st is the longest day of the year! To celebrate, Virginia Recreation and Parks Society is partnering with local businesses to coordinate activities all across the greater Richmond region. Join us at Lakeview Park from 11 to 3pm, to enjoy the sun and try one of our boat demonstrations. Then once you’re done, find a different activity around the city and play all day!

a small boat in a body of water

MountainFilm

Henrico Rec and Parks will be hosting Mountainfilm, an outdoor film festival on September 26th at 7pm. There will be vendors and food trucks for all ages to enjoy. Come out to Dorey Park and try your hand at a kayak, paddle board or whitewater raft before the show starts.