Lee Downey, who has been the City’s Economic and Community Development Director since May of 2011, has accepted a new post as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Planning and Economic Development. Downey had been serving in the DCAO post on an interim basis since October of 2014. The permanent placement became effective December 26, 2015. “Lee is no stranger to the economic development needs of the city,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “He has continued to impress me, now having been a part of my executive team since 2011. One of the highest priorities of this administration has been and continues to be intentional and aggressive economic development efforts.  Lee has been a part of our comprehensive effort; including everything from establishing the Arts District, to attracting new businesses like Stone and retaining businesses like McGuire Woods and The Martin Agency. I look forward to our continued work together to position the city to remain competitive and attractive...

A natural gas leak can be recognized in three distinct ways - Smell, Sight, or Sound.
 SMELL:     Natural gas is colorless and odorless. Before it reaches you, we add a distinctive, pungent odor -- a rotten egg smell -- so that od natural gas is escaping it can be quickly recognized.
 SIGHT:    You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, or bubbles in standing water, or vegetation that appears to be brown and dead or dying for no apparent reason.
 SOUND:     You may hear an unusual noise like roaring, hissing or whistling coming from a 
natural gas pipeline in the area.
 DO’s:    What should you do if you suspect a leak? Just leave! Protect life first. Move to a safe environment. Then call 911 or the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities at (804) 646-7000. City of Richmond residents may call 311.
 DON’T’s: DO NOT strike a match, use telephones, switch on or off appliances, a light switch or even grab a flashlight in t...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones issued the following statement today regarding Governor Terry McAuliffe’s biennial budget proposal: “I’m pleased by Governor McAuliffe's budget proposal, which has been carefully crafted to propel Virginia’s economy forward. “It will take Virginia’s investment in public education to the highest level in history. This is an important step toward restoring reductions made during the recession. “I’m especially encouraged because I’ve always believed that a strong city is one where all residents care about public education, even if they don’t have kids in the school system. “As Governor McAuliffe said, ‘Our young children’s future should not depend on their parents’ financial condition or their ZIP code.’ I completely agree. “Local governments know that additional state funds also bring additional costs, and we’re prepared to accept that challenge. I look forward to a robust debate—at the state and local level—about how best to deliver all of the services our res...

The City of Richmond, in partnership with Richmond Public Schools (RPS) and the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation, highlighted the poverty reduction initiative RVA Future Centers today at the Armstrong High School Future Center. RVA Future Centers have launched in all five comprehensive city high schools this semester. Future Centers are dedicated classroom spaces within each school building that are resource hubs for connecting high school students and their families to college and career planning resources. Each Future Center is staffed by a full-time site coordinator, who develops and implements a school-specific plan to engage all students in developing a personal plan for life after high school, starting in their ninth grade year. Future Center staff work closely with RPS guidance staff and community organizations providing college and career planning assistance such as GRASP. “Access to opportunity makes all the difference in a young person’s life. Making sure as many...

~Respondents consistent about dire need to tell the city’s whole story~   In September of 2015, the City of Richmond launched a community conversation about the future of the Lumpkin’s Jail site. Spearheaded by Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the Richmond City Council Slave Trail Commission, the public conversation has reached more than 1,000 individuals through public meetings, classroom visits, in-person engagements, social media and direct outreach. Additional public meetings are upcoming as the discussion continues. However, a preliminary report is now available detailing the work of the consultant team thus far, and sharing preliminary information that the process has yielded. “While we know the importance of the Lumpkin’s Jail site to our city’s history, it’s another thing to understand how best to transform that importance to an active site that represents the priorities of the broader community,” said Mayor Jones. “I believe the methodology we have employed is yielding the diver...

On November 17, 2015, the City of Richmond successfully issued $85.8 million of taxable and tax-exempt series of bonds, which were sold by competitive bid. Seven bids were received for the $62.8 million Series 2015B bonds, with Bank of America Merrill Lynch winning the bid. Seven bids were also received for the $23.0 million Series 2015C bonds, with Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc., winning the bid. Reporting before the Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee today, the City noted that investor demand for the City’s bonds was considerable and that the bonds sold with a lower than expected interest rate, saving money for the city. The City received an interest rate of 3.83% on its taxable bond issuance, over 1.25% lower than initial planning rates. The longer term tax-exempt series received a 3.16% interest rate. The bonds sold will be used to finance spending related to general capital improvements for Stone Brewery as well general capital improvements in the City’s Capit...

The City of Richmond has announced plans to move forward with improvements to the Intermediate Terminal/Intermediate Wharf – a City-owned parcel that fronts the James River on the East side of the city. Providing increased public access to the riverfront is one of the goals in the City’s adopted Riverfront Plan. Improvements to the Intermediate Terminal Dock are seen as especially timely with the completion of the Virginia Capital Trail – 52 miles of continuous multipurpose trail between Williamsburg and Richmond. A structural stabilization project has been underway in the Intermediate Terminal area since August of this year. With the completion of that stabilization nearing in early Spring of 2016, the City is ready to move forward with broader plans for improving riverfront access in that area, to include passive and active Riverfront recreational opportunities. Conceptual plans for the development of the area include the possibility of a community pavilion, an event lawn, an in...

The Richmond Public Library, the Office of Community Wealth Building and Richmond Public Schools (RPS) have partnered to create RVA Reads to improve literacy in the city by improving access to books in low income homes of preschool children. RVA Reads is designed to expand or create home libraries for three and four year olds, increase the time parents and children read together and engage children and families in library services. The program provides one book a month to hundreds of pre-k children participating in the Virginia Preschool Initiative. To introduce the books each month, community volunteers visit pre-k classrooms to lead fun, interactive readings with the students. These readings take place at the RPS preschool centers at Blackwell, Maymont and Mary Scott schools as well as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Preschool Learning Center. Members of the City Administration and parent volunteers will lead the next reading event at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Preschool Learning Cente...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones issues the following statement today in honor of Veterans Day: “As we celebrate Veteran's Day, it is important that we reflect upon what these brave men and women have selflessly done. We thank all of our veterans and active duty military personnel for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make to help keep our country safe. I would also like to recognize all the City employees and their families who have served, both past and present. “Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces have given so much to ensure that we are able to continue to enjoy our rights and freedoms. Today, be sure to properly honor the debt we owe to them all. “Thank you again to all our service men and women.”

Construction of the City’s first “Bike Boulevard” will begin on November 16. The Bike Boulevard is being installed along a 2-mile stretch of Floyd Avenue from North Thompson Street to North Laurel Street. This capital improvement project represents an estimated investment of $900,000, with the majority of funding coming from Federal funding sources. “Forward movement with this Bike Boulevard project helps tremendously with our effort to develop a city-wide network of bike infrastructure,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “Through this project, we are further diversifying mobility in the city and enhancing both transportation options and recreation. It’s very exciting to see us reach the point of starting construction.” The targeted section of Floyd Avenue will receive engineering treatments to make it an efficient, safe bicycle route with low traffic speeds and volumes, while also incorporating improvements for pedestrians. The project includes the following safety measures:   ...

~ 2015 UCI Road World Championships event goals exceeded ~ The 2015 UCI Road World Championships Sustainability Report to be released next week by Mayor Dwight C. Jones shows that the event achieved or exceeded all of its sustainability goals. A goal was set to divert a minimum of 60% of event waste from going to the landfill, and the efforts undertaken surpassed that goal, achieving a 76% waste diversion rate. Waste diversion was achieved by composting food wastes; requiring caterers and vendors to use compostable serve ware; operating a robust recycling effort that included cardboard, pallets, and plastic bags, reusing event signage, recovering and donating unused food, collecting cooking grease to turn into bio-fuel, using water filling stations and reusable beer cups in lieu of plastic.  An additional goal of offsetting 100% of the greenhouse gas emissions produced from event operations was met. Sources of emissions included electricity use in the Greater Richmond Conven...

All three Wall Street bond rating agencies have re-affirmed their rating of general obligation bonds to be issued by the City of Richmond. The re-affirmations follow six bond rating increases the city has received since Mayor Dwight C. Jones took office in 2009. “We’re gratified to earn this re-affirmation of Richmond’s fundamental financial strength,” said Mayor Jones. “Wall Street looks only at the facts when they review a city’s finances. It’s clear that investors are confident in Richmond’s progress and our future outlook.” Here are the key points from each agency: Moody’s: Aa2 rating, Outlook is Stable • “The Aa2 rating incorporates the city’s prominent role in the regional economy and as the state capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a tax base that is expected to exhibit long-term stability, satisfactory financial operations characterized by conservative budgeting and an elevated but manageable debt position.” • “The stable outlook reflects the expectation of long-...

Richmond’s Public Art Master Plan will be developed with the input of the community, key stakeholders and other arts groups so that the plan will reflect Richmond’s vision for public art. The City will embark on a series of public meetings and focus groups as well as providing methods for the public to give input and feedback on the types of public art projects funded by the City. Currently all public art projects receive funding through a 1% allocation for art, earmarked from the City’s Capital Budget, of all new or renovation construction projects having budgets over $250,000. It is envisioned that the Master Plan will also identify ways to fund the preservation and long term maintenance of the current public art sites in Richmond. “We want this roadmap to help ensure that our public art program is reflective of Richmond’s diverse communities,” said Mayor Jones. “This effort will help to refine policies and procedures that ensure equal opportunities for local and regional artists...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones and the City’s Public Art Commission (PAC) announced today a new monument commemorating Maggie L. Walker that will be created by artist Antonio Tobias “Toby” Mendez. The Public Art Commission worked with a Site Selection team of neighborhood leaders and stakeholders to choose the artist and the location that would best reflect the important legacy of Maggie L. Walker and her contributions to the City of Richmond. The monument will be integrated into a new plaza and gathering space on Broad Street at North Adams Street. The Maggie L. Walker monument will become embedded as a landmark in the City’s Downtown Arts District. “Not only will Richmond gain an important new monument that can reflect the diverse heritage and history of a significant local hero, but this effort will also underscore her role as a champion for civil rights on the national landscape,” said Mayor Jones. “Maggie Walker was a revolutionary leader in business, a champion for breaking down barri...

The City of Richmond today released its annual leaf collection program schedule, which is set to begin Monday, Nov. 30.  The Department of Public Works will conduct one 10-week cycle to vacuum leaves throughout the entire city. In addition, the department will collect bagged leaves on a continual basis. “Public Works will vacuum leaves throughout all Richmond neighborhoods beginning Nov. 30 through Feb. 5,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “The schedule we are issuing allows us to serve the entire city, and to deliver services in an efficient and cost-effective manner.” In previous years, Public Works conducted two vacuum collection cycles that often lasted as long as 22 weeks. Following budget reductions approved earlier this year, City officials initially were faced with either eliminating vacuum leaf collections in many neighborhoods, or seeking additional funding. Mayor Jones asked that an alternative be identified that would maintain leaf collection services for the entire Ci...

Construction will begin on Friday, October 9 on a major transportation project designed to improve traffic safety at the intersections of Monument Avenue and Allen Avenue by converting the existing traffic circle into a modern roundabout. The work is expected to last through early January 2016. The scope of the work at the four legs, or intersections, leading into the current circle includes the installation of medians and corner island extensions, concrete sidewalks, ADA compliant curb ramps, pedestrian crosswalks, signage, pavement markings and landscaping. The improvements will create an easier and safer means for motorists to travel through and pedestrians to cross the intersecting roads. Those driving through the area may experience occasional single lane closures. Allen Avenue may be closed at times during construction, however proper work zone signage will be provided throughout the project construction. The total project cost is estimated at $550,000, with half being ...

The Administration of Mayor Dwight C. Jones today announced that Deputy Chief John J. Buturla will serve as the Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Operations, effective October, 14, 2015. Buturla will be filling the position being vacated by Christopher Beschler following his appointment to a state position which was announced last month. The DCAO for Operations has the management and oversight responsibility for the Department of Public Works, Department of Public Utilities and Animal Care and Control. Buturla, who at one time served as a Chief Administrative Officer for the City of New Haven, Connecticut, is seen as having the management experience and knowledge necessary to lead the operations portfolio. Mayor Dwight C. Jones recently tapped Buturla as the lead coordinator for the execution of the City’s logistics responsibility in hosting the UCI Road World Championships (Worlds). The success of the Worlds was in part attributed to his leadership. “I am ...

Today, the City of Richmond presented the completed 2014 CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) to the Richmond City Council’s Organizational Development Committee. This completes the process for the outstanding 2014 report and allows the City to move forward with preparations for the 2015 CAFR. To read the 2014 CAFR, click here .

Mayor Dwight C. Jones thanked workers and the community following the conclusion of the 2015 UCI Road World Championships. The nine-day event is estimated to have exceeded anticipated attendance with approximately 645,000 onsite spectators over the entirety of the event, including the Opening Ceremony. “The Worlds in Richmond were a huge success thanks to the hard work of a great many people, including the city’s Department of Public Works, the Richmond Police Department and surrounding law enforcement and emergency management officials, fire crews, volunteers, the corporate community and the event management personnel,” said Mayor Jones. “My thanks and congratulations go out to everyone that helped Richmond show so well over the course of this event, and particularly to the people of the region whose excitement and enthusiasm has really shown off the best of Richmond.” “We’ve delivered a spectacular World Championships and I’m extremely proud of the way the region pulled together in ...

After two years of public engagement, planning and environmental permitting, the much loved Brown’s Island Dam Walk is on track to reopen to pedestrians. The new T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge will provide an access point to one of the most beautiful sections of the James River and the first bicycle and pedestrian-only crossing of the river. Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. will start construction this fall, and is expected to finish the bridge by August 2016. Once complete, the pedestrian walkway will infuse a new energy into the entire riverfront area. “The work to connect the north bank of the James River to the south has been a long-time coming,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “I’m so pleased to have been a part of the push for progress on the Richmond Riverfront Plan.” “This month’s groundbreaking will mark the culmination of nearly a decade of planning and visioning by the City of Richmond and Shockey is excited to get underway on the project,” says Jeff Boehm, Presiden...

The City of Richmond was presented with a 2015 Governor’s Technology Award during the annual Commonwealth of Virginia IT Symposium held in Richmond. The City's Open Data Portal won the award in the category of Innovative Use of Open Data. “This is truly an honor as we are continuing to strive for transparency in government operations,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “The portal signifies the City’s commitment to providing timely, consistent and relevant data for public consumption. By receiving this award, it helps reinforce that we are moving in the right direction in using technology and innovative strategies to increase efficiency.” The City’s Open Data Portal was launched on July 1 as an online publication of government datasets in a computer consumable format. Initial datasets include a Check Registry; GIS maps of fire districts, parks, trails, enterprise zones, public schools by elementary, middle and high schools, building parcels, and more; public safety Information; and ...

On September 9, Mayor Dwight Jones and Max Hepp-Buchanan, Director of Bike Walk RVA, joined in opening the new bike lanes on the Manchester Bridge. Here are some of the details about the Buffered Bike Lane Project as well as the Mayor's remarks from today. Manchester Bridge Buffered Bike Lane details Project Scope – 1.2 miles of buffered bike lanes extending from the bridge ramps at the south end of the bridge to E. Cary Street, with use of green pavement markings at conflict zones. Total cost including design and construction - $150,000  Lee Bridge Buffered Bike Lane details Project Scope – 1.8 miles of buffered and standard bike lanes extending from W. 20th Street and Riverside Drive to S. 2nd Street, connecting with the existing bike lanes.  Use of green pavement markings at conflict zones, including extending the lanes across the three bridge ramps. Construction of the city’s first contraflow bike lane along Oregon Hill Parkway and under the Lee Bridge, allo...

Motorists can expect smoother traffic flow next week in the area of the 5th Street and the 7th Street bridges over Leigh Street.  The rehabilitated 5th Street Bridge will open Monday morning. The 7th Street Bridge re-opened in June.  Both bridges were closed earlier this year when the $3.6 million dollar refurbishment began.  The Leigh Street corridor between 5th and 7th streets, which closed during construction, also re-opens on Monday. In Shockoe Bottom, the two-way traffic conversion of 17th Street between East Broad and Grace streets will open to traffic on Monday. The traffic pattern change is one of several improvements included in the $614,000 project funded by the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Improvement Program under the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act.  Other areas recently upgraded and now open to traffic include:  • 17th Street, two-way traffic from Broad Street to Franklin St...

~ Team to support UCI Road World Cycling Championships sustainability effort ~ The Southern Regional Office of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) selected the City of Richmond and HandsOn Greater Richmond, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Groundwork RVA, and Virginia Green Travel Alliance to receive an AmeriCorps NCCC Team this Fall. The Southern Regional Office received 50 applications and awarded only 20 teams. NCCC is a full-time, team-based residential national service program for young adults who want to give back to communities in need at different locations across the country. There are currently more than 50,000 members serving in AmeriCorps NCCC. “Being selected as a recipient of an AmeriCorps NCCC team recognizes the importance the City places on volunteerism as a way to engage young people in the work of City government and improving the community,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. The Richmond NCCC team will have five to nine members and work in Richmond from...

In a national survey of small businesses conducted by the website Thumbtack, the Richmond region ranked third in Business-friendly Cities. The survey included rankings in 11 different categories including; overall friendliness; ease of starting a business; ease of hiring; regulations; health and safety; employment, labor and hiring; tax code; licensing; environmental; zoning; and training and networking programs. The region received A+ ratings in nine of the 11 categories. “A business-friendly climate is at the heart of our region’s efforts to attract and retain companies, said Lee Downey, City’s Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Planning and Economic Development. “Surveys such as this, that ask companies their opinions directly, validate that our efforts are on-track.” Richmond has been included in the survey since 2013 and the category ratings have improved greatly over the past two years. The first and second ranked cities are Manchester, N.H. and Dallas, TX resp...

The City of Richmond and CultureWorks are pleased to announce a special cycle of the Arts and Cultural District Micro Grant Program . Arts and Cultural District Micro Grants provide funding assistance to district non-profits, small businesses and galleries located to reach visitors in the area during the 2015 UCI World Road Cycling Championships and major music and food festivals occurring between September 1 and November 1, 2015. Grants up to $1,000 are available to support arts related events, installations or programs in the Arts and Cultural District. Partnerships between entities located inside and outside the District are encouraged. Previous recipients of an Arts and Cultural District Micro Grant are eligible and encouraged to apply for this special cycle. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.  Awards will be based upon creativity in design and approach, coinciding with major events occurring in/near to the District during the grant period, and need...

Mayor Jones, along with Delegate Delores McQuinn, Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille, Virginia Union University President Claude Perkins, Joy Bailey of LORD Cultural Resourcs, and Matt Laird of the James River Institute for Archaeology spoke on Thursday, August 13, 2015 about the importance of the Slave Trail improvements and the plans for Lumpkin's Jail moving forward. The following are Mayor Jones prepared remarks. Good afternoon. I am so pleased to be here today to talk about the progress that has been made by the Slave Trail Commission.  I especially want to thank Delegate Dolores McQuinn for her introduction. Her passion and labor for this commission’s work is why we are as far along as we are today. I also want to thank Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille and Dr. Claude Perkins from Virginia Union University for being here. Additionally, I want to welcome Joy Bailey Bryant from LORD Cultural Resources and Matt Laird from the James River Institute for Archaeology. Thank you for j...

Mayor Dwight C. Jones provided a progress report of the Richmond Riverfront Plan implementation. Citing several Phase 1 projects nearing completion, Jones spoke about the Richmond resurgence detailing progress made along the riverfront. 
The Riverfront Plan was adopted in 2012 and the Jones Administration provided initial funding in the Fiscal Year 2013 Capital Improvements budget. Highlighted projects discussed during today’s press conference included the Lehigh Silos demolition, the Virginia Capital Trail, the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge, the Low-Line, and Terminal Dock improvements. 
“Demolition of the Lehigh Cement property is an important milestone in the implementation of the Richmond Riverfront Plan,” said Mayor Jones. “Removal of these silos represents the beginning of the transformation of the downriver portion of the Riverfront.” 
Jones noted significant progress, calling it an exciting time for the city. Along with removal of the silos, plans have been annou...

~ Sheds to be re-purposed for other uses ~ Demolition crews will begin removal today of the sheds at the 17th St. Market (Farmers’ Market) in the first phase of planned improvements to open up the space into an expanded public market. The work is part of the Shockoe Bottom Revitalization Strategy – a process which included public engagement and recommended removal of the existing sheds to position the space as an open urban square conducive to flexible programming. The City’s Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) has engaged Pryor Hauling, Inc., for the removal of the sheds. While fencing will be placed around the project site, no streets are scheduled for closure during the shed removals. Existing produce vendors at the 17th Street Market will be moved to the Main Street side of the market where they can continue to set up stands. Plans include salvaging and re-purposing the sheds, which will be coordinated by Enrichmond . The Shockoe Bottom Revitalization St...

Demolition crews will begin removing the pedestrian bridge connecting Kanawha Plaza to Dominion Plaza starting at 6 p.m. tonight. That’s when Canal Street will be closed between 7th and 8th Streets, and removal of the bridge will begin between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Drivers on 8th Street will still be able to turn left onto the Manchester Bridge. Removal is expected to be completed by late Sunday. Prior to removing the bridge, preparatory work will include installing protective measures to prevent pedestrian access during demolition. Once the road is closed, crews will mobilize equipment, install shoring to support the bridge, and place protection on the road and sidewalks beneath it. The first step is for a crane to break the north end of the bridge free, where the bridge ties into Dominion Plaza. Then the rest of the bridge will be removed using a CAT excavator. All debris will be hauled away and disposed of at the Cox Recycling Center. After the bridge is down, all materials will be re...

Richmond 2015, in conjunction with officials from the City of Richmond and Henrico and Hanover counties met Wednesday, August 5, 2015 to brief the media on the comprehensive Transportation Plan and interactive navigation website for the 2015 UCI Road World Championships. They discussed race schedules, traffic management strategies, navigating around town during the event, parking, shuttles, and emergency information. Visit  http://navigate.richmond2015.com/ for more information on these topics for the 2015 UCI Road World Championships that will take place September 19 - 27, 2015.

The City’s Department of Public Works has completed work on a new roundabout at the intersection of 25th Street, Nine Mile Road and Fairmont in Churchill.  Plans for the roundabout were part of the corridor improvements presented in the East End Transformation Plan. Mayor Dwight C. Jones and Richmond City Councilwoman Cynthia Newbille, East End 7th Voter District, will announce the opening of the roundabout at National Night Out festivities in Churchill tonight. 
 “I’m so pleased that we are seeing many of the things the community talked about during the Church Hill visioning process come into being,” said Mayor Jones. “Step by step, we are bringing about changes in housing, infrastructure, health and education and this roundabout project beautifies this anchor corridor providing a welcomed makeover that will improve traffic flow and safety.” 
 “The 25th Street and Nine Mile Road corridor is an important commercial gateway for the East End/7th District,” commented Councilwoma...

Mayor Dwight Jones, Debra Gardner, DCAO for Human Services, Barry Russell, Deputy Director for Parks and Recreation, John Snyder, Enrichmond Foundation, and Dwight Snead of Dwight Snead Construction Company joined in announcing the renovation of Kanawha Plaza on Friday, July 31, 2015. The following are Mayor Jones prepared remarks. Good afternoon and welcome. We appreciate all of you joining us for our Kanawha Plaza Renovations Kick-off today, as this is an important project for our downtown and an important project for our city. Kanawha Plaza was conceived of over 40 years ago – back in 1972. This park was designed to reconnect our central business district and the James River. It was meant to also beautify our downtown, sitting astride the Downtown Expressway which was built after land was cleared for urban renewal. Parks can be complex elements of a city, but in Richmond, we pride ourselves on our park amenities. With over 100 parks in our city, ran...