Virginia Capital Trail announces new $20,000 fund to increase access to outdoor recreation, Capital Trail
The Capital Trail Outdoor Equity Fund will include the availability of $20,000 for programs that increase equitable access to outdoor recreation and utilize the Virginia Capital Trail.
The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation (VCTF) released its Capital Trail Outdoor Equity Fund with the availability of $20,000 for programs that increase access to outdoor recreation and the Virginia Capital Trail.
The Capital Trail Outdoor Equity Fund was established in 2021 to expand Trail usage through outdoor programming that provides easy access to the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52-mile paved recreational trail that stretches from Richmond to Williamsburg. Grant funding will help non-profit organizations build and implement programs that work toward increasing equity and access in outdoor recreation. The focus will be on programs or projects that serve the BIPOC, tribes, low-income neighborhoods, and people with physical or intellectual disabilities.
“The Virginia Capital Trail is a community asset that offers protected bike-and-pedestrian infrastructure and free outdoor recreation. We believe it should be easily accessible to everyone in the community,” shares Cat Anthony, executive director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. “We are honored to work alongside community partners to provide greater equitable access to recreational programming, outdoor experiences, and active living. I am extremely grateful to Dominion Energy and our Trail supporters for funding this opportunity.”
Last year, seven nonprofit organizations received funding totaling over $23,000 for outdoor programs that included cycling, fishing, hiking, and running. Online grant applications must be submitted by August 12, 2022. Any certified nonprofit organization or state, local, regional, tribal, educational or government entity can apply. The approved funding will range between $1,000 to $5,000 for program and operating expenditures.
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Sea Suite Cruises RVA is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest cruise experience, Tiki Club RVA (seasuitecruises.com/tiki-club/richmond-va), officially debuting on the James River at Rocketts Landing for the summer and fall season on Saturday, June 3, 2023 — which also happens to be the start of National Fishing and Boating Week across the country. Following the success of the first season of Paddle Club RVA (seasuitecruises.com/paddle-club/richmond-va) in 2022, the team behind Sea Suite Cruises RVA is excited to bring this fun and unique recreational boating experience to residents and visitors of Richmond.
Tiki Club RVA offers a one-of-a-kind “tropical vibes” excursion on the scenic and historic James River. Step aboard the custom-built, 40-foot tiki boat, complete with bamboo trimmings, a thatched roof, and a tiki bar that you can stock with your favorite BYOB drinks and snacks. Available for private charters and public tours, Tiki Club RVA is built for 30 passengers, and accommodates both single-passenger or small group tickets as well as private parties. Similar to Paddle Club RVA, Tiki Club RVA cruises are an hour and 45 minutes in duration.
With music, drinks, and water views of nature and the city skyline, Tiki Club RVA is a memorable way to sight-see along one of Richmond’s biggest attractions – the James River – with friends or family. “With the addition of Tiki Club RVA, along with Paddle Club RVA, we can’t wait to give Richmonders even more fun and relaxing ways to soak up the sun and experience the water,” said Mike Scearce, General Manager of Sea Suite Cruises RVA.
Whether you’re looking for a day out with friends, a unique date idea, a festive way to celebrate a birthday party, an outing idea for a bachelor or bachelorette party or corporate gathering, or just want to get out on the James River, Tiki Club RVA and Paddle Club RVA are where it’s going to be in 2023.
ABOUT SEA SUITE CRUISES: Sea Suite Cruises co-founders Jack Maher and Jack Walten (“The Jacks,” as they are known) were born and raised in Arlington, Va. and have been best friends since they were two years old. The business-side of their journey began in 2018 when the then 24-year-old Jack and Jack launched Potomac Paddle Club, the first pontoon “cycleboat” in Washington, D.C. After adding more boats in Washington, D.C., they built on their success further in 2022 by partnering with local Richmond-based investors to launch Paddle Club RVA and form the parent company, Sea Suite Cruises. Sea Suite Cruises’ mission is to connect exciting people in exciting places around a suite of water-based offerings. After a successful first year in Richmond, the company has now expanded to further locations in the Mid-Atlantic such as The Wharf, Navy Yard, and Alexandria, Va. in the D.C. area, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and Annapolis.
CRUISE DETAILS: Group Size: Up to 30 people (available for both single ticket purchases or to rent the entire boat for a private party) Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
PRICING*: Monday-Wednesday: $40/Person Thursday: $45/Person Friday-Saturday: $55/Person Sunday: $50/person *Pricing may change for holiday weekends and special events
PICKUP + DROPOFF LOCATION: 4708 Old Main St, Richmond, VA. 23231 | On the dock at Rocketts Landing beneath The Boathouse restaurant and Island Shrimp Co.
MISC: — Bathroom: The vessel comes equipped with a private bathroom on board — Boat is equipped with Bluetooth-speakers, party lighting for night cruises, and built-in coolers + ice — Tiki Boat RVA tours are BYOB (hard liquor not allowed, only beer, wine, seltzer, or canned cocktails) — All cruises are staffed by a licensed master captain and deckhand
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Owens & Minor has committed fifty thousand dollars to provide ongoing access to the educational and environmental benefits of the James River through programs provided by the James River Association (JRA). Twenty-five thousand dollars of their gift will go toward JRA’s new, state-of-the-art James A. Buzzard River Education Center, currently under construction in downtown Richmond. The additional twenty-five thousand dollars will go toward helping JRA with their educational programming.
“We are extremely grateful for the very generous support of The Owens & Minor Foundation and their employees,” said Bill Street, President and CEO for the James River Association. “Their partnership with JRA supports the construction of the future James A. Buzzard River Education Center and provides support for our current educational programming.”
In addition to their generous donation, volunteers from Owens & Minor planted trees in partnership with JRA, Richmond Public Library, and Richmond Department of Public Utilities/RVAH2O this past Earth Day on April 22, 2023. These planting efforts supported the Greening Richmond Public Libraries project at the East End Public Library.
“JRA and our partners were fortunate to work alongside conservation-minded volunteers from Owens & Minor to plant trees on Earth Day,” said Justin Doyle, Director of Community Conservation for the James River Association. “As the trees we planted grow, they will intercept rainwater, reduce stormwater runoff, and help cool one of the hottest areas of Richmond’s East End.”
Community tree planting events associated with the Greening Richmond Public Libraries initiative rely on volunteer assistance. This project will benefit the library and surrounding community in regard to stormwater runoff, which is a growing source of pollution in the James River watershed.
“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the James River Association to promote conservation and responsible stewardship of our nation’s waterways,” said Faith Cristol, President of The Owens & Minor Foundation. “We truly value our partnership with JRA and the opportunity to contribute to the goal of creating a healthier environment and serving our community.”
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The James River Association (JRA) will launch its seasonal boat and paddle programs starting in May 2023. These guided river trips are open to the public and offer unique experiences for participants to engage with the river through birdwatching tours, photography excursions, historical batteau rides, and sturgeon-watching trips—all while learning about the wildlife, history, and natural resources of the river and its tributaries.
It’s a chance for local recreationists, as well as regional travelers, to take a break on the James and enjoy the natural beauty and solace it provides. Trips will take place in each of JRA’s three regions which include Richmond, Williamsburg, and Lynchburg.
In the Williamsburg region, JRA’s Connect with the James program will offer kayaking tours of Powhatan Creek in partnership with James City County, highlighting river birds and other local flora and fauna. In the Richmond region, JRA’s Connect with the James program will offer pontoon boat sunset cruises, wildlife outings highlighting the ever-popular Atlantic sturgeon, and art-themed adventures in partnership with Artspace in which participants can either sketch or photograph the river with the guidance of a seasoned teacher.
“Every year, more than 2.7 million Virginians rely on the James River for drinking water, but only a small handful of them have regular access to the river. Our goal with the Connect with James program is to change that!” said Mike Lyden, JRA’s Senior Operations Manager. “Whether taking a guided trip focused on history and wildlife or participating in a trash cleanup along the river’s banks, the James has a way to engage everyone. Join us for a Connect with the James trip and experience how the river not only provides water for drinking but water for pure enjoyment.”
In the Lynchburg region, JRA’s James River Adventures, located at Riveredge Park across the river from downtown Lynchburg, will provide guided river paddles in addition to offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity to ride back in time on a historic batteau boat along one of the James’ most beautiful and fascinating stretches of water.
“We can’t wait to get people back on the James for river season,” said Rob Campbell, JRA’s Upper James Senior Regional Manager. “I’m especially excited to provide river lovers with the opportunity to take a trip on our historic batteau and give them a chance to enjoy the river in a whole new way.”Pre-registration is required for all programs. JRA provides canoes, kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices to participants. All fees associated with Connect with the James and James River Adventures are donations to JRA to help protect and connect people with the James, and to create a healthy river for thriving communities.
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