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Department issues new rules for river access
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If you are interested in providing commercial rafting concession services on the James River in Richmond you can call the department at 804-646-0037 or send a letter to 900 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219 and we will provide you with additional information.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Christy Everson
804-646-5944
A new process for using river launch sites within the James River Park System has been adopted by Richmond's Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.
Effective immediately, all commercial rafting companies must obtain a permit to make a reservation to use James River Park System's launch sites by calling the department's permits and scheduling office at 646-0761 or 646-0036 at least 24 hours in advance. Large groups of 12 or more persons planning a rafting trip should call in advance for a reservation, as the size of the launch sites limits the number of vehicles and amount of equipment that can be accommodated.
The launch sites requiring permits and reservations include: Huguenot Flatwater (just west of the Huguenot Bridge on Riverside Drive); Pony Pasture Rapids (two miles east of the Huguenot Bridge on Riverside Drive); The Wetlands (Landria Drive); Ancarrow's Landing (Maury Street); and the 14th Street Takeout (northeast of 14th Street at the Mayo Bridge).
The fee for a rafting reservation is $15 per hour for a put-in and $15 per hour for take-out. An additional 10 percent is charged to non-residents of the City of Richmond.
"The new permit and scheduling rules allow the department to schedule large groups using the river and to make sure that they are properly equipped, insured and following safe procedures," said J.R. Pope, director of the department. "The fees are nominal and merely help us cover our costs," he said.
"As we make improvements to the James River Park System, we expect that more people will be using the park. This new process will help us to ensure that the park will not be over utilized at any one time so that it will remain as beautiful and pristine as it is today," Pope said.
Rules:
1. Park User shall not (i) use the approved operating sites or permit the use of an approved operating site for any purposes other than those outlined herein, without prior approval of the City of Richmond; or (ii) violate any legal requirement applicable to the approved operating sites or their use in connection with a rafting event.
2. Approved Operating sites are the launching and landing sites described below:
A. Huguenot Flatwater (just west of the Huguenot Bridge on Riverside Drive;
B. Pony Pasture Rapids (two miles east of the Huguenot Bridge on Riverside Drive);
C. The Wetlands (off Landria Drive);
D. The Reedy Creek Visitor’s Center (Riverside Drive at Hillcrest Road);
E. The Reedy Creek Boulevard Picnic Shelter (accessed from Riverside Drive at Hillcrest Road);
F. Ancarrow’s Landing (off of Maury Street) - take out only;
G. 14th Street (northeast of 14th Street and the Mayo Bridge) - take out area only
3. No more than four (4) tours or trips per day may be requested without the prior approval of the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities or his/her designee. There will be a spacing of two (2) hours between tours or trips booked per location.
Rules and Regulation for Approved Operating Site Locations
Regardless of River Levels - Everyone on the river raft trip or tour must wear a USCG approved life jacket.
When the water is 9 feet or above, according to the Westham Gauge - The river is closed for all recreational uses except for individuals issued high water permits through the Richmond Fire Department.
Signs are placed at all river access points to inform you of these conditions, or you can call Richmond's weather and river level hotline at 646-8228 to check on water levels.
Children age 12 or younger are prohibited from raft tours or trips without being accompanied by either a parent or guardian (must be over 18 years of age).
An approved first-aid kit for each group of commercial or private inflatable craft(s) must be carried on each trip.
Liability Insurance. A commercial trip or tour guide company shall insure its liability under Article VI of this agreement and its liability for injury or death or damage to or loss of property in connection with the operation of the concession for commercial inflatable craft tours and the use of city property for such purposes by an insurance contract issued by an insurance company which has agreed to subject itself to the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court of the city, covering bodily injury and property damage combined in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 for each occurrence with an aggregate of $1,000,000 and a maximum deductible of $500.
To make reservations or for more details:
Park Permits and Scheduling Office
808 West Main Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Call 804-646-0037, 646-0036 or 646-0761.
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