In 2011, the Friends of the James River Park launched the River Heroes Award to acknowledge and honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the James River Park. The name was changed in 2015 to the Ralph White River Hero Award to honor former Park Manager Ralph White, a 2014 River Hero Award recipient.

Past recipient’s wide-ranging efforts included volunteer work, educational efforts, preservation, and promotional activities that encourage responsible use of the Park. Their contributions have been showcased at the Friends of James River Park annual picnic at the historic Pump House. This year’s honorees will be celebrated at an awards presentation at the Troutman Sanders Board Room, 100 Haxall Point on October 5.

Nominations will be accepted until September 15, 2017. Individuals, companies, or organizations may be nominated. To qualify, projects must be coordinated with park staff and contribute to one or more of the following areas:

• Preservation: Enhance, protect and/or preserve James River Park for future generations through leadership, hands-on volunteer work or changes to public policy.

• Education: Create educational opportunities by leading educational or recreational groups through the Park and encouraging responsible Park stewardship

• Promotion: Promote the park to the public and/or Park visitors through art/ film/ photography, projects, lectures, and other activities.

Please submit application and recommendation letter to friends@jamesriverpark.org with River Heroes in the subject line. And for more information, click here.