Active Park Projects

Explore our ongoing projects and see how you can make a difference.

Playground

A Playground for All

The Park's iconic pirate ship and castle climbing structure was built in 1991 with materials now known to leach heavy metals into the surrounding soil. Though beloved by the community, the structure is aged, and neither the play structures nor the playground surface are accessible to many of our children. We have ambitious plans to create a modern play space with a full range of outdoor activities that is inclusive and focuses on fitness, movement, and social interaction. Get involved by becoming a member of RCRFA's Playground Committee.

Importance
Happy, healthy, active kids!
Goal
A safe, engaging playground accessible to all
Volunteers
RCRFA and Members of the RCRFA Playground Committee
Ecosystem
Healthy Rappahannock
Bluebird Trail

Bluebirds!

The Bluebird Trail initiative aims to create a safe and welcoming habitat for bluebirds within the park. By installing nesting boxes along the perimeter of the Park's open spaces, we have attracted bluebirds and provided suitable nesting sites. Every year we welcome new hatchlings to the Park. Visitors can actively participate by monitoring the nesting boxes and reporting any observations. This interactive experience allows visitors to learn more about bluebirds and contribute to their conservation efforts. You can learn more about Eastern Bluebirds here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Bluebird/lifehistory, Join us in preserving the beauty of these magnificent birds!

Importance
Biodiversity Conservation
Goal
Support a Healthy Bluebird Population
Volunteers
The Natural Areas Management Committee and Dedicated Volunteers
Ecosystem
Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration
Learn more
Restoring our Natural Areas

5 Year Invasive Species Management Project

We are well into the second year of a five year plan to remove invasive plants - Burning Bush, Stilt Grass, Autumn Olives, and so much more - from our Park. The goal is to remove and replace invasive plant species with native plants. This effort is made possible by funding from a variety of foundations and by the many hours of volunteer assistance we receive from Friends of the Rappahannock, Old Rag Master Naturalists, the Garden Club, Audubon at Home, and so many more.

Importance
Biodiversity Conservation
Goal
Invasive Plant Removal
Volunteers
The Natural Areas Management Committee and a Dedicated Team of Volunteers
Ecosystem
Environmental Restoration
Native Plants

Native Plants Support Vital Pollinators

The Native Plant Garden and the Meadow projects plays a vital role in the local ecology and education. It aims to promote the growth and preservation of native plants, and to educate the community about the importance of pollinators

Importance
Biodiversity Conservation
Goal
Native Plantings
Volunteers
Foundation Grants and Local Volunteers
Ecosystem
Environmental Restoration and Biodiversity Education
Learn more
Completed

Our Past Projects Archive

Explore our completed projects below.

Forest Inventory Project

Conducted a comprehensive inventory of the forest ecosystem.

Native Meadow

Dedicated volunteers are building a meadow, year by year, at the top of the Rush River Trails.
Rappahannock County Park Foundation

Supporting the Community  

The Rappahannock County Park Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2019 to support the work of the Rappahannock County Recreational Facilities Authority (RCRFA).  The Park Foundation supports RCRFA's mission by securing vital funding for Park projects. Join us in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.