RICHMOND, Va - Dozens of city organizations, businesses and schools are taking part in the first ever Play Day RVA Thursday.
The goal is to get kids, families and communities active, playing and healthy.
The initiative came about after the national nonprofit KaBOOM! designated all nine Richmond regions as a "2017 Playful City," making our area the nation's first "Playful Region." The Playful City USA program honors cities and towns across the country for putting the needs of families first so kids can learn, grow and develop important life skills.
To celebrate, the Capital Region Collaborative decided to get everyone involved for Play Day RVA .
Dozens of groups and organizations will host events that will integrate play into daily life.
Employees from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and Carmax are volunteering as recess coaches at Bellevue Elementary School in Church Hill.
"It's important that kids have access to play, particularly kids from low income neighborhoods who don't have access to safe parks and playgrounds. We know the time for recess is diminishing in schools, and this is a way to lead them in some traditional recess games," said Kelley McCall with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.
Organizers of Play Day RVA cite research that shows daily activity benefits children not only in the classroom, but outside as well. Physical activity reduces risk of depression, obesity and stress.
Here is a list of events open to the public Thursday:
Children’s Museum of Richmond
The Children’s Museum of Richmond will offer half-price admission for adults at the Central location on Broad Street on September 21, where they will provide special programming on the floor that integrates the National Institute of Play’s Seven Types of Play.
Maymont
Maymont is always a playful place for RVA, and on September 21, guests of all ages are invited to participate in some mid-day play (and competition!) with Maymont staff on the Carriage House Lawn from 11am to 2pm. Lawn games will include corn hole, kick ball and badminton, plus Victorian-era activities like croquet and hoops. Visitors also will be encouraged to enjoy nature play throughout the 100 acres – hopping across the stepping stones, dipping toes in the creek and rolling down hills. And they can watch the farm animals have fun with special enrichment treats. Admission to the Nature Center at Maymont will be “buy one, get one free” for the day so that everyone can watch their favorite aquatic acrobats, Louis and Ella the river otters, at play.
James River Association
Play Day RVA is Thursday, September 21st! Come play on the James River with the James River Association at Richmond’s Great Shiplock Park! Participants will explore Richmond’s riverfront by canoe with James River Association staff members. This FREE interpretive paddle program begins at 5:30 pm and pre-registration is required. Click here to register today!
Project Yoga Richmond
Project Yoga Richmond offers pay-what-you-can classes that support yoga and mindfulness outreach programs across the Greater Richmond Region. Join us on September 21 for two Play Day RVA classes: 5:30-6:45pm True North with Sara Lovelace and 7-8:15pm Yoga for the People with Jonathan Miles.
Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association
The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association is hosting the 2nd Annual Richmond Cornhole for College Tournament at the Capital Ale House in Innsbrook. The event is open to the public, benefits the VRLTA Education Foundation Scholarship Fund, and includes Virginia craft beer and great food. Additional information and signups can be found online at www.vrlta.org.
Agecroft Hall
Come and be a part of Play Day RVA! Play a game of lawn bowling, walk through our turf maze, learn a 17th century card game, and participate in a variety of fun activities throughout the day. Or, join us after work for extended hours through 7:30. Guided tours will be offered on the hour. Picnics on the lawn are welcome during this special event and all activities are included with regular admission.
Learn more here!