Nathan Burrell succeeds Ralph White as manager of James River Park

A VCU graduate will succeed local legend Ralph White as manager of the City’s James River Park.

April 30, 2013; 7:08 AM • by Nathan Cushing

Nathan Burrell has been named the new manager of Richmond’s James River Park. Burrell succeeds Ralph White, who for over 30 years worked in the Department of Parks & Rec before retiring this year.

“I am confident in Mr. Burrell’s ability to manage and maintain the James River Park, which is one of the city’s greatest assets and widely appreciated by so many Richmond-area residents as well as outdoor enthusiast from across the country,” said Dr. Norman Merrifield, director of the City’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities.

Burrell has worked within the Parks Department since 2003. He’s an instructor in training for the League of American Bicyclists, as well as a member of the Mayor’s Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Trails Planning Commission and the James River Branch Rail-Trail Advisory Committee. He graduated from VCU with a major in parks and recreation management and a minor in environmental studies.

“I’m excited about this opportunity to help in making Richmond one of the most livable cities in the US with my focus on the management and development of one of our greatest resources, the James River Park,” Burrell said. “In addition, I am especially committed to maintaining a balanced approach between adventure recreation and environmental stewardship, which is critical to the future of the park.”

photo by Morgan Riley