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.
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
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Nathan Cushing
Nathan Cushing is a writer, journalist, and RVANews Editor.
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
Good Job Nate! Big shoes to fill but I am glad the city has filled the position with someone already so close to the parks and the RVA community. Best of Luck!
Congratulations to Nathan!
Undoubtably the best possible choice imo, and the nationwide search and comments from those conducting the search support that opinion. This is a good day for the City. Congrats to Nate!
Good to see the mayor is promoting from within in the parks department- seems like taking over the parks system isn’t part of his larger Richmond domination scheme.
So glad Nathan is the successor. I know he loves the park system and will do what is best for the James. Good luck man. Thanks for protecting the mighty James.