Community
Residents turned out across Richmond on Saturday for two community events: the 39th annual Harmony Walk in the Park hosted by the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program and an Arbor Day tree planting celebration on the Richmond Greenway organized by Groundwork Richmond and city partners.
The Harmony Walk in the Park took place at Nicholl Park, offering a free day of walking, music, food, games, and information booths. The event raises awareness and support for GRIP’s work, helping local residents with food and shelter needs.
GRIP executive Ralph Payton said this year’s Harmony Walk was centered on removing barriers to make sure everyone can be part of the celebration.
“By making the event free, we’re opening the doors even wider for our neighbors to come together, enjoy a day in the park, and stand united in the fight against hunger and homelessness," Payton said. "Harmony Walk has always been about community—and 2025 will be our most inclusive year yet.”
The celebration featured live jazz-funk music from Suuittcaze, food trucks from Curbside Kitchen, El Sol, and Mi Casa Grill, and activities for children, including a bounce house, face painting, a pumpkin patch, and lawn games.
ABC7 reporter Dan Noyes served as master of ceremonies and addressed the crowd, reflecting on his long connection to Richmond both personally and through his investigative reporting.
“This is really important to my family for a lot of different reasons,” Noyes said. “On the professional level, I’ve been in Richmond many times over the years to try to expose important issues and bring about positive change. On the personal level, I helped coach a basketball team with five young men from Richmond, including my son, and it was one of the best experiences of his life.”
Noyes encouraged participants to take part in the walk and enjoy the food, games, raffles, and live entertainment. He also highlighted GRIP’s work serving more than 15,000 people with meals and shelter services.
Arbor Day brings neighbors together on Richmond’s Greenway
At the same time, across town on the Richmond Greenway, volunteers gathered for Arbor Day with Groundwork Richmond, a community event focused on greening the city and promoting environmental stewardship. The event between South Second and Fourth streets included tree planting, free food, refreshments, and activities for all ages.
Volunteers plant trees along the Richmond Greenway during Saturday’s Arbor Day celebration.
Volunteers planted Richmond’s official tree, Quercus agrifolia, or coast live oak. Groundwork Richmond hosted the event in partnership with the City of Richmond and the Urban Forestry Committee.
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