RICHMOND, Va. – Some non-violent inmates at Richmond City Justice Center (RCJC) will help the City of Richmond maintain public owned City parks this summer.
The non-violent offenders will be a part of the Work Force Detail Team and will focus on the beautification of parks including, Bryan Park, Byrd Park, Chimborazo Park, and Forest Hill Park.
“This is a priority partnership for the Sheriff’s Office and the RCJC,” said Sheriff C.T. Woody. “As an extension of programs and preparation for a successful re-entry back into our community, the residents who will participate in the Work Force Detail Team will learn responsibility, work ethic, attention to detail, and appreciation for the environment around them.
Sheriff Woody said the program would benefit everyone as it will save Richmond money.
Earlier this month, Richmond leaders explained high grass along medians and City Parks was a result of budget cuts now in effect.
City leaders previously said parks and medians would only be cut once this summer due to the lack of funding.
The city’s Department of Public Works will be funded an additional $300,000 dollars in July, to hire part-time and temporary workers to cut the grass. There were 91 vacancies as of May 12.
The Work Force Detail Team will begin by the end of May and will work Monday through Friday. Inmates selected for the program will be compensated, but it was not specified how much.
The Richmond Sheriff’s Office says the City of Richmond will provide all equipment used to maintain the parks.
