REIMAGINING URBAN GREEN SPACE: HELLMAN FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES MAJOR INVESTMENT IN RICHMOND PARK EQUITY PROJECT
The $12.5 million initiative aims to build a Black, Brown, and AAPI resident-led movement for park equity.
[RICHMOND, CA — FEBRUARY 24, 2026] The Hellman Foundation has announced its latest strategic investment as it accelerates its funding and prepares to close its doors by 2034. The multi-year investment, which has provided $12.5 million in grants to date, aims to support the transformation of parks and green spaces in Richmond, California.
The public-private partnership is funded by the Hellman Foundation and led by the Richmond Park Equity Project (RichPEP) — a collaborative of community organizations, parks and open space advocates, private philanthropy, the City of Richmond, and technical experts. RichPEP brings together residents and city staff working together in new ways to address gaps in park services and to ensure that Richmond’s parks are high-quality, well-maintained, and well-used.
“Parks are for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. They are one of the few public spaces people gather for celebrations, exercise, or rest,” said Frances Hellman, Board Chair of the Hellman Foundation. “A healthy park system is a sign of a healthy community, and RichPEP is an inspiring example of neighbors working with the city to bring connection, joy, and play into their parks.”
Launched in 2023, RichPEP completed its first phase of work in 2025 and is now entering Phase Two of its multi-year plan. In this phase, collaborative members will:
RichPEP Collaborative Partners
The following partners are working together to advance park equity in Richmond:
“This urban green space initiative has given community groups in Richmond confidence that we have more than a voice — we have power and partnership with the city to create a future we are proud of,” said Robin “Shots” Lopez, Park Equity Project Manager at Rich City Rides. “Active public parks are central to the health and vibrancy of our communities.”
For more information about the Richmond Park Equity Project, visit richpep.org.
Richmond Park Equity Project (RichPEP) is building a Black, Brown, and AAPI resident-led movement for park equity as a collaborative effort of community organizations, residents, parks and open space advocates, private philanthropy, the City of Richmond, and technical experts to ensure that parks in Richmond, CA are vibrant, diverse, safe, equitable, and well-maintained. Parks should be accessible for everyone within a short distance of where they live. Learn more at richpep.org.
Hellman Foundation was established in 2011 and is rooted in the legacy of Warren and Chris Hellman, who modeled an approach to philanthropy based on curiosity, respect, and partnership with local communities. The foundation is committed to building equity and opportunity in the San Francisco Bay Area by investing in community-led initiatives through cross-sector collaboration. In 2023, the Hellman Foundation announced its decision to address pressing community needs by accelerating its giving in the near term, spending all funding, and closing its door by the end of 2034.
The public-private partnership is funded by the Hellman Foundation and led by the Richmond Park Equity Project (RichPEP) — a collaborative of community organizations, parks and open space advocates, private philanthropy, the City of Richmond, and technical experts. RichPEP brings together residents and city staff working together in new ways to address gaps in park services and to ensure that Richmond’s parks are high-quality, well-maintained, and well-used.
“Parks are for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. They are one of the few public spaces people gather for celebrations, exercise, or rest,” said Frances Hellman, Board Chair of the Hellman Foundation. “A healthy park system is a sign of a healthy community, and RichPEP is an inspiring example of neighbors working with the city to bring connection, joy, and play into their parks.”
Launched in 2023, RichPEP completed its first phase of work in 2025 and is now entering Phase Two of its multi-year plan. In this phase, collaborative members will:
- Launch vibrant programs at key park locations across Richmond that engage the community and build support of local parks.
- Advance community-led park design processes and construction plans at Lucas Park, MLK Park and Community Center, the Richmond Greenway, and Nicholl Park to inform future park improvements.
- Develop and advance recommendations for new policies and procedures to support long-term park maintenance and capital improvements.
RichPEP Collaborative Partners
The following partners are working together to advance park equity in Richmond:
- Asian Pacific Environmental Network (APEN)
- City of Richmond
- Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia’s Office
- East Bay Pickleball Association
- East Bay Regional Park District
- FIERCE Advocates
- Healthy & Active Before 5 (HAB45)
- Hellman Foundation
- PlaceWorks
- Pogo Park
- Rich City Rides
- Rising Juntos
- Trust for Public Land
- Urban Tilth
- YES Nature to Neighborhoods
“This urban green space initiative has given community groups in Richmond confidence that we have more than a voice — we have power and partnership with the city to create a future we are proud of,” said Robin “Shots” Lopez, Park Equity Project Manager at Rich City Rides. “Active public parks are central to the health and vibrancy of our communities.”
For more information about the Richmond Park Equity Project, visit richpep.org.
Richmond Park Equity Project (RichPEP) is building a Black, Brown, and AAPI resident-led movement for park equity as a collaborative effort of community organizations, residents, parks and open space advocates, private philanthropy, the City of Richmond, and technical experts to ensure that parks in Richmond, CA are vibrant, diverse, safe, equitable, and well-maintained. Parks should be accessible for everyone within a short distance of where they live. Learn more at richpep.org.
Hellman Foundation was established in 2011 and is rooted in the legacy of Warren and Chris Hellman, who modeled an approach to philanthropy based on curiosity, respect, and partnership with local communities. The foundation is committed to building equity and opportunity in the San Francisco Bay Area by investing in community-led initiatives through cross-sector collaboration. In 2023, the Hellman Foundation announced its decision to address pressing community needs by accelerating its giving in the near term, spending all funding, and closing its door by the end of 2034.