At PARK365, something magical happens when community partners come together: joy spreads, friendships form, and Richmond becomes a little more inclusive for everyone.
That spirit was on full display this summer during SOAR365’s 2025 Summer Series at PARK365. Held on the evenings of June 11 and July 16, the free events showcased what’s possible when local organizations, sponsors, and families work hand in hand. From the very first evening, when children and adults alike delighted in a petting zoo full of furry friends, it was clear that the Summer Series was about more than just food trucks, live music, and games.
These events wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of CoStar Group, the presenting sponsor, and the support of community partners including Synergy Technical, Richmond Family Magazine, Anthem HealthKeepers, and The LEGO Group. Together, they helped remove barriers to play and ensure that everyone felt welcome.
Local nonprofits also played a vital role. Jacob’s Chance, which empowers young people with disabilities through inclusive programs, brought joy and belonging to the first night of Summer Series.
“Partnering with SOAR365 on the Summer Series was one of the true highlights of our summer!” shared Brooke Hsieh of Jacob’s Chance. “The event embodied collaboration, inclusion, and joy, and hosting it on World Play Day reinforced our belief that everyone deserves the chance to play—and to be themselves. With so few events in our community that are truly accessible to all, it was refreshing to help create a barrier-free experience. Collaborations like this move Richmond toward becoming a more inclusive community, one event at a time.”
Sportable, Richmond’s adaptive sports club, also joined in on the second night, introducing families to the excitement of adaptive recreation.
“Partnering with SOAR365 on the Summer Series has been an incredible opportunity for Sportable to expand access to adaptive sports and recreation in a truly welcoming environment,” said David Robbins of Sportable. “Together, we’ve been able to bring people of all abilities and backgrounds together, creating spaces where families connect, friendships form, and individuals discover new possibilities.”
These partnerships highlight something important: when organizations across Richmond come together, the impact goes far beyond a single event. Children discover new passions, families connect with one another, and the community grows stronger, one shared experience at a time.
Summer Series is just one example of how SOAR365 and PARK365 help nurture those connections year-round. From inclusive play opportunities to barrier-free events, every effort is strengthened by the power of partnership.
SOAR365 extends heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, nonprofits, volunteers, and families who made the Summer Series shine. Together, they’ve shown that Richmond is at its best when everyone is included, and when we work together to make joy accessible to all.
Share Your Story from PARK365
Do you have a favorite PARK365 memory or a story you’d love to share? We’d love to hear it! Submit your story at bit.ly/StoriesFromPARK365 or email us at soarcomms@soar365.org. To learn more about PARK365 and how SOAR365 supports individuals with disabilities and their families, visit soar365.org.
