PARK365 Named Best Community Playground; Ladybug Fund Gala Earns Third Place in Fundraising Event Category
RICHMOND, Va. — SOAR365 is proud to announce that it has been honored with two awards in Richmond Magazine’s 2025 “Best & Worst” survey. The organization’s inclusive playground, PARK365, was voted Best Community Playground (1st Place), while the popular Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction was recognized as a Best Charity Fundraising Event or Gala (3rd Place).
This is not the first time SOAR365 has been recognized by Richmond Magazine readers. PARK365 has now earned top honors in this category for three straight years and remains one of the region’s most beloved public play spaces. Designed to be accessible and for individuals of all ages and abilities, PARK365 features wheelchair ramps, adaptive swings, a sensory wall, a treehouse, water play, and more. Open daily and free to the public, it continues to set the standard for community engagement and barrier-free play.
The Ladybug Fund Winetasting & Silent Auction has become a signature event in Richmond’s spring social calendar. Having just celebrated its 25th anniversary, the event traditionally raises critical funds for SOAR365’s children and youth programs, including pediatric therapy and access to summer camp for children with disabilities. In 2025, the gala brought hundreds of supporters together for an evening of fine wine, delicious food, live music, and giving back.
Be sure to mark your calendars; the Ladybug Fund Winetasting and Silent Auction returns next year on April 11, 2026.
“These awards are a testament to the support of our community and the meaningful impact SOAR365 continues to have in the lives of people with disabilities and their families,” said John Walker, President & CEO of SOAR365. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who voted, visited PARK365, attended the Ladybug Fund event, or simply believes in our mission.”
Each year, Richmond Magazine surveys thousands of readers to determine the region’s favorites across hundreds of categories, including food, entertainment, services, and community features. The “Best & Worst” issue is one of the publication’s most anticipated editions, celebrating what makes Richmond a vibrant place to live, work, and play.
For more information about SOAR365, PARK365, or the Ladybug Fund, visit soar365.org.