Inspired by Michael Bierut’s 100 Day Project, 100 Days to a Better RVA strives to introduce and investigate unique ideas to improving the city of Richmond.
From Day #5 article:
Take the Holly Street Park in Oregon Hill. The James River Park System could reclaim an old phone booth, cover it with murals, and put it at the bottom of the concrete ramp leading to the fields. Inside: basketballs, footballs, dodgeballs, frisbees, and jump ropes left by families who have upgraded or leftovers from the VCU Rec Center. A handy pump for the balls could also be tucked inside. Finally, a simple inscription: take a basketball, return a frisbee.
“Little free sports libraries” would be a very low cost way to provide a great pubic service. The boxes would be the largest cost, but there’s also plenty of room for creative ideas. Phone booths are near useless and could be repurposed. Old gutted vending machines could also do the job. Imagination is the only limitation.
Editor’s Note: Holly Street Playground is managed by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, not the James River Park system.