Category Archives: parks

James River Park History

Posted on by
Reply

I have uncovered some of the what-ifs, but thanks to Phil Riggan for this “History of Splashy Plans for James River Parks” on Richmond.com.

Excerpt:

According to the RTD archives, there were proposals to have “water-related leisure development” on Belle Isle — Richmond’s downtown gem on the James — including an visitor’s center, ice skating rink, waterfront auditorium and a conference center. People could have gotten to the island by way of a monorail that would have connected to downtown Richmond.
The $6 million in riverfront plans at that time did not cover for the proposed monorail and other buildings on Belle Isle, which would have been paid for through private funding. Monorail screams “Disney,” right? We would have been robbed of the pleasure of walking across the Belle Isle pedestrian bridge under the Robert E. Lee Bridge, which opened in 1992. The view of the city skyline from there alone is worth any price and we’re much better off.

Something to think about as more of the area gets paved over.

Fire Damages New Pedestrian Bridge

Posted on by
1

From a neighbor:

Sorry to have to report this but over the weekend someone damaged the new walk bridge over the canal. It looks like someone built a fire on the bridge, and it has seriously damaged four of five of the boards. This is pretty discouraging that the new bridge has been so thoughtlessly damaged.

Celebrate 40 Years of the Clean Water Act

Posted on by
1

Check out the video link below from the James River Association:

Dumping Ground to Best River Town; 40 years of Progress on the James River

October marks the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the nation’s landmark environmental legislation to protect water quality. Over the past four decades the James River has gone from being a “dumping ground” to supporting Outside Magazine’s 2012 “Best River Town Ever.” Arguably, it is the most improved river in the nation.

This accomplishment has been the result of a diverse, collective effort by many concerned citizens, businesses and governments. While the Clean Water Act and other state and local plans and policies provide the framework for improving the river, it ultimately comes down to individuals who make it happen.

Despite Opposition, 2nd Street Connector Construction Starts

Posted on by
10

Despite opposition from the Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association, the Sierra Club Falls of the James, citizens, as well as open government concerns, the City is pushing ahead with construction of the 2nd Street Connector.

Yesterday, despite promises for full exploration of the historic significance of the site, over 150 feet of century old structural canal brick wall was destroyed.

From City press release:

Construction on Richmond’s new street that will connect Second Street to Tredegar Street on the north side of the James River downtown will have a minimal effect on visitors to the James River Park’s Belle Isle who park in the Tredegar Street lot.

The first or eastern entrance to the lot on Tredegar Street will be closed effective Tuesday, October 16, due to construction on the new connector street; however, the second or western entrance to the lot, as well as the entire lot itself, will remain open throughout the entire construction period.