I enjoy the parks because they are quiet and natural. I like the feeling of being in the woods. I think places with easy access like Belle Isle or Pony Pasture have enough visitors as it is.

I don’t see how making the entire park system as busy as Belle Isle is good for the woods, the river, or the animals that live there. If nothing else I would expect an increase in littering throughout the park. Let’s face it, the river is where people go to party in the summer. The volume of trash left on the rocks is really disheartening and sad.

The park system already sees 500k visitors a year, I’m not sure why we need to increase the number of people using the park. Of all the places in town that should be developed, the banks of the James should not be one of them. Let’s leave it natural.

http://www.richmondcitywatch.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2230&start=220

One at the southwest corner of the Hill. They are old concrete with a metal railing that goes along Hollywood Cemetery’s chain link fence. They go from the Oregon Hill Parkway to the north bank of the canal and meet up with the entrance to the North Bank bike trail near Dominion Power.

The other set is at the northeast corner and goes from the OH Parkway, under the Lee Bridge entrance ramp along 2nd St, down the north bank of the canal. They are a rough set of railroad tie steps put in by a volunteer trail builder. They lead under the Lee Bridge to the telephone pole bridge across the canalbed to the Belle Island parking lot.

In the last year or so, there has also been gravel ramps built near each set of stars which lead down to the north side of the canal also.

We would like to get at least one ramp improved and paved for wheelchair access. We would like to get an improved bridge across the canal. That goes back to the grant money the City is holding.

I’m sure that the city is lacking in trees and such, but it’s still a very green city in comparison to many other cities I have visited. I’m not saying that the city shouldn’t invest money in this (even though that’s basically what I said before) but I think there are other more important options that need to be tackled with said money.

As for helping with forestry in the city I’d be interested to learn of some activities that are happening for sure.

That’s great that there is some efforts with a connection to the river. I’m a frequent visitor to the river as I run down there 3-4 times a week, so any improvements would be very much appreciated. Great to hear.

And I know about the soccer fields on Idlewood, but that’s not my point. My point is that the city should use the land along the river moreso than it does (at least where it can). I agree it should stay a natural site, but I also feel that cutting the grass and sticking some soccer goals down there wouldn’t do anything but help the area and definitely wouldn’t hinder it remaining natural. Lines for a soccer field and bleachers or something to that effect may be a stretch, I agree, but utilizing the massive grassland should be at least considered even though it is an historic piece of land. I believe it is space that is being wasted.

Actually when you look at percentages of green/open space, Richmond is behind other cities.

Todd is correct in that the City’s urban forestry dept. needs to be strengthened. Church Hill and other neighborhoods are seeing this also. The City is actually losing more street trees per year than it is replacing. Get in touch if you like to know more, especially if you want to help.

The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association has won two large grants to improve the greenway connection to the James River. The stairs were originally built by volunteers. We are growing impatient with the lack of progress with this also. The City needs to account for the grant money that WE PROCURED and spend it properly.

There is a soccer field behind the William Byrd Community House on Idlewood. I personally believe Belle Island should stay a natural site.

My first reaction is that fact that no one brought up the intent to repave the streets in Oregon Hill. Our streets are in terrible condition – especially Cherry Street. I know this would be a large feet to accomplish, but I think it is definitely needed especially if the area is looking to be more bicycle friendly (take it from a everyday rider).

Also, Richmond is one of the greenest cities in the United States. The pressure to plant more trees seems a little overwhelming based on this summary of the meeting. Sure, planting more trees would be great but the city has a pretty good amount already. Just a thought. I think money could be used elsewhere such as fixing up sidewalks, sewer systems, or adding more street lighting.

Bringing up the fact that access to the James River is limited I think is great, because it really is limited. I believe the city should invest a great deal of money in this. I’m pretty sick of walking under Belvidere bridge on old, ugly stairs to actually get close to the water. Not only that, it’s pretty unsafe.

I think some construction should be down at the river too, especially Belle Isle. The huge open field that was at one time a Confederate prison should be utilized. I believe some soccer fields should be created, or at least a goal or two. Also, the ship hanger should be utilized. Some pinic tables and some grills would be a great addition. All of this could be done pretty cheaply and would absolutely draw people to the river for recreation.