Category Archives: parks

Canal Bridge Plans

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A summary of the current status for a new canal bridge from City of Richmond’s Parks & Recreation Department:

The plans for the Northbank Trail Bridge have been approved by the Planning Commission and CAR. Work, after final approval by VDOT to proceed (which is a requirement) is hoped to commence later this summer.

However, before we can begin we will have to solve an issue with ADA accessibility. The bridge itself is accessible. However, most of the trails leading to and from it are not.

We have met with VDOT and DPW and are working to correct this. Once we get final approval on this from VDOT, we will bid the work out and begin construction.

Regarding questions that have posed about the funding, we are not in any danger of losing it. We have been assured by VDOT of this. In fact, we have been encouraged to seek additional funding for the downside portion of the trail to Tredegar Street by VDOT. This yet to be determined, but informally they are supportive of this work.

River Claims Woman’s Life Near Tredegar

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The Richmond Times Dispatch has a report about a drowning that took place earlier this evening.

Rescuers were unable to resuscitate a woman whose body was pulled out of the James River this evening near the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar.

Richmond Police Capt. David L. Martin confirmed that the woman, who he said appeared to be in her mid-40s, did not survive after being pulled from the river.

He said an emergency call came in at 6:57 p.m., rescuers recovered her body at 7:27 p.m. and then tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate her.

Witness Logan Bryan, 16, said she saw the woman in distress next to an island offshore. Bryan said she saw the woman’s hands waving then drop below the surface of the water and not reappear.

‘Hands Across the Sand’ On Belle Isle This Saturday

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From announcement:

Join Hands this Saturday to Support Clean, Renewable Energy

Dear Sierra Club members and friends:
Join us for Hands Across the Sand in Richmond on Saturday, June 26 at 11 AM. Hands Across the Sand is a participatory event against offshore drilling and supporting clean energy. Hands Across the Sand events is being staged across Virginia and across our nation as well as in 20 other countries. Be a part of this simple that compelling event to send a message to our leaders: “Say NO to offshore drilling, Say YES to Clean, Renewable Energy”. 11 AM we gather and at 12 noon we’ll all join hands at different locations to demonstrate our commitment to this simple message. For details about the Richmond event including how to sign up, go to the following URL:

On Facebook.

For more general information about the event go to:
www.handsacrossthesand.org

Glen Besa, Director
Sierra Club-Virginia Chapter
glen.besa@sierraclub.org

JRA Says ‘Bike for the James’

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From the James River Association announcement:

Virginia Outside is holding a kids mountain bike benefit day at Belle Isle on June 26th from 9:00 am-11:00 am. Come out and enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the James River while learning the basics of bike safety and riding technique. Experienced and trained staff will be on hand to teach riding basics, trail safety, and the importance of an outdoor experience. The cost is $20. All proceeds will be donated to the James River Association. Ages 6-12. Kids will be grouped based on skill level. All participants must provide their own bike and helmet.

To register, contact Tee Clarkson, tsclarkson at virginiaoutside.com or 804-687-1869.

For more information on Virginia Outside go to www.virginiaoutside.com

Oregon Hill Park, 1888

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From The Daily Times, May 22, 1888

A Desirable Improvement Completed

It is expected that there will be held a meeting this week of the City Finance Committee to consider appropriation of $3,500 for the purchase of, and beautifying, the proposed new park on Oregon Hill. This land begins at Hollywood on the Canal bank, and runs parallel with it eastwardly to Church street. It embraces a large square adjoining Hollywood, the strip along the slope of the hill overlooking the river and a large square at Church street. Terraced and beautiful with shade trees, but it will be as pretty a park as any in the city, and one that the people in this populous section want. People entering the city over the Petersburg bridge and by the Alleghany road will be struck with the beauty of the slope, which, while proving an ornamentation to the section, will enhance the value of all the property in the neighborhood.