RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A proposed project could bring improvements to Brown’s Island soon.
According to Venture Richmond, Brown’s Island could get enhancements such as terraces by the water, play spaces for children, more ADA accessibility, permanent restrooms and water fountains.
This project could accompany others already under construction in the area, including the Riverfront Amphitheater and CoStar’s new building.
Venture Richmond and the City are hoping to transform the space into a world class riverfront park that will complement the growing area.
“It’s not that Brown’s Island is not a beautiful park, it is,” said Lisa Sims, CEO of Venture Richmond. “But not being able to go to the bathroom [or] fill up a water bottle is not the sort of riverfront jewel you want it to be. And accessing the river is very difficult, so, we just hope to improve all of that.”
The potential improvements will come with an estimated 30-million-dollar price tag.
Sims explained the city committed 10 million dollars for these improvements in their budget, as well as an additional 5 million once Venture Richmond privately raised at least 10 million dollars on their end.
“We’re not looking to change things too dramatically, we’re looking to improve the experience when you’re on the island and make it a more park-like setting and one that really interacts with the riverfront more than it does now,” Sims said.
Sims said this project is in its early stages but one of their next steps will be seeing how much money they can privately raise on their end.
You can read more about the project here.
