Christy Coleman, co-CEO of the American Civil War Museum, noted, “This partnership shows what can happen when private and public organizations come together to improve quality of life, recreation and cultural opportunities for communities."
Initiated by the National Park Service, the partnership is intended to help reach new, diverse audiences and facilitate connections between Richmond-area residents and the downtown riverfront. Two years in, the group has a substantial list of community projects and through a series of partner-based committees they are moving forward with the following efforts:
* Working with GRTC and City Council to add two new riverfront bus stops on the north side of the James River, thus increasing access and mobility for residents and visitors while also helping to manage the increasing parking demand.
* Creating a Youth Leaders Workshop to support youth programs and provide learning and networking opportunities for (adult) youth leaders in the region, using Richmond’s riverfront as a nexus for collaboration.
* Working with the James River Park System to update and expand the existing trail map in kiosks, in printed brochures, and online digitally. They worked with a designer to add visitor-friendly elements like family-friendly paths, universal accessibility, restrooms and changing areas, public water fountains, GRTC Pulse bus stops, the canal boat tour kiosk, bike racks, the NPS Visitor Center, and nearby riverfront museums.
Other ongoing projects include working with the city to add a riverfront Bike Share station to encourage more riverfront access and healthy recreation; working with Venture Richmond to install a new water fountain on Brown’s Island for the increased number of visitors; and installing a new informational kiosk on the Tredegar site that will be shared by all partners. The committees will continue to meet through 2017.
This endeavor is a part of the National Park Service’s Urban Agenda, an effort to work outside of park boundaries with community partners to reach new, diverse audiences and connect those individuals with their urban national parks.
Involved Community Partners: National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA), City of Richmond, American Civil War Museum, Venture Richmond, Sports Backers, Active RVA, Greater Richmond Transit Company, Groundwork RVA, James River Association, YMCA of Greater Richmond
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
