November 26, 2024
Construction progress continues on the Hotchkiss Green. Since the last update, reclaimed timber has arrived on site for use in the natural play area. The logs were saved from another City of Richmond community center renovation (Lucks Field) specifically for the Hotchkiss Project. We are grateful for Timmons Group staff seeing the opportunity for reuse and connection between the projects. Site grading continued with key elements on site taking shape (natural play area near the pool and the pollinator garden berm). Jesse Palma (Community Engagement Manager) and Shelly Barrick Parsons (Executive Director) attended the November Highland Park Quality of Life meeting to provide a project update.
Two major milestones were accomplished in the last two weeks edging the project closer to being accessible to the public.
First, thanks to a private workday with Republic Services trees were planted on November 21 marking the first plants to be installed. Thanks to a partnership three years in developement, Capital Trees was the recipient of a $125,000 National Neighborhood Promise® grant from the Republic Services Charitable Foundation. As part of Republic Services support of the project, local and regional staff joined Capital Trees and James River Nurseries in planting the first trees on site at the Dunn Street entrance to the park; close to twenty trees were planted along the trail.
Second, paving began this week on a large portion of the permeable asphalt trail.
To date, Capital Trees has raised over $545,000 for this Hotchkiss Green project. We are continuing to raise funds to support construction AND the ongoing sustianable management of the completed for at least 3-years during establishment of the landscape. Our goal is to raise an additional $200,000 to support both the final construction costs, project development, community engagement, and management. A gift to Capital Trees supports both our building of new public landscapes and the ongoing eco-friendly practices of managing those completed projects. You can support the Hotchkis Green directly here.
November 12, 2024
Exact Stormwater Management has been hard at work on the permeable asphalt trail and site work including grading the site and building the berms that will be part of the finished project. In the coming weeks, you will see the following changes on site:
- Paving the permeable asphalt trail
- Arrival of reclaimed timber for the seating and play area near the pool
- Grading of the site
- Final placement of berms for play and wildflower garden just outside the outfield
- Landscaping begins including trees planted
The permeable asphalt trail is part of the green infrastructure we are installing on site to manage stormwater. If you want to learn more check out this resource on Green Infrastructure (HERE and HERE). The goal is to have the majority of the trail completed before winter sets in. This is dependent on weather including temperature and precipitation.
Drone Photo Courtesy of Exact Stormwater Management
Drone Photo Courtesy of Exact Stormwater Management
October 8, 2024
Construction has begun at Hotchkiss Green.
Surveying was started last week and excavation started this week on the permeable asphalt trail!
August 2024 Groundbreaking Celebration!
Neighbors of Hotchkiss Field Community Center and friends of Capital Trees showed up Monday, August 26 for the Hotchkiss Green groundbreaking celebration. The event marked a milestone in the project development kicking off project construction. This project milestone is made possible by the collective efforts of many individuals and organizations including
- Neighbors, staff, and users of Hotchkiss who provided invaluable feedback to shape the final plan,
- The design team at Timmons Group,
- The focus and enthusiasm of Capital Trees staff, board, and volunteers,
- City of Richmond’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities, and
- Foundations, churches, businesses, and individuals whose generous investments have funded the project and its ongoing care.
Once complete, Hotchkiss Green will make significant environmental impacts by enhancing tree canopy, boosting biodiversity, and improving stormwater management. The shade from 54 trees will offer cooler temperatures and better air quality. The winding paths will provide spaces for exercise and relaxation, while the native wildflower garden will attract local wildlife. We are excited to work with Exact Stormwater Management and James River Nurseries on project construction.
Capital Trees welcomed guest speakers, Chris Frelke, RVA Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Mayor Levar Stoney, Councilperson Ellen Robertson, and Delegate Rae Cousins. Following the speakers and groundbreaking, the celebration continued with everyone enjoying ice cream and a thermal imaging demonstration from Groundwork RVA. Thanks to Ruby Scoops for serving 117 scoops of ice cream including the new Hotchkiss Green inspired flavor, Blackberry Basil. Thanks to Groundwork RVA for the thermal imaging demonstration.
Thank you!
As a supporter of Capital Trees, you already know that access to and investment in public greenspace is essential. Public greenspaces foster healthy, climate-resilient, safe, compassionate, and connected communities. Thank you for your unwavering support in building a greener and more livable Richmond.
Writer Gary Snyder is attributed with saying, “Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.” We hope that everyone who encounters Hotchkiss Green will find a place of welcome, rejuvenation, and rest.
Join us for a Groundbreaking Celebration on our next greenspace project, the Hotchkiss Green on Monday, August 26, 5:30 pm at the Hotchkiss Field Community Center.
Join friends, supporters, city and state officials, and neighbors for a groundbreaking celebration and ice cream social with free ice-cream from Ruby Scoops.
Hotchkiss Green Project Background
At the invitation of the City of Richmond, Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities, Capital Trees began to explore the feasibility of a new greenspace transformation on Richmond’s northside in 2021. In 2022, we partnered with Timmons Group to continue community engagement and input on park design. Capital Trees staff and board members led community engagement at the center, at local community meetings, and nearby events. Through our conversations with the community and center leadership, we learned of the desire for pollinator friendly habitats, places to sit and gather, edible plants incorporated into the landscape, more shade, and a walking trail. This feedback was incorporated into three plans that were shared with the community for final feedback and revision. Our final plan draws incorporates input from the community. With a final plan in hand, we initiated the necessary approvals with the City and more focused fundraising. To date, we have raised over 90% of our construction funds. We have selected construction leads: Exact Stormwater Management with James River Nurseries. We are on track to break ground in mid-August 2024. Your support of the project will help complete and sustainably manage this greenspace transformation.
The project will transform two acres of treeless turf at the Hotchkiss Field Community Center in Richmond’s northside into the Hotchkiss Green – an inviting urban landscape that includes walking trails, seating areas, shade trees, a pollinator garden, and native shrubs and perennials.
