The Fan
Texas Beach skatepark plans before Urban Design Committee
Skaters are just a few more bureaucratic ollies away from a new park
In an extremely rare Richmond event there is a plan before the Urban Design Committee that has support of the neighbors and those proposing the plans. Skaters in Richmond don’t have many spots to hone their skills. Relying on impromptu parks or skating where they’re technically not allowed.
On the 1800 block of Texas Avenue there is one such impromptu, DIY skatepark but plans have been submitted to upgrade it and create a substantial addition to the neighborhood. The best part, the project has won over the community.
The purpose of this project is to transform a formally abandoned lot into a vibrant, accessible green space for the residents of Richmond. There is no public park playground within walking distance of the many young children living in the Maymont (Riverview) community. In addition, there is no full-scale skate park north of the James River in Richmond, and the closest community garden is over a mile away. This site will meet these strong needs for community space. The older residents in the community have asked for a walking trail around the perimeter of the park site in order to have an off-street location for daily exercise. By incorporating all four elements, this park will have amenities and space for all-ages.
The following civic groups all support the effort: The Friends of Riverview Community Park (FoRCP), Richmond Area Skateboarding Alliance (RASA), Maymont Civic League, and Richmond Young Professionals Kiwanis (RYPKC)
The park goes before the Urban Design Committee this afternoon. You can check out the full proposal here (pdf).
