The Wrap: Lidl, river trash, skateparks, First Fridays, and RPS

Photo: James River Park System

The week in brief

Is it just me, or does it seem like short weeks are even longer than five-day weeks? It might be because you have to pack more work into fewer days, or perhaps because you have an expectation in your mind that the week will fly by since it’s physically shorter. Either way, we made it to another weekend.

Did you catch any of the area fireworks displays over the 4th? If not, check out this video of the Dogwood Dell display, condensed into just two minutes. Did you hang out at the river? If so, I hope you didn’t leave any trace behind like all the (figurative and literal) garbage people who left trash on and in the James over the holiday. Our own Richard Hayes documented the aftermath and even took it upon himself, along with his daughter, to clean up the Southbank area. Way to go, Rich and Ruby!

Speaking of the river, plans are going forth for a skatepark near Texas Beach! Who’d have thought the city would be behind something as cool at this? It’s finally happening.

First Fridays is tonight, and we’ve got a primer if you haven’t been before or it’s just been a while (it has for me) since you’ve been to the monthly art walk downtown.

The West End land rush might just about be over–at least on the Henrico County side. Richmond BizSense reported earlier this week on a 12-acre parcel up for sale. That might not be big news if it weren’t for the fact that the parcel is one of two remaining chunks of undeveloped land that remain along the W. Broad Street corridor in Short Pump. I still remember when Broad was two lanes out there. Things have sure changed quickly.

Short Pump is just one of four neighborhoods German discount retailer Lidl is opening a store in July 27th. The direct competitors of Aldi, Lidl stores feature larger footprints, their own wine, and bakeries, unlike their counterparts. We’ve got everything you need to know right here.

Got some unused office supplies collecting dust? Put them to good use! Richmond Public Schools teachers could sure use them. Here’s how you can help.

Want to volunteer at the upcoming 2017 Washington Redskins training camp? The team and the city are looking for more than 250 volunteers to fill various roles. And it’s not a thankless job, either. There are a lot of great perks depending on how many hours you’re able to devote out at the NFL training facility. Get all the details here.

A Carytown taco joint is closed following a fire, Nick’s International Foods is moving west, there’s an entire festival devoted to gluten free diets coming up and more–get caught up with all the news that’s fit to eat in our Weekly Food News.

Until next time,

Trevor Dickerson, Editor
RVAHub