We told you last week about the Mayor’s proposal to invest $16 million towards the creation of “Mayo Island Park.” A little over a year ago, the City purchased Mayo Island with the intention of adding it to the James River Park System. That part of the plan is still in place, but in order for this newest part of the Park to reach its full potential, there is a good bit of work to do. Almost half of Mayo Island is paved over, and there are numerous structures. Removing that would help to return native plants and create natural habitat, and also help to improve water quality in the James. Further funds would be used for trails, sustainable infrastructure, and more.

Here’s where you come in: Contact your member of City Council and tell them how important this is to you. You can find your member at this link: https://www.rva.gov/richmond-city-council/council-contacts

On Monday night, April 14th, Josh went to Council’s regular meeting and was able to address the full Council. His remarks are below:

“Good evening, everyone. My name is Josh and I am the Executive Director for Friends of the James River Park. We are a nonprofit organization that works with the City to protect, expand, and enhance our beloved James River Park System. I stand before you today to advocate for a transformative investment in our city’s future: the $16 million budget proposed by Mayor Avula to develop Mayo Island into a vibrant public park. This isn’t just about creating another green space; it’s about securing a legacy of health, opportunity, and environmental stewardship for generations to come.

The James River Park System is the most popular place in the City of Richmond. Our little slice of urban wilderness receives between 2.5 and 3 million visits per year according to recent data. To put that in perspective, if the JRPS were a national park it would rank just outside of the top 10 most visited national parks just behind places like Joshua Tree, Olympic, and Glacier National Parks. The JRPS also receives more visitors than any Virginia State Park. We have something special here in Richmond and we are talking about a chance to add even more free and open space for locals and tourists to enjoy.

Mayo Island, which is already owned by the City, currently sits mostly empty and abandoned. Right now the island is home to several expanding and unsafe encampments and is experiencing massive amounts of litter and vandalism. This proposal offers us a unique chance to convert it into a premier destination within the James River Park System.

A revitalized Mayo Island will be a catalyst for economic growth. A well-designed park will attract visitors from across the region, boosting tourism and supporting our local businesses.

Remember those 3 million park visits that I mentioned earlier? An estimated one third of those visits are from tourists who travel to Richmond from outside of the region to enjoy the Park. Those tourists are spending an average of $65 each in the local economy around the Park. That is approximately $65 million per year impact on the local economy, and that is just from the tourists. It doesn’t count all of the money spent by locals who enjoy the Park. That money goes to local businesses like restaurants, breweries, hotels, and adventure businesses like Riverside Outfitters and RVA Paddlesports.

Perhaps most importantly, this project is a commitment to our environment. We will restore natural habitats, improve water quality, and enhance the island’s ecological functions. Removing impervious surfaces and planting native vegetation will mitigate stormwater runoff, reduce pollution in the James River, and create a haven for wildlife. This is more than beautification; it’s about preserving the James River and ensuring its health for years to come.

The proposed $16 million investment will fund the essential elements of this transformation through the Interim Park Plan. These funds will allow for demolition, site work, park design, trail development, and the planting of native plants.  This is a strategic allocation of resources that will ensure the park is accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

I think we also need to consider the costs of not completing the project in accordance with this proposal. The City will need to return $7.5 million in grant funds that were used to purchase the island,  public trust will be eroded, and conditions on Mayo Island will continue to deteriorate as 15 acres of currently unusable and unsafe public space is left to rot in the middle of the City.

In closing, I urge you to support the proposed $16 million for Mayo Island Park. Let us seize this opportunity to create a world-class park on Mayo Island – a legacy project that reflects our commitment to a vibrant, sustainable, and livable Richmond. Let’s create a place where people can connect with nature, gather with loved ones, and celebrate the  beauty of our city. Thank you.”