Dear Friends
It is not often that I spend time writing on the weekend. Today is the exception because Monday is a City Council meeting. At that meeting, they will spend some time talking about they future of Mayo Island. It has been brought to our attention that there may not be enough council support for the proposed $16 million to begin transforming Mayo Island into the park that you deserve. That is why I am writing to you today.
The City of Richmond stands at a pivotal moment, with the opportunity to transform Mayo Island into a vibrant public park, a project that promises to enrich the city’s landscape, enhance the quality of life for its citizens, and stimulate economic growth. The Mayor’s proposed investment of $16 million to create and implement the Mayo Island Park Interim Plan is a strategic investment in Richmond’s future, aligning with the city’s long-term goals for development, recreation, and environmental stewardship.
Mayo Island, strategically located in the heart of the city, holds immense potential to become a premier destination within the James River Park System. As described in the JRPS Master Plan, the island presents a unique opportunity to create a space that fosters community engagement, promotes outdoor activity, and celebrates Richmond’s rich natural heritage. Transforming Mayo Island into a park would provide residents with much-needed green space, offering a respite from the urban environment and promoting physical and mental well-being. Studies have consistently shown that access to parks and natural areas reduces stress, improves air quality, and encourages healthy lifestyles.
The development of Mayo Island Park would not only benefit Richmond’s residents but also attract visitors from across the region, boosting the local economy. We know from the data we have collected that one-third of James River Park System users come from outside of the Richmond region. The JRPS serves as a catalyst for tourism, drawing in outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families seeking recreational opportunities. These outdoor enthusiasts spend money at our hotels, our restaurants, our breweries, and many other establishments that live in close proximity to the Park.
Beyond its recreational and economic benefits, the transformation of Mayo Island into a park would also have significant environmental advantages. The project would involve turning abandoned industrial space into natural habitats, improving water quality, and enhancing the island’s ecological functions. By removing more than 8 acres of impervious surfaces and planting native vegetation, the park would help to mitigate stormwater runoff, reduce pollution in the James River, and create a haven for wildlife. This commitment to environmental sustainability would not only preserve the island’s natural beauty but also contribute to the overall health of the James River ecosystem.
The $16 million investment promised in Mayor Avula’s budget would be used to fund essential aspects of the park’s development, including the demolition of existing structures, the creation of trails and the removal of impervious surfaces, the restoration of natural areas, and the implementation of sustainable infrastructure. These improvements would ensure that the park is accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all visitors, while also minimizing its environmental impact.
The long-term benefits of this investment far outweigh the initial costs. Mayo Island Park would become a legacy project, a testament to Richmond’s commitment to creating a vibrant, sustainable, and livable city for generations to come. It would be a place where people can connect with nature, gather with friends and family, and celebrate the unique beauty of the James River. The City of Richmond should seize this opportunity to transform Mayo Island into a world-class park. This investment would not only enhance the city’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities but also stimulate economic growth, promote environmental sustainability, and improve the quality of life for all Richmond residents.
So how can you help? That is the easy part. We are asking you to reach out to your City Council Members to let them know that you support the JRPS and the proposed $16 million for Mayo Island Park. If you live in the City of Richmond you can find out who your council members are, and how to contact them, here- https://www.rva.gov/
We recommend sharing with them that you love the James River Park System and paraphrasing some of the information we included in this blog today. They will respond to us all coming together to let them know that we want them to approve the budget as proposed.
You can also join us at the City Council meeting on Monday. I will be there speaking on behalf of the Park, and it would be great if some of you were there to support us. They can’t ignore a room full of people all supporting this tremendous opportunity for the City.
Thank you all for your time in reading this urgent message. If enough of us reach out to our council members we can make Mayo Island Park happen!
-See you in the Park
Josh
