BridgePark RVA Dish by Design by Laura Dyer Hild - May 8, 2016May 8, 201660 Since 2012, the BridgePark has been an idea that hasn’t fully left the drawing board. That’s unfortunate because an idea like this makes a tremendous amount of sense. The bridge would sit roughly between the new Tyler Potterfield Bridge and Manchester Bridge and span across the river from Kanawha Plaza to the Manchester Climbing wall. The James River could finally act as the hub of the urban community for which it has always been intended in bringing the city and nature together. Walkers and bikers alike would be able to cross the river from downtown into the Manchester neighborhood, in turn, creating a more holistic city of Richmond. I don’t know about you, but every time I’m near the water I find a sense of peace and solitude that I wouldn’t otherwise feel if I had never left my urban setting. I’m continuously amazed by the natural fauna and flora that use the James River in this city that we call home. How fortunate are we to see eagles flying above, when at one time their numbers were at an all time low? We almost lost these majestic creatures. And for all you bird lovers out there, I had the opportunity to see a Loon a couple of weeks ago while at the RVA Art Fest. A LOON! Loons aren’t from around these parts – think On Golden Pond and you will understand what I’m talking about. This area is a migration path for loons and I was lucky to see the loon both days during the RVA Street Art festival while crossing the Mayo Bridge. The BridgePark needs to become a reality because the connection to the James is the life blood of RVA. Continue to keep your eyes and ears open for this project. We may not be be there quite yet in regards to funding, but some day I know it will become a reality. Featured image courtesy of Richmond BridgePark Foundation.
RT @DogtownDish: The BridgePark needs to become a reality because the connection to the James is the life blood of RVA. #rva https://t.co/S… Reply
RT @DogtownDish: The BridgePark needs to become a reality because the connection to the James is the life blood of RVA. #rva https://t.co/S… Reply
RT @DogtownDish: The BridgePark needs to become a reality because the connection to the James is the life blood of RVA. #rva https://t.co/S… Reply
RT @DogtownDish: The BridgePark needs to become a reality because the connection to the James is the life blood of RVA. #rva https://t.co/S… Reply
I saw a loon as well when my son and I went for a longer walk out of the festival but it was so out of context I couldn’t figure it out until I read this. Of course that’s what we saw. Thank you so much for the post. Our family went back this weekend to see the murals again and to walk the south bank down to opposite Rockets landing. I agree that the bridge park would further facilitate vibrant life and connection in our city. Reply
The BridgePark needs to become a reality because the connection to the James is the life blood of RVA. #rva https://t.co/UC6nORNUnv Reply
There are multiple proposed designs, not sure which one you are referring to. We are supportive of a more natural, light touch aesthetic for the final version. Reply
In theory, I love the idea of anything that increases access to the river as long as it doesn’t impede nature in favor of human convenience. That said, I really don’t want Manchester and our riverfront to turn into Belle Isle Part II with broken beer bottles and cigarette butts — we have enough of that as is, thanks. There is already decent access to the river and highly walkable paths (excluding the perpetual construction on the Manchester Bridge), wandering them is half the fun of enjoying the river. We need to consider Manchester itself before we start focusing on increasing access to it. How about we get a freaking grocery store or a crappy 7-11 and then we can talk about yet another path across the river to get here. Reply
I saw that, you’re right! I need to go check it out and give them all my money as a thank you for saving me the walk into the Bottom 😉 Reply
I’m a big fan of the (latest?) plan to do it on the Manchester Bridge. That thing is huge, graceful, and never at capacity. The first RVA Streets Alive shut down the hole bridge to motorized traffic, and it was awesome. We should do it year round. (Maybe give them a lane just to get by) Reply
