2024 Priorities
- Continue with routine maintenance efforts with a focus on removal of invasives, planting of perennials, and soil erosion work.
- Engage with the City for continuity of the renovation project. Contemplate funding a stormwater abatement plan, if the City will require this prior to embarking on planning for a new playground in order to raise this effort higher up on the City’s priority list.
- Initiate a fundraising effort to raise money for the new playground and renovation efforts broadly.
- Initiate an effort to clean, strip and re-stain the park’s benches and the park’s sign at Barnett and Virginia Avenue.
Update on Renovation Efforts
Please visit our Fundraising page for the latest information.
Tree Inventory 2023
In preparation for the renovations of John Howell Park, VHCA has engaged David Dechant of Arbroguard Tree Specialists to examine and inventory all park trees greater than six inches in diameter. Arborguard will provide a detailed report on the species and health of each tree, info that will assist the Parks Committee as it prepares for the renovation.
During this process - which will begin the week of September 11th - some trees will be tagged. PLEASE NOTE: Tagged trees are NOT being removed and will not be harmed by David's evaluation. As always, the Parks Committee is committed to having as little impact on trees as possible.
Once completed, the report will be shared with the community, posted on the renovation efforts website linked above, and the Parks Committee will host a public meeting with David in the Park.
For more information about the renovation, please visit our Fundraising page or contact the Parks Committee.
[…] in the heart of the Virginia Highlands. John Howell Memorial Park spans several blocks along Virginia Ave. and Barnett Street, and while it’s small in size, […]