VaHi’s Newest Green Space Open for Business!
Have you stopped by and checked out New Highland Park lately (corner of N. Highland and St. Charles)? If not, you should. Park construction is almost complete and it’s a great place to stroll through, stop to read or have lunch, practice soccer with your child, or just sit and enjoy the beauty that is VaHi in the fall. Here’s a link to an online album showing how a pair of undeveloped lots became VaHi’s latest green space in only a few months.
The land is owned by the Virginia-Highland Conservation League, Inc. It was purchased as part of a long-term plan to create green space in the Atkins Park area and to help revitalize the Atkins Park business node. Funds for construction of the new park came from three years of local fundraising efforts, including the “buy a brick” program and a $50,000 grant from Park Pride. Park organizers are very grateful to Park Pride and all the neighbors and nearby businesses that have made generous contributions. Funding to cover the mortgage payments comes from VHCA events like Summerfest and the Tour of Homes, and the VHCL will be seeking additional grants in 2013 and beyond to help reduce the loan balance, which is currently about $660,000. We appreciate your support in these efforts.
Work remaining on the new park includes:
– Installation of three light poles, scheduled for week of December 3.
– Installation of three benches and additional trash cans, scheduled for late December or early January
– Final connection of the water meter
– Completion of a few “punch-list” items and some additional plantings
Special note for those who purchased engraved bricks and for those who donated as “founders” ($1000 or more) for the new park:
The bricks will be integrated into the sidewalk area at the St. Charles entrance. Engraving has just completed, and the bricks will be installed probably within the next few weeks and certainly before the grand opening/ribbon cutting next year. The exact date for the grand opening/ribbon cutting is to be determined, but is likely to be in late February or March. The city has requested another drawing before permitting the install of the bricks. The founders plaque is “in process” and will be installed before the grand opening. Stay tuned for details on the grand opening/ribbon-cutting to be held in the first quarter of 2013!