Mayor Levar Stoney introduced two ordinances at a City Council Budget Work Session on Wednesday, April 12 which would facilitate the city's purchase of Mayo Island.

The plan to buy the historic island and transform it into a green space and recreational area has been in the works for a while. Ordinance No. 2023-123 specifies that the city intends to make the purchase by matching funds from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

There will be a public hearing on Monday, April 24 at City Council's 6 p.m. meeting time to discuss the proposal.

We want to know: What do you want to see on the future Mayo Island? Are you imagining it as a relaxing park, an outdoor concert venue, or a farmers market space? Let us know.

Mayo Island, seen from a floodwall overlook. | Photo by RICtoday

What you said

Readers had this to say about the city's pending purchase of Mayo Island.

Before we jump in, some context: Since we aren't island experts, we aren't sure how technically feasible all these ideas are. But we do believe in dreaming big.

Most respondents were excited about the opportunities more green space would provide. There were several notes about what kinds of events might bring the community together.

"I would love to see a huge public pool and a big playground," Reader Darryl D. said, pointing out a similar development in Austin called Barton Springs.

Other ideas were for a rock climbing wall, yoga area, fire pits, active living course, skate park, and farmers market space.

Reader Norman N. said the island's reputation as a spot for fishermen should be preserved, suggesting that part of the bridge be saved specifically for fishing.

Some wanted to lean towards the more natural, like reader Thomas C.

"Let it be a natural habitat for birds and other animals native to Virginia," Thomas wrote. "Researchers could document how the island is naturally transformed when left alone by humans."

Keep sending us your suggestions and attend City Council's public hearing on the ordinances on Monday, April 24 at 6 p.m.