Richmonders are on a mission to build a small-but-mighty public park in Scott’s Addition, and there are a few upcoming initiatives to help close the fundraising gap.

A little background

In 2012, Richmond couple Christie and Kevin Barry purchased a 0.43-acre plot of green space at 3420 Norfolk St. — now known as Christie's Garden.

Earlier this year, the couple passed ownership of the land to the Capital Region Land Conservancy (GRLC) in hopes that it would become a forever-protected public park — and that’s the plan.

No shade to Scott’s Addition, but it could use every tree it can get. Given the neighborhood's commercial and industrial development over the years, it’s become one of Richmond’s most prominent urban heat islands, with temperatures averaging 15 degrees higher than surrounding areas, according to CRLC. Take a look at this citywide shade map for reference.

This map measures shade patterns throughout the city. | Screenshot via ShadeMap

At this point, the park campaign has received funding commitments from Christie and Kevin Barry, the City of Richmond, the Greater Scott’s Addition Association, and the 2nd District City Council, but the remaining gap largely depends on community support.

How to support (and have fun while doing so)

Attend Plant a Park Fest at Brambly Park on Sunday, Sept. 6. Tickets are donation-based, starting at $15. Throw in a welcome cocktail and a limited-edition T-shirt with a $38 ticket.

Head to the Flying Squirrels game this Wednesday, Aug. 26, for Bark in the Park Night, but be sure to buy your ticket through this link in order for a portion of your purchase to go toward the park campaign.

Grab a drink from one of these Scott’s Addition coffee shops this week; select proceeds will go toward park fundraising.

Afterglow Coffee Cooperative | Aug. 26-28 | Order anything and round up your total.
Grit Coffee | Aug. 24-28 | Order a High Five espresso drink ($1 from every purchase)
Parousia Coffee | Aug. 24-28 | Order a Garden Party Latte. (20% of proceeds)
Roastology | All month | Order Christie's Garden Matcha. (50% proceeds)