Maymont on track to raise $35 million for major renovations, improvements

The Maymont Foundation has already raised $17.5 million towards its $35 million goal; plans renovations to grounds, Nature Center, Dooley mansion.

August 6, 2014; 9:37 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

Maymont, the 128-year-old estate of the philanthropic Dooley family, is arguably one of the city’s most beautiful public spaces. The grounds, Nature Center, and Dooley mansion are all slated to get some much needed TLC and improvements thanks to a campaign by The Maymont Foundation to raise $35 million.

According to Richmond BizSense, the foundation is already halfway to its ambitious goal.

Norman Burns, executive director of the Maymont Foundation, said the “Spirit of Generosity” campaign has raised $17.5 million – about half its goal.

The nonprofit foundation, which oversees the operation of the 100-acre estate, has broken down its fundraising goal into four project areas: welcome plazas, preservation and interpretation, guest amenities and operating endowments.

“It’s really about taking the Maymont everybody loves and making it better,” Burns said.