Rachel Flynn’s parting commentary on Richmond’s riverfront
The Richmond Times-Dispatch ran a commentary from Rachel Flynn Sunday, a parting message for the city in which she addressed Richmond’s downtown plans for the James River. Maybe she gave a peak behind the curtain a little with this commentary. I see a few more details here than I’ve seen in print, notably the comparison […]
The Richmond Times-Dispatch ran a commentary from Rachel Flynn Sunday, a parting message for the city in which she addressed Richmond’s downtown plans for the James River.
Maybe she gave a peak behind the curtain a little with this commentary. I see a few more details here than I’ve seen in print, notably the comparison to Charleston and the proposed figures on an annual budget for the riverfront.
She served as director of community development for the city of Richmond from 2006 to 2011. She is a licensed architect and recently returned to the private sector where she will be working in the United Arab Emirates. In her commentary, she addressed Richmond’s riverfront:
Richmond is here because of the James River. With industry and major transport no longer integral to the river, it is time to turn the river into a recreation and entertainment destination for all our citizens and visitors.
Every day we leave the James River in its current condition is another day of missed opportunity, economic and otherwise. A vibrant and beautiful riverfront would benefit the whole region and create a new identity for Richmond.
A nationally recognized landscape architecture firm was recently selected by the city to complete the downtown riverfront park design. Public input will be a key part of this design effort, and the plan should include clear implementation steps that could be executed immediately, such as a promenade walk, public gardens, and/or land purchases. An annual budget of $3 million to $5 million is necessary to ensure completion of the entire riverfront park plan over the next 10 years.
A beautiful park with access to the river will increase tourism, retail investment and residential/office development in the adjoining areas. Studies from other cities, such as Charleston, S.C., indicate that for every dollar invested in riverfront parks, $4 to $5 is gained through increased tourism, new retail and new development. The time is now for Richmond to invest and demonstrate that it is serious about making its riverfront a beautiful public space that is accessible to all of its citizens and visitors.
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