Plus, an exhibit opening at Southside art gallery
 
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Today’s Forecast

92º | 24% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:06 a.m. | Sunset 8:06 p.m.
 

🔮 Your vision for Brown’s Island

Share your thoughts on the future of Brown’s Island
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Thousands of people flock to Brown’s Island every year.
A few weeks ago, we asked you what you would add to Brown’s Island. The city is partnering with Venture Richmond to provide up to $30 million in improvements for the outdoor space.

Here are some ideas we heard from you on social media and in response to our poll.

There was a resounding endorsement for adding bathrooms. Other common suggestions included water fountains, benches, and parking.

Areas specifically designed for children, including water play features and playgrounds, got a number of mentions.
  • “I think it should have a few water features maybe like a little water park play area for kids — for hot summer days. Plus adults could also cool off.” – @kiwi_chikie
  • “Permanent restrooms, a small playground near the Tredegar end of the island and a permanent stage area.” – Judith M.
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Richmond or Paris? One reader recommended a fountain like the Grand Bassin Rond in the Jardin des Tuileries.

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Photo by Bastiaan

We heard a lot of love for the idea of embracing the natural elements of the space.
  • “Maybe a flowering garden with native pollinators, benches and covered walkways — a lush, quiet spot.” – @hollandwilliamsart
  • “Flowers on the island in general would be nice. Even if it’s wildflowers. We have green space in RVA but not so many flowering spaces.” – @desi9ner
There were a bunch of ideas for increased activities on the island, from zip lines, ferris wheels, and a projection screen to an outdoor gym or a walk-up bar.
  • “Bring back the bicycle path!!!” – @____e__r____
  • “Community garden 🌱 or an outdoor gym.” – @mavi_taylor
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Many food trucks set up shop on Brown’s Island for special events.

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Photo by Boka Tako RVA

Food and drink recommendations, especially food trucks, were common.
  • “Restaurants and cafes so people can hang out.” – Phil S.
  • “A coffee shop/ice cream shop/bar where you can sit and people watch and enjoy the view.” – @nelemarston
Several readers also mentioned other cities when making their suggestions, shouting out the San Antonio River Walk, the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, and even the Grand Bassin Rond in Paris.

We’ll be sure to keep readers informed on the development as it continues. In the meantime, keep telling us your thoughts at the button below.
Share your island ideas
 
Events
Wednesday, May 8
  • Literary Virginia Book Group | Wednesday, May 8 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Register to discuss “Gangsters of Capitalism: Smedley Butler, the Marines, and the Making and Breaking of America’s Empire.”
  • Flora and the Fauna | Wednesday, May 8 | 7 p.m. | Plan 9 Music, 3017 W. Cary St., Richmond | Free | Enjoy an intimate in-store performance from the up-and-coming rock quartet.
Thursday, May 9
  • Music on Main | Thursday, May 9 | 5:45-8 p.m. | Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main St., Richmond | Free | Head to the patio for post-work tunes from Brencore All-Stars.
  • Smile Empty Soul | Thursday, May 9 | 7-10 p.m. | Ember Music Hall, 309 E. Broad St., Richmond | $15-$30 | Get your tickets for this night of alt-rock with Hearts & Hand Grenades and Kamena.
Saturday, May 11
  • “The Land Before Time” | Saturday, May 11 | 10 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $5 | Yep, yep, yep, they’re playing this family favorite on the big screen at the Byrd.
  • Church Hill Spring Fest & Market | Saturday, May 11 | 12-4 p.m. | Libby Hill Park, 2801 E. Franklin St., Richmond | Free | Bring the whole family for this neighborhood celebration featuring local vendors, nonprofits, food, drinks, music, and children’s activities.
  • Mile of Music | Saturday, May 11 | 2-4:30 p.m. | Bryan Park, 4308 Hermitage Rd., Richmond | Free | Walk along the trails and enjoy mini-concerts from different sections of the Richmond Symphony orchestra.
Sunday, May 12
  • Mother’s Day Celebration | Sunday, May 12 | 4 p.m. | Altria Theater, 6 N. Laurel St., Richmond | $63+ | Celebrate the holiday with some of the biggest contemporary gospel artists including Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Zacardi Cortez, and Charles Jenkins.
See the full calendar
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Arts
  • Check out the work of mixed-media artist Franchell Mack Brown at Southside Contemporary Art Gallery. “Felicities” opens with a reception this Friday, May 10 at 5 p.m. It’ll stay at the gallery until June 15.
Holiday
  • The gardens at Agecroft Hall will be open to the public for Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 12. Starting at 12 p.m., explore the grounds or enjoy a picnic before a special lawn performance by the Richmond Concert Band begins at 6 p.m.
Tech
  • A 12-acre site in Powhatan could be home to a data center campus, if the Board of Supervisors approves the project. Province Group wants to build the 1.5 million-sqft development near the intersection of Page Road and Anderson Highway. (Richmond BizSense)
Edu
  • Atlee High School math teacher Avanti Yamamoto has been named Virginia Teacher of the Year. The Algebra II and precalculus teacher went to VCU and JMU and has been at Atlee since 2016. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Active
  • This weekend is Cap2Cap, an annual bike ride fundraiser for the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. Online registration is closed, but you can still sign up in person at packet pickup for one of four distances. Saturday’s party zone at Dorey Park will include music, drinks, vendors, and lunch for racers.
Kids
  • The summer reading program kicks off at RPL on Saturday, June 1. The annual initiative kicks off with several events, including a dance party at Broad Rock Branch and ice cream at East End. Get more information and pick up a log at your local branch.
Announced
Wellness
  • Purple Carrot delivers plant-based meals right to your door. This month’s chef-prepared meal kits are spring-themed + filled with seasonal ingredients (think: Super Greens Fried Rice with Peanut Drizzle).*
 
Outdoors

🎉 A pop-up park party

You’re invited to this pop-up park block party
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The pop-up will extend the West Broad Green to the stretch of Cutshaw between Wayne and Sheppard streets. | Photo by RICtoday
See the potential of a pop-up park along Broad Street at a city-sponsored community event this Saturday, May 11. The Office of Equitable Transit and Mobility is temporarily extending the West Broad Street Green along Cutshaw Avenue as part of its Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper program.

LQC is part of the city’s goal to improve pedestrian safety and test improvements before implementing permanent changes. The park’s expansion to 3001 W. Broad St. starts today and continues through Wednesday, May 22.

During Saturday’s event, visitors can speak with city staff about the LQC concept and enjoy:

🍺 Drinks from Bingo Beer Co., Buskey Cider, and Reservoir Distillery

🌮 Food from Cabo Fish Taco and Lucky Dai Shave Ice

🌿 A plant sale with Parallel Nursery

After visiting, you can provide your thoughts on the pop-up by filling out the form at the button below.
A light, quick survey
The Buy

The Buy 5.08.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Sunglasses under $100, because we’re heading into the brightest months of the year (yay). We like these tortoiseshell Ray-Bans or this cat-eye Jimmy Choo pair.
 
The Wrap
 
Robin Schwartzkopf in a red button down shirt

Today’s edition by:
Robin
From the editor
I loved seeing all the creative ideas for the Brown’s Island development — it’ll be exciting to follow the project as it takes shape alongside the Riverfront Amphitheater construction.
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