05.17.2024

Today’s Forecast

78º | 22% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 5:58 a.m. | Sunset 8:14 p.m.

Designing a more equitable RVA

DesignRVA returns for its second year on June 8

DesignRVA will return for its second year this June. | Photo by RICtoday

On Saturday, June 8, DesignRVA will bring together families from around the region to ask the question: “How would you design a more equitable and fair Greater Richmond?” The free event aims to get River City kids thinking about creating spaces where they can live, learn, work, and play.

A program of local nonprofit Storefront for Community Design, DesignRVA gives children ages 8-14 the opportunity to talk to community experts on topics like housing, health and wellness, transportation, and land use.

a table featuring childrens' crafts of trees, apartment buildings, gardens, and other models of urban planning features — This exhibit, built by Richmond kids, was on display at RPL’s Main Branch for several months last year.
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Photo by RICtoday

The four focuses align with those outlined in the city’s Richmond 300 master plan. The award-winning “Guide for Growth” features a collection of goals and objectives for the city as it moves towards a greener, more sustainable, and more equitable future. The plan aims to accomplish these by 2037 — Richmond’s 300th birthday.

This will be the second year for DesignRVA, which is loosely based on the National Building Museum’s Big Build program in DC.

Last year, participants created a 5-by-12-foot tabletop display depicting a 3D map of the city as the children envisioned it. The miniature cityscape was on display at the Main Library for several months.

Among the children’s paper and pipe cleaner constructions were green spaces, fishing ponds, and lots of parks. There were also movie theaters, community gardens, and tall, compact apartment buildings.

DesignRVA 2024 will be held Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Seven Hills School at 1311 Overbrook Rd. The event is open to all youth and families.

Events

Friday, May 17

Ancient Aliens LIVE | Friday, May 17 | 6:30 p.m. | The National, 708 E. Broad St., Richmond | $43-$68 | Experience the hit television show through a live experience with Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, William Henry, Nick Pope, and David Childress.
The Crain Brothers | Friday, May 17 | 9-11:59 p.m. | River City Roll, 939 Myers St., Richmond | Free entry | Bowl a few frames with the country rockers and enjoy full kitchen service — reservations are encouraged.

Saturday, May 18

19th Annual ASK 5K & Fun Walk | Saturday, May 18 | 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Diamond, 3001 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | $0-$40 | Cover 3.1 miles and join the fight against childhood cancer at this annualrace at the Diamond.
“Pete’s Dragon” | Saturday, May 18 | 10 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $5 | Bring the kids for a matinee screening of this Disney film.

Sunday, May 19

Taproom Bingo | Sunday, May 19 | 1-7 p.m. | Center of the Universe Brewing, 11293 Air Park Rd., Ashland | Cost of purchase | Head to Ashland for a high-energy bingo extravaganza.
Figures of Freedom Shockoe Bottom Walking Tour | Sunday, May 19 | 2-3:30 p.m. | The Valentine First Freedom Center, 14 S. 14th St., Richmond | $10-$20 | Explore the struggles for freedom that helped shape America during this accessible tour of Shockoe Bottom.
Nuclear Monkey with Twin Films | Sunday, May 19 | 7 p.m. | The Camel, 1621 W. Broad St., Richmond | $15 | The Miami band is coming to the Camel, backed by local avant-pop trio Twin Films.

Monday, May 20

Plant a Seed with RPL | Monday, May 20 | 4-5 p.m. | RPL Westover Hills Branch, 1408 Westover Hills Blvd., Richmond | Free | Drop by the library to learn more about plants and get some seeds of your own to take home and grow.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Civic

Henrico is establishing a $60 million affordable housing trust in an effort to make home ownership attainable for more of the county’s workforce. The trust will provide grants to help offset the costs of residential lots.

Coming Soon

Capitol Waffle on Harrison Street will soon be replaced by Polpetti Italian. The sandwich shop, run by married couple Georgia and Peter Riccobono, brings NYC-style Italian eats to Richmond. (Richmond BizSense)

Festival

The Lebanese Food Festival begins today at 11 a.m. Enjoy food and live performances throughout the weekend at St. Anthony Maronite Church in Glen Allen.

Development

The Mayo Bridge is going to need to be replaced, according to VDOT. While the initial plan was to put in a new superstructure, the department now thinks full replacement is in the public’s best interest. Tell VDOT how you use the bridge to help decide its future.

Arts

Richmond Performing Arts Alliance’s Lights Up! for Educators program is getting a $20,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The program supports Richmond-area performing arts educators with lessons and hands-on training.

Festival

Today marks the start of Riverrock 2024, three action-packed days of sporting events, food, brews, live music + more. Check out the full festival schedule, including 30+ participatory events, and register for any that are calling your name.*

Finance

Ah, the art of the balance transfer. This card offers not one, not six, but 18 months of 0% intro APR on balance transfers, giving you nearly two years to save big. (Plus, you can earn 2% cash back on purchases with no annual fee.) Learn more and apply.*

Outdoors

What are your favorite River City routes?

5 scenic routes for a run or walk in Richmond

Belle Isle has plenty of riverside spots to set the scene. | Photo by RICtoday

A few weeks ago, we published a list of five of our favorite walking and running routes to take in the beauty of Richmond.

We included spots like Windsor Farms, Riverside Drive, and Hollywood Cemetery. But let’s face it — Richmond’s a beautiful place, and five spots can’t even begin to cover the multitude of gorgeous places to take a stroll.

That’s why we’re consulting the experts — you. What are your favorite scenic routes for a run or walk around the city? We’re looking for neighborhoods, trails, breathtaking views, and beloved parks.

Drop us a line — what’s your go-to loop?

Let us know

The Buy

Small biz. Celebrate National Small Business Month by exploring our retail shop, Six & Main, featuring local brands from across the country. Find unique gifts for your friends or treat yourself to something new.

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

I’ve started running again after an extended break, and lately my favorite early morning loop has been a jog through the Fan via Monument. Still, I want to hear your suggestions — I’m willing to have my mind changed.

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