Maymont is getting coyotes and porcupines as part of $11M upgrades
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
An aerial view of Maymont. Image: Courtesy of Maymont
Maymont is undergoing a multimillion-dollar park improvement project.
Why it matters: When it all wraps up early next year, Maymont will have more animals for locals to visit, plus better visibility for some of its existing creatures.
The big picture: Maymont, once a Gilded Age private estate, has been one of Richmond's most beloved public attractions for generations.
- Work started late last year on enhancements at the 100-acre public park, farm and gardens, which Maymont describes as the "largest single investment in historic preservation and guest experience" in its history.
- Maymont's last big upgrade was its $3 million farm renovation in 2016.
Zoom in: The foundation is using an $8 million ARP grant, plus $2 million of its own funds and $1.75 million from private donors for the project, per Maymont.
- Construction is slated to wrap up by March 2026, just in time for the 100th anniversary of Maymont's transition from a private estate to a public treasure.
The improvements in the works include:
- The addition of coyotes and porcupines, two new species for Maymont plus habitats for them.
- Upgraded and larger viewing areas and habitats for the bears and bobcats.
- Reconfigured walkways with better accessibility along Maymont's wildlife trail, plus new signage.
- Structural, climate and fire suppressant improvements for the 1893-built Gilded Age Maymont Mansion, plus a new roof.
Worth noting: The vast majority of Maymont will be open and accessible during construction and its annual events will still go on, Maymont spokesperson Melissa Abernathy tells Axios.
- The mansion, though, will be until next year.
What's next: If you want to learn more about what's happening at Maymont, there will be poster-sized renderings and more at the park on Saturday during World Wildlife Day.
Editor's note: This story was updated to add information about the project's funding.