Richmond inches closer to Mayo Island park debut
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A rendering from the conceptual designs approved in May. Image: Courtesy of city of Richmond/Marvel/TYLin
Mayo Island's future as a public park just took a big step forward.
Why it matters: Making the 15-acre island part of the James River Park System available for locals to use has been a goal for the city and park enthusiasts for decades.
State of play: Last week, City Council approved a conservation and open-space easement for the island — a procedural step necessary for the city to access grant funding for the project, per the ordinance.
- Until last year, Mayo Island had been privately owned and primarily used as a parking lot since the 1980s.
- The family that owned it had attempted to sell it on and off for at least a decade, marketing it as a redevelopment opportunity. Then, in 2022, Richmond-based conservation group, Capital Region Land Conservancy, bought it for public use.
- In the spring, the city's design committee unanimously approved conceptual designs for the space, The Richmonder reported.
Zoom in: Those plans call for walking trails, kayak and paddleboard launches, dedicated fishing spots, picnic tables and benches, and a parking lot.
- Plus, the designs for the flood-prone, asphalted island are heavy on restoring green space through native grasses and plants, pollinator-friendly wildflowers and a meadow.
The intrigue: A small section of Mayo Island has been separately and privately owned since the 1970s, BizSense reports.
- The owner put it on the market last year for $1.65 million. It's still available, if anyone wants it.
What's next: Demolition of Mayo's parking lot and its structures is slated to begin this fall, with the goal of the park opening to the public in October 2026.