First look: New Diamond District park could open next summer
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A birdseye view of what the park could look like, including the incoming office building across the street. Image: Diamond District Partners, Waterstreet Studios
The Diamond District's first major park is starting construction this fall and could open next summer, the developer tells Axios.
Why it matters: The project will add over 2.2 acres of green space and include a lawn for concerts, a playground and a walkway honoring Richmond tennis legend Arthur Ashe.
The big picture: The public park is set to be built behind the CarMax Park scoreboard, says Maritza Pechin, development director with Thalhimer Realty Partners.
- It'll connect to the stadium's playground and bathrooms and feature a sculpture by local muralist Mickael Broth, who was chosen from 15 artist submissions nationwide.
- Broth will work with the development team and Richmonders for the final design.
Between the lines: The new green space also lands in a Richmond neighborhood facing higher-than-average heat, making tree canopy especially valuable.
Zoom in: Diamond District Partners, led by Thalhimer, will build and maintain the park before transferring ownership to Richmond's Economic Development Authority once it's complete, per Pechin.
- The final cost — funded through an EDA bond backed by the Flying Squirrels' CarMax Park lease payments — is expected in August after receiving subcontractor bids.
- The bid deadline is Aug. 4.
What we're watching: The timeline comes as the broader Diamond District project faces legal disputes between Flying Squirrels owner Lou DiBella and the project's developers.
- But the Navigators, the parent company of the Squirrels, says "we encourage progress in the Diamond District, particularly the park, and are in no way trying to delay it," spokesperson Ben Sosenko tells Axios.
- Pechin says the park remains on track to break ground this fall.