Page 8 - Demo

The History of
Riverside
Park
BY HEIDI JAMES
At this moment, the City of Lynchburg and several other organizations are preparing to invest considerable time and money to renovate Riverside Park, located between 2100-2238 Rivermont Avenue. Citizens, of course, will be asked to participate in the project.
In the months ahead, many questions will need to be answered: What should the park look like? Who is going to use it? What will it be used for? Will the islands in the James River be included?
Research into the history of Riverside Park reveals some interesting information pertaining to its origins and former uses of the land. It presents us with many possibilities—historical features and architectural plans—that may be worth reviving. It also offers some insight into the many challenges involved in maintaining our urban green spaces for future generations to enjoy.
As we consider the future of Riverside Park, it is worthwhile to know its past.
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LYNCH’S FERRY
Photo courtesy of Joy Graybill