For my Sunday Times-Dispatch column, I wrote about a slice of overlooked, Richmond riverfront greenspace called Chapel Island. If you’re familiar with Great Shiplock Park, Chapel Island is what you’re standing on when you cross over the canal, walking toward the river.

Chapel Island, with the James River and Kanawha Canal on the right.

Both parks are either currently or will soon be sites of major renovation. Great Shiplock will become a destination trailhead for the Virginia Capital Trail, and Chapel Island will soon feature interpretive signs, a non-motorized boat launch and trails, including one connecting it to the 14th St. boater’s takeout. If you’ve never been down to the area, go take a look, then come back in three months. You won’t believe the changes that are about to take place.

NOTE: Volunteers are encouraged each Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m to come out at join Nathan Burrell and the city trail crew as they work on the trails and boat launch. Janurary’s focus will be on the boat put-in and corridor clearing.  February’s focus will be on trail building.