Credit: Motleys.com

Over the past couple of days there’s been some outdoors/parks-related news that deserves to be highlighted. On Friday, the Times-Dispatch’s Jacob Geiger reported that Vauxhall Island, a 2.82-acre sliver of land in the middle of the James River downtown, had been auctioned to local non-profit The Enrichmond Foundation. The group won a sealed-bid auction for an as-yet-undisclosed sum. Enrichmond Executive Director John Sydnor told the T-D that the group would share it’s plans for the island soon. Whatever they are, based on Enrichmond’s history and stated purpose of supporting parks, recreation and the cultural arts, you can bet outdoor lovers will benefit from the purchase.

The second piece of good news came in today’s Times-Dispatch. Graham Moomaw reported that the entrance to the James River Park System at Riverside Drive and 21st Street will receive $90,000 worth of improvements next year.

From the T-D: Thanks to a grant from Altria tied to the 2015 UCI Road World Championships, the James River Association is seeking Richmond’s permission to beautify the 22nd Street tower entrance at Riverside, where erosion has created a steep approach to the bridge leading to the island. The outdoor group plans to improve the area by regrading some sections and adding planting beds, granite steps and a wood-chip path. The concept plan also calls for a new sign at the park entrance. Because the project would cost more than $25,000, the City Council will have to vote next month to accept the work as a gift from the James River Association.

A section of the 21st Street entrance to the James River Park System. Credit: Phil Riggan

How about that for a double dose of cool outdoors news going into the holidays, eh?