The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Gateway 6th District, will host a creative-based collaborative workshop for the continued development of the Richmond Historic Canal Walk riverfront area. This workshop will be facilitated in two interactive sessions that are created to gather individual ideas, conceptions and expectations for the area. The event is being described as “An Exercise in Placemaking and Experience Design” and the two sessions will include:
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, Virginia 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov
COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS RELEASE
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Councilwoman Ellen F. Robertson to host collaborative workshop for developing the Richmond Historic Canal Walk riverfront
All Richmond citizens invited and encouraged to bring their ideas enhancing the Richmond Historic Canal Walk
WHAT The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Gateway 6th District, will host a creative-based collaborative workshop for the continued development of the Richmond Historic Canal Walk riverfront area. This workshop will be facilitated in two interactive sessions that are created to gather individual ideas, conceptions and expectations for the area. The event is being described as “An Exercise in Placemaking and Experience Design” and the two sessions will include:
• Richmond Historic Canal Walk – AS A PLACE
• Richmond Historic Canal Walk – AS AN EXPERIENCE
The sessions will be designed and facilitated by Alchemy, a Richmond-based consultant company.
Refreshments _________________________________________________________
Free refreshments will be served
WHEN Saturday, 28 August 2010, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
WHERE The Hat Factory
140 Virginia Street, in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Slip area
WHO The Honorable Ellen F. Robertson, Councilwoman, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District
CONTACT For more information, please contact Lynne Lancaster, Council Liaison, Richmond City Council, Gateway 6th District, at 804.646.7964 (office) or lynne.lancaster@richmondgov.com; www.ellenroberton.com (website)
BACKGROUND
The history of Richmond’s canal system dates back to the late 1700’s when, in 1789, George Washington lobbied the Virginia General Assembly to build a canal and turnpike system on the James River with the idea of increasing the commercial transportation capacity between the harbors of eastern Virginia and the Atlantic Ocean to the Ohio River and possibly as far west as the Rocky Mountains. Though work was done over the years on building a canal system, the viability of the project had fits and stops and the vision was never fully realized. This was further challenged with the advent and proliferation of train transportation. Paying homage to the beauty and historic use of the James River, the construction of the current Richmond Historic Canal Walk was driven by Richmond City Council completed by the City of Richmond in 1999.
The Richmond Historic Canal Walk is a free paved handicap accessible public walking trail located on the north side of the James River, beginning at American Civil War Center at Fifth Street and currently extending to 17th Street in Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom area. Entrances to the walk are located at Fifth Street, 7th, 12th, 14th, 17th and Virginia streets.
Currently 1.25 miles long, the trail includes markers, monuments and exhibits along the route that denote four hundred years of Richmond historic figures and events. The trail provide opportunities for walking, running, biking, strolling, canal boat rides and hosts many special events and outdoor concerts. It also provides access to local hotels, restaurants, shopping, businesses and outdoor amenities.
Future plans for the Walk include serving as an end point for the Virginia Capital Trail, connecting it to retail and residential areas located in historic Shockoe Bottom along the James River. Planned future phases include the following:
Section One
• A one-mile segment from Richmond Historic Canal Walk to the Richmond Great Ship Lock Park
Section Two
• A three-quarter-mile segment from Richmond Great Ship Lock Park to Richmond Intermediate Terminal
• Incorporating the Trail into a new public park located along the riverfront
Section Three
• A one-and-a-half-mile segment from Richmond Intermediate Terminal to Almond Creek (the beginning of the Varina phase in Henrico County), extending through the Village of Rockett's Landing.
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Steven R. Skinner, APR
Council Public Information Manager
Office of the Chief of Staff
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804.646.6052 (office)
804.335.4054 (mobile)
804.937.1386 (home/mobile)
804.646.5468 (fax)
skinnesr@ci.richmond.va.us (email)
www.council.richmondva.gov(website)
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MISSION The mission of Richmond City Council
is to represent citizens in creating and amending
local laws, providing government policy and
oversight, and approving the city budget.
VISION Richmond City Council is committed to
creating a vibrant community that is a great place
to live, work, learn, play, visit and raise a family.
