I met up with Lorne Field, environmental/historical educator for the James River Park System, at Richmond’s Pump House Park to see some of the improvements made on the place in the past year. I wrote about the park and those improvements in today’s Outdoors column. There wasn’t room for pictures in the paper, so here are some pics of what’s been done out there and what’s to come.

A few years ago, according to Field, volunteers Lyn Lanier and Chris Knoop saved the Pump House from a roof cave-in by jacking it up and putting in these headers.

The second floor of the Pump House used to be the site of dances and other social functions for Richmond’s high-society types. J.R. Pope, Richmond’s director of parks and rec, hopes to restore this area so it can be used for functions like wedding receptions, meetings, etc.

This dock was added this year by Field (pictured) and volunteers from groups like the James River Outdoor Coalition. Eventually, tour guides in bateaux will ferry visitors up and down the canal for tours.

Next Saturday (Nov. 22nd) at 9 a.m. volunteers will begin taking down these steps, which lead to the first-floor level of the Pump House, and putting in a ramp for handicapped access. If you have the time and inclination, feel free to lend a hand.

 

Posted by Andy Thompson in • Outdoors • Parks
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