Overview
Timmons Group supported the City of Richmond and Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay in the revitalization of Blackwell Park, a centrally located green space within the historic Blackwell neighborhood of Southside Richmond. Guided by extensive community engagement, the project transformed an aging recreational facility into a more resilient, accessible, and environmentally conscious park that reflects resident priorities and long-term sustainability goals.
The effort began with the reconstruction of a deteriorated basketball court, requiring enhanced subsurface stabilization due to the park’s location on a former landfill. Building on this initial investment, Timmons Group’s Landscape Architecture team developed a conceptual master plan integrating recreation amenities with stormwater best management practices (BMPs), including permeable pavement, bioretention areas, native meadow plantings, and reforestation.
Navigating site constraints related to wetlands, streams, and poor soils, the team provided civil engineering, land development, permitting, bidding assistance, and construction administration services to deliver phased improvements. Completed in November 2025, enhancements include a permeable parking area, nature-based playground, walking trail, community garden, pollinator meadows, and expanded tree canopy.
Photo credits: Max Posner Media
