Overview
The Byrd Park Pump House Accessible Path Project is helping transform one of Richmond’s most iconic and historically significant landmarks into a more accessible and welcoming destination for all visitors. Working with the City of Richmond and community stakeholders, Timmons Group provided landscape architecture and planning services to develop a vision for improving public access to the historic Byrd Park Pump House and its surrounding parkland while preserving the site’s unique cultural and environmental character.
Long admired for its architectural beauty and setting along the James River canal system, the Pump House and surrounding grounds have remained largely inaccessible for decades. Timmons Group’s design focused on creating ADA-compliant routes, navigating a steep slope, and improving connections between parking, trails, and the historic structure, and expanding opportunities for visitors to experience this hidden gem. The plan also included enhancements to recreational access, activation of the canal corridor, and improvements that support future community events and public use.
Because of the site’s sensitive historical, ecological, and waterfront setting, the project required a careful balance between accessibility improvements and resource preservation. The resulting design creates a more inclusive visitor experience while protecting the cultural, historical, and natural assets that make the Pump House a treasured Richmond landmark.
