Monroe Park - Richmond Virginia

Update on Park Planning

The final version of the Monroe Park Plan is avaialble for download.
This .pdf is intended to be printed double sided on 8.5” x 14” (legal) paper with a landscape orientation.

Monroe Park Master Plan
Adopted February 2008
click Here

Representatives from Richmond’s Department of Community Development, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities and Rhodeside & Harwell briefed a public gathering on the latest status of plans for a master plan for the revitalization of Monroe Park, the Fan District’s largest park and the City’s oldest park. About 65+ people gathered to hear the presentation and to raise questions, issues, and concerns.

The diverse group of people representing the VCU’s student body, VCU’s Administrative staff, neighborhood residents, neighborhood business owners, and other interested parties convened at Brandt Hall on Thursday, October 18. Participants were welcomed by Alice McGuire Massie, chair of the Monroe Park Advisory Council, a council of residents and volunteers named by Bill Pantele and City Council to advise the City on matters pertaining to Monroe Park.

Elliott Rhodeside, principal of Rhodeside and Harwell, introduced the current draft plans to those present and advised that the goal of the team is to create a gathering spot for Richmond’s citizens while respecting the historic sensibilities of Monroe Park. Details of the plans can be found at, October 18th, 2007 presentation. Pathways and pathway treatment, lighting options, amenities, and the park’s urban forest were the primary topics of discussion regarding the park’s physical appearance.

Dan Beiderman, who is consulting with Rhodeside and Harwell, discussed potential programming options for Monroe Park to draw additional visitors. Dan’s previous endeavors included the successful rehabilitation of Bryant Park in New York City and he continues his role with the Bryant Park Corporation today. In his closing remarks, he asked each person present to think of individuals or corporations who may have the dollars necessary to contribute to the revitalization and how each might be engaged in the process.

Bill Pantele, 2nd District Council Representative, closed the evening by thanking all the participants for attending the evening’s discussion and remarking about how much progress has been made since the first public meeting in April.

To contact the Monroe Park Advisory Council with additional suggestions or concerns, please see their e-mail and contact information on this website.

Results of the Charette

Click here or on the logo above for more WiFi information

Did you know....

there is a better way to serve the needy in Monroe Park? There is a facility at your disposal with tables and chairs so that the needy may be served with dignity, restroom facilities to meet their sanitation needs, and climate-controlled with heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.

For more information call (804) 233-4064 extension 205 or e-mail mgibbs@FreedomHouseRichmond.org.






Monroe Park is Richmond's oldest and most significant park. Located at the east end and within the boundaries of the Historic Fan District, Monroe Park has been languishing under an identity crisis. Some citizens think it is a parking lot, some think it is VCU's property; and many just don't know. Monroe Park is owned by the City of Richmond Department of Recreation, Parks, and Community Facilities and has been targeted by representatives from the Fan and from surrounding neighborhoods for an much needed end to its neglect. The Monroe Park Advisory Council has been charged with the responsibility to advise City Council about the restoration, revitalization and improvement of the park as Richmond's centerpiece. Members of the Advisory Council were appointed by City Council from civic activists who have proved their commitment to Richmond's future through their volunteerism.
Update on Park Planning The final version of the Monroe Park Plan is avaialble for download. This .pdf is intended to be printed double sided on 8.5” x 14” (legal) paper with a landscape orientation. Monroe Park Master Plan Adopted February 2008 click Here Representatives from Richmond’s Department of Community Development, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities and Rhodeside & Harwell briefed a public gathering on the latest status of plans for a master plan for the revitalization of Monroe Park, the Fan District’s largest park and the City’s oldest park. About 65+ people gathered to hear the presentation and to raise questions, issues, and concerns. The diverse group of people representing the VCU’s student body, VCU’s Administrative staff, neighborhood residents, neighborhood business owners, and other interested parties convened at Brandt Hall on Thursday, October 18. Participants were welcomed by Alice McGuire Massie, chair of the Monroe Park Advisory Council, a council of residents and volunteers named by Bill Pantele and City Council to advise the City on matters pertaining to Monroe Park. Elliott Rhodeside, principal of Rhodeside and Harwell, introduced the current draft plans to those present and advised that the goal of the team is to create a gathering spot for Richmond’s citizens while respecting the historic sensibilities of Monroe Park. Details of the plans can be found at, October 18th, 2007 presentation. Pathways and pathway treatment, lighting options, amenities, and the park’s urban forest were the primary topics of discussion regarding the park’s physical appearance. Dan Beiderman, who is consulting with Rhodeside and Harwell, discussed potential programming options for Monroe Park to draw additional visitors. Dan’s previous endeavors included the successful rehabilitation of Bryant Park in New York City and he continues his role with the Bryant Park Corporation today. In his closing remarks, he asked each person present to think of individuals or corporations who may have the dollars necessary to contribute to the revitalization and how each might be engaged in the process. Bill Pantele, 2nd District Council Representative, closed the evening by thanking all the participants for attending the evening’s discussion and remarking about how much progress has been made since the first public meeting in April. To contact the Monroe Park Advisory Council with additional suggestions or concerns, please see their e-mail and contact information on this website. Results of the Charette Click here or on the logo above for more WiFi information Did you know.... there is a better way to serve the needy in Monroe Park? There is a facility at your disposal with tables and chairs so that the needy may be served with dignity, restroom facilities to meet their sanitation needs, and climate-controlled with heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. For more information call (804) 233-4064 extension 205 or e-mail mgibbs@FreedomHouseRichmond.org. Join our email group powered by Yahoo	UpComing Events Stop by the Friends of Monroe Park table on April 5th after the Ukrop's 10K and pick up information on the park. you can also get a FOMP membership application and a magnet for your refrigerator. See you on the 5th of April! To find out more about the FOMP Click here