“Bring your system to a hundred per cent efficiency by the use of Nature’s tonic and aperient,” reads an early ad promoting Fonticello Mineral Water.

Are You Ready for Hot Weather? Headline from early Fonticello Mineral Water ad.

While access and potability to Fonticello Park’s spring waters are up in the air right now, just know, Fonticello Park itself is a tonic for your soul. The park is active and thriving. All are welcome.

PARK UPDATES

Membership Drive

Friends of Fonticello Park will kick off our annual membership drive toward the end of May. Our objective this year is to promote the park as a safe and thriving green space. Be on the lookout for a campaign to drive awareness about the park’s features and improvements. Look out for education about Fonticello Park’s history and ways to promote park community engagement.

Pavilion & Splash Pad

Splash pad and pavilion construction is imminent. The last update we received mentioned that construction would start soon and would last until the fall.

General Meeting

General meetings occur on the third Tuesday of every month.

We discuss Park updates, any partnerships, programming, etc. You will also have a chance to share or hear from the city, neighbors, and members of the park community.

Virtual details for FOFP Member Meeting

• Tuesday, May 19 · 5:30 – 6:30pm Time zone: America/New_York

• Video call link: https://meet.google.com/yrg-gvtg-ssv

• Or dial: ‪(US) +1 405-357-8393‬ PIN: ‪613 170 639‬#

• More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/yrg-gvtg-ssv?pin=1090897059204

EVENTS

Workday

FoFP | Date: May 26th, 5:00 – 7:00 pm | Meet at Teardrop Meadow

In Honor or Memorial Day, the Friends of Fonticello Park and their partners, Future Habitats, need your help mulching, weeding native meadows, and painting picnic tables in the park.

This project was funded by a Virginia Outdoors Foundation grant and installed in partnership with the City of Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities, with support from LERN (Local Ecotype Richmond Natives) and environmental studies students from Varina High School. Together, we are increasing pollinator habitat, providing food for birds and small mammals, and improving stormwater infiltration in this historic park. 

Register for the workday HERE

Woodland Heights Civic Association Meeting

Park Community | Wednesday, June 10 at 6:30 pm | Location: Woodland Heights Baptist Church

Tiny Porch Woodland Heights Concert Series

Neighborhood Event | Monthly Summer series

The date and locations for this summer’s Tiny Porch concert have been announced. Join Woodland Heights neighbors for several rounds of local music and performances.

Find dates, time, and location details HERE.

Stonewall on Stonewall

The Woodland Heights neighborhood is coming together to reimagine “Stonewall Ave” in honor of the Stonewall Riots on June 28. We’re inviting neighbors to decorate their homes—and themselves!—along with bikes, wagons, puppets, and anything else you can dream up, and join us for a joyful parade down Stonewall Ave from W 28th to W 34th and back.

Together, we’ll sing, chant, build community, and celebrate the truth that Pride began as a riot—all while raising awareness, uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, and continuing the work of advocacy right here in Richmond. 

More details for Stonewall on Stonewall can be found HERE.

Last but not least! If you made it this far, I have a secret to share. There are many tasty treats throughout the park worth exploring. Strawberries in the savannah near the tennis courts are fresh, and the giant mulberry is producing a sweet cascade of fruit, too. Just watch your step!

Thank you all!

Your neighbor,

Carl