Hello Friends,

Seasons come and seasons go! There are few places better to witness this than at Fonticello Park. We’re saying goodbye to our longer days, the abundant sequences of flowers, and the bustle of celebrations and team sports.

Some goodbyes are more difficult. As many of you have seen on Instagram and Facebook the Old Fonticello Mulberry fell after a recent storm. Unfortunately, the live tree was not salvageable. We appreciate all the ideas and suggestions to keep it going. Alas, there may be hope for it to live on in other forms. We have repurposed the burls, and we’re considering how to use them next. Our friends with Richmond Parks and Recreation will let the mulberry’s stump remain. We hope healthy roots will give life to suckers that may eventually become another large, fruitful mulberry tree. We’re grateful for the Old Fonticello Mulberry and everything it’s given over the decades.

As summer wraps up, we have several park and community updates.

Park Updates

⚠️ Be on the lookout for details on the next Workday in the Park.

Next General Meeting

September 15th (Time & Details TBD)

We have been trying to stay in touch with Richmond Parks and Recreation leadership to get updates on the park pavilion. Much of the demolition on the building and surrounding area has wrapped. We have also seen the beginning os roof repair and interior work in the last couple of weeks.

Neighborhood Updates

Woodland Height Civic Association Meeting

September 9th at 6:30 pm | Woodland Heights Baptist

The Next WHCA meeting: September 9th at 6:30 pm at Woodland Heights Baptist.

Southside Spooky Ride

Friday, October 23  •  6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Route TBD

Get ready for a thrilling adventure on the Southside Spooky Ride! Join us for a night of chills and thrills as we explore the haunted side of the South of the River neighborhoods. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or just looking for a spooky good time, this event is sure to send shivers down your spine. Don’t miss out on this hair-raising experience – on bike- reserve your spot now!

Prepare yourself for a ghostly ride through Richmond’s South of the River neighborhoods!

WANT YOUR HOUSE (or a neighbor’s) TO HAUNT THE MAP?

• Add your spooky display to the Southside Spooky Map and let your neighbors know where the ghosts, ghouls, skeletons, witches, monsters, and general Halloween weirdos are lurking.

Southside Spooky Ride: Reserve your spot!

Porch Night Woodland Heights

September 20th 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

The next date is coming soon! Be sure to check out https://porchnight.org/ and share it with your neighbors! This is a special one for FoFP as this month’s converts are near the park. You’ll find the full porch map, artist lineup, and everything you need to plan your musical adventure at the website.