Brown's Island Improvement Project

Richmond's Biggest Little Island

Brown’s Island may be small, but it holds a big place in the hearts of Richmonders and visitors alike. There were over a million visits to this tiny island last year—for concerts, festivals, scenic walks, work breaks, and school trips.

Despite its popularity, Brown’s Island lacks basic infrastructure—no water fountains, no flushing toilets—yet it continues to host major events and countless visitors. But as its appeal grows, so do its challenges.

Now there's a big-time plan to add big-time improvements to Brown's Island

[NEW - 12/25] Brown's Island Improvement Plan Renderings [03 - Lookout Entry] — With more than half a million crossings per year, this enhanced plaza at the T. Tyler Potterfield Bridge will welcome guests of all ages and abilities while providing better connectivity to the river.

Go Big with Us on Richmond's Biggest Little Island

With strong leadership raising funds from the private sector and philanthropic organizations, and an extraordinary financial commitment from the City of Richmond, the project is off to a great start, and the capital campaign is well underway!

Your donation to the Brown’s Island Improvement Project will help enhance nearly every single foot of our beloved outdoor space – with safe, accessible pathways, interactive play areas for children, gathering spaces for families and friends, and environmental upgrades that benefit future generations. Together, we can transform Brown’s Island into a world-class riverfront park, welcoming all—music lovers, festivalgoers, students, kayakers, and more—regardless of ability or income.

Donate Now

For decades, Brown’s Island has connected communities. With millions of dollars in improvements, it will offer even more—enhanced spaces for recreation, education, and the arts—becoming the true jewel of the James River.

The Entry Kiosk with seating opportunities for visitors wrapped with a map of the James River Park System.

The Project Will:

Include $30 million in enhancements: $15 million committed by the City of Richmond and $15 million being raised by Venture Richmond from the private sector
Enhance visitor experience for 1M+ visitors annually
Support nature and the environment
Provide critical infrastructure for events and recreation
Ensure accessibility for all people, regardless of ability
Increase support for education, ecotourism, history and the arts
Make Brown’s Island the perfect place to “get away to it all”

[NEW - 12/25] Brown's Island Improvement Plan Renderings [05 - The Point] — A large deck terrace, redesigned stairs, shade sails, and an interactive splash pad will transform the entrance plaza at the 7th Street pedestrian bridge.

Board Testimonial

“Venture Richmond was created to engage business and community leaders in partnering with the City of Richmond to enhance the vitality of our community. It is work we take very seriously; downtown’s economic and cultural success are essential to the City’s and region’s growth. The Brown’s Island Improvement Project will transform the island into a world-class riverfront park available to all Richmonders. We proudly invite our community’s many generous businesses, foundations, families and individuals to join us in supporting this important work to elevate our Downtown Riverfront.”

– Farhad Aghdami, Board Chair and member of the Campaign Leadership Committee

[New 12/25] Brown's Island Improvement Plan Renderings [17 - The Breezeway] — Shaded by the Manchester Bridge, the transformed Breezeway will become a multi-use area for visitors to relax and enjoy the iconic view of the James River, as well as an updated “backstage” area during performances.

[NEW - 12/25] Brown's Island Improvement Plan Renderings [22 - Pavillion from Lawn] — A new performing arts pavilion, including a loading dock, restrooms, and green room for artists.

Environmental Stewardship Priorities

The Brown’s Island Improvement Project prioritizes environmental sustainability through native plant restoration, improved stormwater management, and resilient design that protects the riverfront ecosystem for future generations.

This project will:

Restore over 22,000 square feet of riparian buffer
Remove invasive species and plant 200 native trees and 60,000 plants
Add pollinator-supportive plantings and native groundcovers

[NEW - 12/25] Brown's Island Improvement Plan Renderings [14 - River Terrace] — The new Riverfront Terraces and the removal of invasive species will provide unobstructed river views along one of the most unique sections of the James River.

History of the Project

Venture Richmond started working on the Brown’s Island Improvement Plan in 2018 and received conceptual approval from the City Planning Commission in December 2019. The final project plans were approved by the City’s Urban Design and Planning Commissions in May 2025. The City of Richmond kickstarted the fundraising with its $15 million commitment to the project and the island officially closed for construction on November 17, 2025. Venture Richmond continues fundraising efforts into 2026 and is working towards reopening the island in October 2026.

[NEW - 12/25] Brown's Island Improvement Plan Renderings [10 - Canopy Ramp] — A new ADA accessible boardwalk will be added to increase access for visitors of all abilities, creating a smoother, more welcoming connection across the island.

Construction Updates

Brown’s Island is closed to public access during construction through October 2026.
The Canal Walk on Brown’s Island detours during construction. Follow detour signs on Tredegar Street to the Haxall Point Bridge on the eastern end of Brown’s Island near 10th Street.
The T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge will generally remain open throughout construction and will be accessible from Tredegar Street at the western end of the island. Follow detour signs.
The eastbound lane of Tredegar Street is closed from Brown’s Island Way to 5th Street through February 2026. This closure is for City underground wastewater improvements and repairs. The westbound lane of Tredegar Street will remain open and can be accessed by 5th or 7th Streets. The sidewalk on the south side of Tredegar Street will remain open.

If you are interested in learning more about the Brown’s Island Improvement Project, please contact us.