Brown’s Island Improvement Project Design Pop-Up
Share your thoughts on proposed plans for the future of this beloved public space!
Tuesday, April 22
3:30 – 7:00 PM
Area of the T. Potterfield Bridge entrance on Brown's Island
The design team will be ready to chat, answer questions, and most importantly, hear what YOU think. Your ideas and input will help shape the next chapter of Brown’s Island, and we want to make sure your voice is part of the process.
Everyone is welcome! Whether you’re a regular visitor, first-timer, neighbor, or just curious – stop by, look at what’s in the works, and share your thoughts. This is a casual, drop-in event – no formal presentation. Drop by, even if you only have 10 minutes!
The addition of canal terraces and new dock will increase access to the Canal. A permanent restroom building with drinking fountains is planned for this area too.
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. Over a million people set foot on 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
With more than half a million crossings per year, this enhanced plaza 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
This project is off to a great start – with strong leadership, major funding from the City of Richmond secured and a capital campaign underway.
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.
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.
Riverfront terraces for seating and relaxation and will provide unencumbered views and direct access that will put visitors closer to the water than ever before.
The Project Will:
- Include $30 million in enhancements: $10 million committed by the City; $15 million to be raised from private donors; and $5 million proposed by the City after $10 million is raised 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”
The 7th Street pedestrian bridge area will be completely transformed by large deck terraces with shade sails, ADA pathways, and an interactive splash pad.
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
Shaded by the Manchester Bridge, this area will be a multiuse area for visitors to enjoy and relax away from the sun.
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. To see the conceptual plan, community input process and how we got to unanimous approval of the schematic plans by the City Planning Commission on April 1, 2025, please visit our website here.
Get Involved
If you are interested in learning more about the Brown’s Island Improvement Project and ways to get involved, please contact us.