![]() In 2011, after years of collective work by grassroots organizations, the Greenway was officially adopted as a public park by the City of Richmond. Instead of a ribbon-cutting, the city turned on the park's splash pad after a countdown, sending dozens of children running ecstatically into the water.Friends Of the Richmond Greenway ‘FORG’ was formed 2006 to gather Organizations and Community Groups with an interest in maintaining the Greenway as a safe public space. The city opened the park with a ceremony that included performances from the West End Community Choir, a poetry reading by Greenville poet Glenis Redmond, speeches from city officials and prayers led by Greenville pastors Stacey Mills, Brian Habig and Byron Battle Sr. "This park has been a long time in the making," Elrod said. Karla Elrod said the park was "fabulous." "We love it because of what it says," she said. Greenville resident Cathy Hood said Unity Park represented everything she and her husband love about Greenville. ![]() "This piece of property that for so long was a liability for the neighborhood - it was a city-produced liability, a city-created liability - that in the future, it's going to be a city-created asset for this neighborhood," White said at the ceremony.īut as he spoke, a protester yelled, “housing is an asset.”Īs White talked about plans to donate city-owned land near the park to affordable housing, the protestors yelled, “Lie! Lie!,” “Liar, Liar pants on fire!” One protester also yelled, “They could have ended homelessness in Greenville. White said the city was not only fulfilling a promise, but also making another promise for the future. "Folks, we've been waiting since 1939," Flemming said at the ceremony Thursday. "You're going to have to get over it, because the park is here." “We demand that these resources be made available for housing even though it’s a flood plain.”Ĭouncilmember Lillian Brock Flemming, who represents west Greenville, said city councilmembers have fielded many questions about spending for the park. “This park is an abomination and it adds insult to injury,” Nwangaza said. And, “putting a handful of Black people, senior citizens in luxury condos, is not de-segregation.” Nwaganza also said it’s understood that $1,100 a month for a one-bedroom apartment - the average asking price for an apartment in Greenville - is not affordable housing. Unity Park opens in Greenville: Here's what to know before you go Unity Park opening draws protesters The Lila Mae Brock Plaza in honor of Southernside missionary and advocate Lila Mae Brock.An extension of the Swamp Rabbit Trail and a network of walking paths.Meadowbrook Green, named for the historic Meadowbrook Park built on the site in 1938.The Auro Bridge, a custom-designed wooden pedestrian bridge spanning the Reedy River in the heart of the park.The Prisma Health Visitors Center featuring a welcome center, gallery space and meeting space.Four playgrounds, including the 4,100-square-foot Greenville Water splash pad.Restoration of the Reedy River and wetlands.Located at 320 South Hudson Street, Unity Park includes: The Reedy River, once poisoned by pollution and funneled between narrow banks, now flows clean through the heart of the park. Land once littered with junk has now been carefully cultivated. ![]() The area looks vastly different than it did in Holloway's day. Related reporting: As part of Greenville is 'changed completely,' some longtime residents do not feel 'unity'
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