Vision

A greener, cleaner, cooler southside

In response to the challenges posed by the urban heat island effect, RVA Thrives has spearheaded initiatives to enhance green spaces within the community. Projects include the planting of trees and the establishment of community gardens at key locations like the Oak Grove playground and Hickory Hill Community Center. These efforts not only improve the aesthetic and environmental quality of the neighborhood but also provide residents with access to fresh produce, enhancing both community health and environmental sustainability.

Since 2017, RVA Thrives members have been hosting regular clean-up days, tree planting, and beautification projects.

Since 2021, a Greening Working Group has been learning about climate change and resilience strategies and working to align neighborhood efforts with the City’s Climate Action Plan.

In 2022-2023 VACV supported neighbors in building and planting 22 raised bed gardens at TB Smith, Hickory Hill Community Center and Oak Grove Playground!

In 2024, VACV launched a Garden Stewards program, a team of local residents who are trained and paid to maintain community gardens, educate their neighbors about climate resilience and mobilize people to take action to make Southside greener, cleaner, and cooler.

In 2024-2025 the Greening Initiative will focus on working with the City of Richmond to do community engagement around the design of the new Broad Rock Creek Park.

Led by the Greening Working Group, the Greening Initiative at Virginia Community Voice is a transformative effort aimed at enhancing the Richmond Highway Corridor through the creation of vibrant gardens and other greening or beautification projects. By fostering green spaces and engaging residents in environmental stewardship, we not only beautify the community but also address pressing issues such as urban heat island effect, air pollution, and limited access to nature. 

Why this matters

People and communities affected first and worst by climate change must be at the center of solutions and action. However, historically, black and brown communities have been marginalized in decision-making, policy-making, resource allocation about the natural and built environment. RVA Thrives is changing this.

Many areas on Richmond’s Southside are considered greenspace deserts, meaning they lack access to safe, open, green spaces. See Climate Equity Index for interactive tool. The Southside is hotter on average than other areas of the city. It is considered a heat island.

The Southside is more prone to flooding and heavy rainfall events are becoming more frequent and intense, often leading to flooding because stormwater systems are overwhelmed.