A Gift for the Community
On what was once a dark, hot and unwelcoming parking lot, the Science Museum of Virginia has planted a community park called The Green. With Virginia native plants and trees, a stunning art sculpture, walkable pathways, sleek lighting, plentiful benches and unique interpretation in multiple languages, the public can enjoy the urban greenspace's natural beauty as well as environmental and health benefits.
The Green is, and will always be, free and open not just to Science Museum guests, but to all of the public. It offers the opportunity for community connection and deeper engagement with nature. Featuring 43 trees, 1,700 flowers and 3,000 grasses/shrubs, The Green tripled the amount of Virginia native plants from what was previously on the Science Museum's campus, contributing to more robust biodiversity for dozens of pollinator species.
In addition to removing hardscape and adding more greenspace, The Green gave the Science Museum's campus a cohesive look and feel. More importantly, the work improved campus safety by slowing traffic, creating a barrier along the busy Broad Street corridor and minimizing pedestrian/vehicle interactions.
The exterior enhancements serve as an example for the community—businesses, developers, residents, community groups—that greening efforts are possible and beneficial. It’s important to not just talk about going green, but to take action to make that happen.
The project aligns with the city’s Richmond 300 development plan, which prioritizes green infrastructure for Greater Scott’s Addition, one of the fastest growing, mixed-use neighborhoods in the city with one of the lowest levels of urban tree cover. Transitioning parts of the Science Museum’s campus from gray to green helps mitigate the urban heat island effect in the Scott’s Addition area, all while preserving the iconic design envisioned by Broad Street Station architect John Russell Pope more than a century ago.
How did The Green happen? Through the generosity of our community. Donors have invested in this significant improvement for the benefit of the entire community.
What inspired project supporters? Watch the video below to find out.
Seek and Find: The Green
Enhance your tour of our urban community greenspace with this engaging activity!
The Green Guide Nature Journal
Do your future scientists love nature and observing the environment? Enhance their experience in The Green with our Nature Journal.
