VPM News
What you need to know about the Mayo Island Park transformation
9/12/2025 | 1m 22sVideo has Closed Captions
Richmond’s Mayo Island Park is getting some new protections and a glow up.
Richmond’s Mayo Island Park is now part of the James River Park System and is protected from future development. City leaders plan to transform it into a new green space for Richmonders.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
VPM News is a local public television program presented by VPM
VPM News
What you need to know about the Mayo Island Park transformation
9/12/2025 | 1m 22sVideo has Closed Captions
Richmond’s Mayo Island Park is now part of the James River Park System and is protected from future development. City leaders plan to transform it into a new green space for Richmonders.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch VPM News
VPM News is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipKEYRIS MANZANARES: Richmond's Mayo Island is now permanently protected through a conservation easement.
City leaders and Gov.
Glenn Youngkin came together to celebrate the milestone.
The easement places restrictions on future development and preserves 14.5 acres of the island for generations to come.
DANNY AVULA: For years, this Mayo Island has stood as a massive concrete, hard, hot, largely inaccessible.
But now it's going to be restored to a natural area park.
KEYRIS MANZANARES: Youngkin said the Mayo Island Park upgrades can help highlight one of the River City's claims to fame.
GLENN YOUNGKIN: Richmond is the only urban city in America to have Class IV rapids within its boundaries.
And so I know we'll keep it safe, but I think it will also provide great recreational opportunities as well.
KEYRIS MANZANARES: Plans for the park include an overlook, picnic areas, raised sidewalks, and an immersive art feature.
The city has allocated $16 million in their current budget to begin the demolition phase.
The park is expected to open in October 2026.
Keyris Manzanares, VPM News.
- News and Public Affairs
Top journalists deliver compelling original analysis of the hour's headlines.
- News and Public Affairs
FRONTLINE is investigative journalism that questions, explains and changes our world.
Support for PBS provided by:
VPM News is a local public television program presented by VPM