The Greater Richmond ARC Park
“Throughout her life, we’ve managed challenges of our daughter’s roundthe-clock care. We’ve spent hours dressing, bathing and feeding her.
We’ve lifted her into a wheelchair to get her to and from activities our other
children enjoy. Her brothers climb on and off play equipment and explore
winding park trails. Our daughter sits and watches - not because she
doesn’t want to join in - because she can’t.”
Parent of a 15 year-old born with a neuromuscular disorder
The Need
Everyone in the family should be able to play and exercise with others, but many cannot.
That is because metro Richmond has no all-inclusive parks specifically built for people
with disabilities. There are even fewer options for adults than for children.
•
91,000 residents (11%) in metro Richmond have disabilities.
•
There are missed opportunities:
 For play and exercise: Obesity and preventable secondary conditions, as well
as loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression are prevalent in the disability
population.
 To nurture understanding and acceptance: Those with disabilities develop
social skills, communication and self-esteem. Those without disabilities learn
tolerance and acceptance.
 To improve the quality of life for every family in the region.
ARC Park
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The Solution
A handicap-accessible, all-inclusive, 2.4 acre ARC Park will be the first of its kind in
metro Richmond. Conveniently located on Richmond’s Northside, it will fully
accommodate those who have disabilities and will be welcoming to those who do not. It
will offer exercise, fitness, games, exploration, team work, and plain fun. Everyone, no
matter how able-bodied or disabled, no matter how young or old, will be able to play and
exercise alongside one another. The ARC Park will help to build a foundation of
understanding and acceptance for all.
Components and Features of the ARC Park
(Photos are representative samples of park components suggested by our families.)
A Boundless Playgrounds® model is
based on developmental play research,
tested in over 200 playgrounds across
the nation. There are three in Virginia
(Newport News, Virginia Beach and
Warrenton).
A Tree House allows people with
physical limitations – for example,
those confined to wheelchairs –
to see the world from above. Some
have never had the opportunity.
ARC Park
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Gardening stimulates leisure and
pre-employment skills. It allows for
education about healthy food
preparation and eating. Raised
planters, a prep/composting area,
and a greenhouse, shed and green
wall are planned.
Interactive Water Features take advantage
of water’s therapeutic value, with low volume
and flat surfaces for maximum safety.
Athletic Areas get the heart pumping
and teach camaraderie and
sportsmanship. There will be exercise
stations and other strength and
conditioning activities.
ARC Park
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A Multipurpose Field allows everyone to
enjoy impromptu games, make-believe,
picnics, and mini concerts from lawn
chairs or blankets.
A Sensory Wall, with interactive visual,
touch and sound elements, stimulates
people to use all their senses, including
those who have hearing and vision
problems.
•
Surfaces assure safety and mobility for people with walkers, wheelchairs and sensory
limitations.
•
Handicap-accessible, interconnected pathways, nature trails and natural boundaries
are filled with touchable and aromatic plants.
•
Shade areas provide protection for those with sun and heat-related conditions.
•
A Family Restroom, which is handicap-accessible, allows caregivers to take care of
basic needs of children or adults with privacy and dignity
ARC Park
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Who will use the ARC Park?
•
The park will be open to the public.
•
The park will be open 7 days a week – dawn to dusk.
•
The park, easily accessible to Interstate 64, Interstate 95 and Powhite Parkway,
will serve up to 300 individuals of all ages and abilities at any given time.
Planning and Timelines
•
2009: Focus groups with over 100 stakeholders to inform the project
•
2010: RFP for conceptual design and cost estimate
•
2011: Preliminary conceptual design by Land Planning and Design Associates
Feasibility study to assess fundraising readiness by E.L. Freeman, LLC
•
2012: $1 million dollar lead gift awarded
•
2013: Campaign planning and design development by the end of the year
Shovel-ready date finalized when costs refined and 75% of funds committed.
•
2014: Construction documents completed and site work to begin by summer 2014
•
2015: Completion of the ARC Park targeted for the end of 2015
Estimate of Costs
Land Planning and Design July, 2013
Fees: Design, Construction Drawings, Construction Admin
Construction: Mobilization, Demolition, Utilities, Storm Drainage,
Rainwater Collection
General Site Improvements
Programming: Developmental Play Areas; Garden Area; Sensory
Wall, Treehouse, Athletics
Building / Structures: Restrooms, Shade, Storage
Landscaping
Furnishings and Signage
Other Costs and Estimated Contingency
TOTAL
$
230,500
$
$
525,500
242,500
$
$
$
$
$
$
909,175
287,500
237,000
54,500
562,325
3,049,000
Not part of the project costs, an estimated $100,000 in annual staffing and maintenance costs will be
needed and will be incorporated into the annual operating budget.
ARC Park
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ARC Park Schematics
ARC Park
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ARC Park
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ARC Park
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