What in the world is going on with Monroe Park?

Monroe Park will reopen this June after a $6 million renovation, according to Alice Massie, president of the Monroe Park Conservancy.

The 165-year-old park will feature a new cafe, police substation and renewed enforcement of city policy regarding public spaces.

Prior to the park’s closing in November 2016, Richmond’s homeless community congregated in the public space and received services from local churches and organizations. However, the city has policies concerning the distribution of food and leaving personal items unattended.

The Conservancy reserves the right to get rid of personal items left unattended in the park. It’s important to the safety of everyone that bags and backpacks aren’t left alone, Massie said.

“Some people say, ‘Oh that’s discriminating against the homeless’. Well, it’s more that if you can’t keep your property on you then leave it somewhere else,” Massie said. “Any law-abiding person is invited in the park, it doesn’t matter who you are.”

The Conservancy, a nonprofit group that raised $3 million for the renovation, will also enforce compliance of state health and safety laws. Organizations providing food in the park will need to provide their health and safety certificate from the state.

“You can distribute food for free. We have no problem with that,” Massie said. “We would ask that group who wants to go spend the money — give it to a church or give it to a food bank that’s providing food in a healthier situation.”

The policies are not new, Massie said, but were previously not enforced. The park will be monitored by the VCU and Richmond Police Departments to help ensure a safe space.

“Most important is public safety and we will disclose that when you enter the park — the new use policies and the fact that you’re on video surveillance,” Massie said. “So our goal is to discourage any activity that isn’t appropriate for a public park and university.”

The city closed the park before the 2016 election so candidates couldn’t use it as political fodder, Massie said. But when Mayor Levar Stoney came into office, his administration faced city financing issues following Mayor Dwight Jones’ time in office.

The city had promised $3 million for the renovation to match funds raised by the Conservancy. But Stoney halted construction for three months to make sure the money promised by the city was available, Massie said.

The park’s renovation is on track despite minor permitting issues because of Richmond’s high demand for construction projects.

The Conservancy chose a local entrepreneur as the vendor in the bottom level of the Checkers House, the brick building in the center of the park originally built in the 1930s. The new police substation will sit above the cafe.

The Conservancy also finished restoration of the fountain placed in the center of the park. The park will feature wireless internet, movable tables and chairs, a gazebo across from the Altria Theater, water fountains and games, such as a ping pong table and bocce ball.

The bike path going through Monroe will remain, and RVA Bike Share plans to place a station there. Massie is also working on providing a free, 24-hour restroom open to the public.

All pavement was removed from the park and the contractor is working to aerate the ground, or put air into the soil so it can compost, because it was compacted over years of use. Massie plans for Monroe to be a sustainable site, mitigating water for trees and grass to grow happy and healthy.

VCU Facilities Management will help maintain the park when it opens. The goal is for the park to serve as a green living room everyone feels comfortable using, Massie said.

“It’s for all demographics. It’s the living room that you want to hang out in and play games, drink coffee, read a book, slackline,” Massie said. “And you don’t feel uncomfortable. No matter who you are — whether you’re homeless and you just want a great green park or a student or an elderly person or a family with kids.”

SaraRose Martin, News Editor