Renovations coming to Hotchkiss Field Community Center in Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Hotchkiss Field Community Center in Richmond will soon undergo substantial renovations, including new walking trails, needed shade and overall improvements to the center’s green space.

On Thursday, Aug. 22, the city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities announced on Facebook that the Hotchkiss Field Community Center, located at 701 East Brookland Park Blvd., will soon be renovated.

The department showcased a few renderings of renovation plans in its Facebook video, including some of walking trails and new outdoor courts. Community center supervisor Coach Allen said in the video that these courts will be perfect for pickleball, which many visitors to the center have been playing recently.

These renovations are being carried out in partnership with nonprofit Capital Trees. On its Facebook , Capital Trees announced that a groundbreaking ceremony for these upgrades will be held at the community center at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 26.

On its website , Capital Trees added that there will be an ice cream social after the groundbreaking, during which Ruby Scoops will feature a new Hotchkiss Green-inspired and community-selected ice cream flavor.

Capital Trees also provided more information on the renovation plans.

“The City of Richmond’s community centers provide essential programs and connections for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods,” Capital Trees said. “Building on community engagement by both Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities and Capital Trees, the Hotchkiss Green will transform 2 acres of turf into an inviting green space including walking trails, a pollinator garden, increased tree canopy, and areas for visitors to gather, rest, connect, and play. The green space has been thoughtfully designed to be functional as well as beautiful. It will help filter and manage stormwater thanks to the addition of rain gardens and choice of permeable asphalt for the walking trail.”

Capital Trees added that over 50 trees will be planted on the property, creating “much needed shade in an urban heat island.”

The nonprofit said construction is expected to begin in August and end in the fall of 2025.

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