Good afternoon,
I hope you enjoyed a fun July 4!
I have great news for the Westover Memorial Park located in the 1400 block of Westover Avenue in the West Ghent neighborhood. As you may recall, when Norfolk Parks and Recreation started the park renovation in 2024 to include new playground equipment, paths and benches, there was an issue discovered with the brick walls that surround the park. All of the walls were unstable and basically being held together by the ivy that had grown on the walls over time. Long story short, Norfolk is going to replace the three perimeter brick walls with brick again. I strongly advocated for the brick and that no other material other than brick was acceptable for this historic park. This park houses a 350+ year old live oak tree. There is plaque in the park noting it was dedicated in April 1923 to World War 1 veterans. Norfolk City Council voted in late June to fund the brick walls at $250,000. Once the brick wall construction is complete, the park will undergo the renovation that was already funded. I look forward to seeing this work done on this. And, I want to thank the surrounding neighbors who supported the brick walls and for your patience as we worked through this process.
Additionally, Norfolk City Council voted to allocate $850,000 to renovate the storefront that the city owns at 111 Granby Street. This is uniquelly located at the foot of Granby Street in downtown Norfolk and would be an ideal location for a retail or commercial use. Given all of the tourists arriving on the cruise ships, the growing number of residents downtown and with more office workers coming back to work, this could be a wonderful asset. I strongly supported this effort as it will enhance the economic vitality of our downtown.
The repair of the Elizabeth River Trail stretch on Redgate Avenue is well underway. Even while under construction, I feel like the path is safer and people won’t get tripped up on the tree roots from the pine trees. Give it a whirl and see what you think.
Enjoy your weekend!
Courtney
Elizabeth River Trail under repair
Westover Memorial Park
Grady!