A person rides a bicycle on a paved path through Chimborazo Park, with large shade trees lining both sides of the path, open grassy areas, and a scenic view of the James River and Richmond's cityscape in the distance under a clear blue sky.

Chimborazo Park Conservancy

Preserving and enhancing Chimborazo Park for future generations in Richmond's historic Church Hill neighborhood.

The Chimborazo Park Conservancy and Friends of Chimborazo Park preserve and enhance this Church Hill landmark through community stewardship.

Established in 2023 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the conservancy was formed out of the Friends of Chimborazo Park to address the broader needs of this historic greenspace as it continues to recover and thrive.

Since then, we’ve been putting down roots—engaging volunteers and partners on environmental projects while planning for the future. Together, we’re building a sustainable foundation for a healthier, more beautiful park that serves our community for generations to come.

Our Vision

Our mission is built on four core pillars. Explore each to see how we’re working to make Chimborazo Park a cherished landmark for generations to come.

Restoration

Revitalizing and preserving the park’s environmental character through the recovery and expansion of our natural spaces and habitats.
Restoring and repairing the park’s unique cultural heritage elements.

Recreation

Providing vibrant play spaces, natural areas, and a dog park where neighbors of all ages—and their pets—can gather and stay active.

Connection

Building an inclusive, welcoming park through volunteer stewardship and partnerships that strengthen our Church Hill neighborhood.

Preservation

Honoring all chapters of Chimborazo’s rich history and ensuring its complete story is shared and understood by future generations.

Projects

Learn about our current initiatives and how they’re transforming Chimborazo Park for the entire community.

Mayor Avula, city officials, and Conservancy board members pose together on the grass at Chimborazo Park, with autumn-colored trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

ActivePreservation

Parkwide Native Tree Planting

Planting will span the next 2-3 years to restore the park. Our long-term plan for upper and lower Chimborazo includes invasive removal, native plantings, and ornamental additions.

Started Nov 1, 2025

Parkwide

To establish native trees in Chimborazo Park that support local wildlife, expand the urban tree canopy, and provide shaded areas for park visitors.

Aerial view of Chimborazo Park showing expansive green lawns and autumn foliage, with a modern building and parking area in the foreground, residential neighborhoods surrounding the park, and Richmond's downtown skyline visible across the James River in the distance.

ActiveRestoration

Broad Street Sidewalk Improvements

In 2021, residents raised concerns about speeding and accidents on E. Broad Street between 34th St. and Government Rd. With Dr. Newbille's leadership and DPW oversight, this essential traffic safety project began construction in 2025.

Started 2021

Broad Street along the park

To improve pedestrian safety and connectivity along E. Broad Street between N. 33rd Street and N. 34th Street by upgrading existing curb ramps to ADA standards, installing traffic-calming curb bump-outs at the Chimborazo Boulevard crossing, and constructing a new accessible sidewalk along the south side of E. Broad Street within Chimborazo Park.

View All Projects

The Park

Chimborazo Hill’s story reaches back centuries—from the indigenous Powhatan people to its pivotal role in the Civil War. In 1874, as Richmond rebuilt, the city transformed this storied site into a public park for all residents to enjoy.

City engineer Wilfred Cutshaw spent decades in the late 1800s designing winding cobbled carriage roads that embraced the steep terrain, revealing breathtaking vistas at every turn. These paths connected Church Hill with the traditionally African American Fulton neighborhood below, creating vital links between communities.

By the turn of the 20th century, Chimborazo had become Richmond’s beloved suburban retreat. Visitors arrived by streetcar to enjoy the bandstand, refreshment pavilion, and sweeping 180-degree views of the James River and downtown—a golden era that lasted through World War II.

Early 1900s hand-colored postcard showing Chimborazo Park from Broad Street, featuring curved pathways through landscaped gardens, people playing tennis on courts in the foreground, and residential homes visible beyond the park's tree line.

Today, the park includes scenic trails, a dog park, the historic Round House, a picnic gazebo, and an eight-foot Statue of Liberty replica erected by Boy Scouts in the 1950s.

Time and reduced funding have taken their toll—many of the park’s original features have fallen into disrepair. Invasive species and climate change have further diminished its native plantings and natural areas.

We’re changing that. The Chimborazo Park Conservancy is restoring, repairing, and enhancing this treasured greenspace to ensure it remains beautiful, safe, and inclusive for generations to come.

Events

Join us for seasonal clean-ups, tree plantings, educational presentations, and community gatherings that help preserve and enhance our historic park.

2025 Tree Planting Plan for Chimborazo Park

Past

Chimborazo Park Community Tree Planting

With a Church Hill Association grant, the Conservancy partnered with Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Richmond Parks & Rec to plant 94 trees—over 90% native species—in upper Chimborazo Park. Mayor Avula joined volunteers for this first phase of canopy recovery, supporting Richmond's Tree City USA status.

All About Trees Presentation

Discovery how climate change impacts our urban trees with author Mike Tidwell and Richmond experts discussing solutions from heat island mitigation to the city's new Urban Forestry Master Plan. Co-sponsored by Chimborazo Park Conservancy and Church Hill Association.

Oct 1, 2025

7pm - 9pm

Perish Hall, St. John's Church

Audience listening to the Richmond Symphony at Chimborazo Park

Past

Richmond Symphony in the Park

Join the Richmond Symphony for an unforgettable free evening of music under the stars!

Get Involved

Join our community of volunteers and supporters. Get updates on park projects, upcoming events, and opportunities to make a difference in Chimborazo Park.

Follow us online

Partners

We’re grateful to partner with local organizations that share our commitment to preserving and enhancing Chimborazo Park for the entire community.

Rotary Club of Church Hill

A community service organization dedicated to improving Church Hill through volunteer projects and fundraising.

Church Hill Association

A civic association working to preserve the historic character and quality of life in the Church Hill neighborhood.

Chimborazo Native Food Project

The Chimborazo Native Food Project provides an accessible community orchard of native fruit trees and shrubs and introduces the importance of native plant communities to residents of Richmond’s East End.

Richmond Parks & Recreation

Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities is "One Richmond" in delivering quality services, programs, and activities that encourages a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

A tree-lined pathway in Chimborazo Park leading toward an overlook with a clear view of the James River and Richmond's skyline in the distance under a blue sky.

Nature is not a luxury, but a necessity. We need the calming influences of green spaces to cleanse our souls and rejuvenate our spirits.

— Frederick Law Olmstead