Washington Courthouse grounds project, Spring 2006

by Bob Lander, RLEP project chair, January 2006

With the garden areas along the stone fence on Porter Street planted in September 2005 and the Civil War Monument surveyed in October, the beautification project of the area in front of the County office buildings on Gay street, begun in March 2004, is about to enter into Phase 2. RLEP continues to evolve the design and phase the work accordingly. The intended design and desires have changed only slightly when we went to the actual planting and scoping out the paths and "rooms." Our timetable is a bit off, but specific sub-projects are intact, and we will observe more progress this year. When initiated, the overall project was deemed to be long term and deliberate, and we determined that work would be done as funds were available to complete a task.

In 2005, the huge Norway spruce and the dying maple pictured at left were removed from the front of the Rappahannock County courthouse. The two trees were considered a hindrance to the building and pedestrians because of their size and condition. A byproduct of their removal was enhancement of the view of the line of historic federal style buildings housing county government offices. Photo courtesy Jim Gannon.

In 2005, we succeeded in having the Civil War Monument surveyed by a professional monument restoration company. RLEP and Rappahannock County shared equally the cost of the survey, and we have received the report and a recommendation for its refurbishment.

Volunteers planted the cleared garden areas that will provide a Spring show for passersby. The cost of the soil amendments and plant materials was born by individual donations, the County, and RLEP. Maintenance of the gardens may be done by the Rappahannock County Girl Scouts as one of its community projects.

RLEP will be soliciting pledges for benches, pavement stones, plants, and a "wall" that lists donors that contribute time, talent, and treasure to the project. Details about the fundraising campaign and how prospective donors can contribute are being formulated. Citizens are encouraged to contact a RLEP Director to offer their services to work with the ad hoc committee on this aspect of the project.

We are delighted with the community support so far, which includes the County Board of Supervisors' approval, the contributions of funds by individuals and organizations, the volunteers who have done the physical work, and the planners who have given us the picture of what can be.

For information or to volunteer your talent and time, please contact an RLEP Director or Bob Lander, 540-987-8504.

Read more about the Washinton Courthouse grounds project: Civil War monument threatened by deterioration Progress continues at Washington courthouse grounds project, Spring 2005

 

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