Protecting Hickory Hill Green Space from Development

Community members rally outside of City Hall in support of preserving green space at Hickory Hill.

In 2021, Southside ReLeaf partnered with community organizations and volunteers to plant 100 trees at Hickory Hill Community Center, a historically significant community space in a predominantly Black and Latino South Richmond neighborhood. The planting was part of broader efforts to expand tree canopy, reduce urban heat, and invest in green space in an area historically impacted by redlining and environmental inequities. Just one year later, the City of Richmond proposed paving over approximately two acres of that renewed green space to construct a fire training facility and burn tower — bringing additional concrete, smoke, and industrial activity into a community already facing disproportionate environmental burdens.

Southside ReLeaf joined residents, neighborhood leaders, and partner organizations in advocating against the proposal through public comments, rallies at City Hall, planning and zoning meetings, action alerts, and public education campaigns. Throughout the advocacy effort, we centered on environmental justice concerns and emphasized the importance of preserving scarce green space investments in South Richmond. Following sustained community opposition and widespread public attention, the city reversed its decision in summer 2023 and announced plans to relocate the burn tower elsewhere.

Impact

• Helped protect approximately two acres of community green space at Hickory Hill Community Center from development.

• Preserved 100 newly planted trees intended to improve shade, stormwater absorption, and neighborhood climate resilience.

• Mobilized residents and community advocates through public meetings, rallies, communications campaigns, and action alerts.

• Elevated environmental justice and equitable green space access in public conversations about city development decisions.

• Contributed to a successful community advocacy effort that resulted in the city relocating the proposed burn tower project.

• Reinforced the importance of long-term investment in parks, trees, and community-centered green infrastructure in South Richmond.