Spreading Roots Urban Forest Walking Series

Photo showing the edge of woods opening to a grassy clearing, where a deer stands looking at the camera

Enjoy morning movement in nature and learn how we’re spreading more roots in Southside through the creation of new public parks with our Spreading Roots Urban Forest Walking Series!

Walking Series Details

Join Southside ReLeaf every Wednesday in August and September for a morning walk under the canopy.

Ernest Road Park

Photo of a sign that reads "Ernest Road Park Site" and an arrow pointing straight ahead toward a dirt path that leads between trees at the edge of the park

August 6, 13, 20, 27, 2025

9 - 10 am

2913 Ernest Road

Reedy Creek Wetland

Photo of Reedy Creek with trees and rocks lining its banks

September 3, 10, 17, 24, 2025

9 - 10 am

6102 Lamar Drive

Background: Five New Parks

The Richmond 300 Master Plan seeks to provide all Richmonders with access to public green space within a 10-minute walk of their home. As part of that goal, Mayor Stoney announced in the Fall of 2020 that the City would slate five Southside public parcels of land for future park development. These five future parks include parcels in the following areas:

  • Ernest Road

  • Rosemont Road

  • Hioaks Water Tower

  • Reedy Creek Wetland

  • Broad Rock Creek

Southside ReLeaf’s advocacy helped inspire the City to pledge the land to create five new parks, and we have been a key leader in developing these green spaces. Our goal has been to approach this work collaboratively, activating private, public, and nonprofit partnerships while engaging our Southside neighbors at each step. 

Volunteers from Mondelez pose for a group photo after finishing a workday to remove invasive ivy from Ernest Road Park.

Volunteers from Mondelez pose for a group photo after finishing a workday to remove invasive ivy from Ernest Road Park.

Maps & Parking Instructions

Ernest Road Park

Map screenshot showing where Ernest Road Park is located by Grindall Creek

Using your GPS, navigate to 2913 Ernest Road. Parking will be available on the street in a residential neighborhood. Please do not block driveways or mailboxes. Walk down the grassy path with the “No Parking” sign and follow the path to the right

Reedy Creek Wetland

Using your GPS, navigate to 6102 Lamar Drive. This address will get you closest to the park’s walking access path. Ideally, park by the median of the Beaufont Court loop or along Lamar Drive and walk over.