Belhaven Park

The Northside Sun says plans for Belhaven Park are moving forward:

On March 28, the commission voted to accept the Greater Belhaven Neighborhood Foundation’s (GBNF) proposal to improve the park located between Poplar Street and Moody Creek. And last week, the city council voted unanimously to accept two parcels of land from the foundation, greatly expanding the size of the park, and entered into an agreement with the group that will allow them to improve the green space now that it’s changed hands.

GBNF Executive Director Virgi Lindsay said she’s pleased with the decisions and is looking forward to implementing their plans to build up the urban area. Lindsay envisions a park complete with walking trails, benches and serene spots to meditate. “This will be a place where professionals can eat lunch, read a book or escape from the city,” she said. The park will be an ideal spot for Baptist Hospital employees to visit during their lunch hour.

To date, the foundation has brought in $150,000 for the project. Last summer, GBNF spent $40,000 to purchase a strip of land from property owner John Lewis. And late last year, the city council voted to close a portion of Kenwood Place, doubling the size of the neighborhood park. Belhaven couple Margaret and Brett Cupples also recently donated a small parcel of land on Gillespie Street for the park. Last week, both strips of land were accepted by the city council.

Overton Moore, a local landscape architect, has drawn updesigns for the park. And Stratton Bull, a Belhaven attorney who lives near the park, has helped GBNF with legal matters.

Read the full story here: Belhaven Park project includes walking trails; now owned by city