Science Museum of Virginia Advances Sustainable Green Space Development

Introduction to the East Green Project

The Science Museum of Virginia has initiated the third phase of its ongoing project to enhance green spaces on its property, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

In June, museum representatives presented preliminary designs for the East Green, a 5-acre public park along DMV Drive, at the state’s Art and Architectural Review Board meeting. This phase follows the successful completion of the first two phases of “The Green” project in 2023 and 2024.

Project Location and Site Details

• The East Green spans a 5-acre parcel bordering the east side of the museum, from Broad Street to Leigh Street.
• The site currently contains three surface parking lots and the former Workers Compensation Building site, acquired and demolished by the museum in 2017.

Design and Features of the East Green

The East Green is designed to be an immersive public park featuring:

1. Four distinct zones connected by walkable paths.
2. Water features including “The Spill” splash area for children and a vernal pool fed by storm and rainwater, promoting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through natural water management.
3. Native Virginia plants and gardens supporting biodiversity and ecosystem restoration (SDG 15).
4. Interactive art installations and educational signage about local flora.
5. Seating areas with stacked stone and play features such as slides for children.

The project preserves mature Willow Oak trees, providing an established canopy and enhancing urban green space quality, contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by supporting carbon sequestration and urban cooling.

Community and Environmental Impact

• The East Green aims to create intimate public gathering spaces, fostering community engagement and well-being (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being).
• Replacing asphalt parking lots with green space reduces urban heat island effects and improves stormwater management, supporting SDG 11.
• The park’s design encourages environmental education and awareness through interactive features and native plant conservation.

Project Development and Funding

• The Science Museum issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in April 2024; Marvel Designs was selected in September 2024 to lead design development.
• Construction is planned in two phases, with completion of construction documents targeted for February 2025 and construction commencement in spring 2025.
• Estimated construction duration is between nine and twelve months.
• The project budget is approximately $10 million, with half of the funds already raised through private donations, demonstrating strong community and stakeholder support.

Collaborating Partners

• Marvel Designs (Project Design Firm)
• Balzer & Associates (Civil Engineering)
• Phyto Studio (Horticultural Design)
• Ellana (Cost Estimation)

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The East Green project exemplifies commitment to multiple SDGs:

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): By providing accessible green spaces that promote physical activity and mental health.
• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Through sustainable water features that utilize stormwater and rainwater.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Enhancing urban green infrastructure and public spaces.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Preserving mature trees and planting native species to mitigate climate impacts.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Supporting biodiversity by using native flora and creating habitats within the urban environment.

Conclusion

The Science Museum of Virginia’s East Green project represents a significant advancement in sustainable urban development and community enrichment. By integrating environmental stewardship with public engagement, the project is poised to become a vital green space for Richmond residents, promoting sustainability and quality of life in alignment with global development goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses the creation of green public spaces and parks in an urban setting, enhancing community spaces and promoting sustainable urban development.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The project emphasizes native Virginia plants, mature tree canopy preservation, and biodiversity, supporting ecosystem conservation and restoration.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • By creating accessible green spaces with recreational features like water play areas and seating, the project promotes physical and mental well-being.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The project involves collaboration between the museum, private funders, design firms, and government bodies, highlighting partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.9: Integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into local planning and development processes.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 11.7.1: Proportion of persons who feel safe walking alone around the area they live.
2. SDG 11.7.2: Proportion of open public spaces in cities that are accessible to all.
3. SDG 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area (implied by preservation of mature tree canopy and planting native species).
4. SDG 15.9.1: Proportion of local governments that adopt and implement local biodiversity strategies (implied through integration of native plants and biodiversity in design).
5. SDG 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate (general mental health indicator, implied by promoting mental well-being through green spaces).
6. Financial indicators: Amount of funds raised and spent on the project, indicating resource mobilization and partnership effectiveness (related to SDG 17).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: richmondbizsense.com