Greenway Gardens

History of the Greenway Trail

The Richmond Greenway Trail is more than just a pathway; it’s a vibrant and welcoming community hub that has a rich history. Richmond resident Lillie Mae Jones first envisioned transforming the abandoned Santa Fe railroad corridor into green space in the late 1960s, launching decades of advocacy and community-led development.

Thanks to these sustained efforts, the Richmond Greenway Trail was officially designated in 2007. A major milestone along the trail, Unity Park, took shape over a 12-year span—from early planning in the 2000s to its completion in 2018. Its development reflects the long-term dedication of local residents and organizations committed to reclaiming and revitalizing public space.

Today, the Richmond Greenway Trail stretches approximately 2.5 miles, offering a paved route for walkers and cyclists. Along its length, you’ll find vibrant community gardens, parks, orchards, and diverse recreational areas. This treasured green space continues to thrive through the efforts of numerous organizations working to support both the environment and the well-being of the Richmond community.

Urban Tilth’s Sites Along the Greenway

Greenway Community Gardens

Nestled in Richmond’s Iron Triangle, the plot of land stretching from 4th to 6th Streets was known for illegal dumping. Urban Tilth adopted the space, transforming it from a dumping ground into a vibrant, open harvesting space.

This incredible space contains raised vegetable beds, diverse fruit trees, and pollinator gardens, all freely accessible to community members.

Beyond its agricultural bounty, the garden provides essential amenities including picnic areas, tool storage, and composting facilities for neighborhood enjoyment.

You can’t go wrong with our FREE nursery stand stocked with freshly harvested produce, nestled beneath arbors overflowing with grapevines, thornless blackberries, and blooming passion flowers. This is a space where the community is always welcome to harvest, to connect with the land, and to experience the everyday magic of the garden.

With the ongoing support of volunteers and local neighbors, we continue nurturing the garden through dedicated volunteer days and summer workshop sessions where we regularly share valuable skills in home gardening, composting, and sustainable growing practices to empower everyone to cultivate their own thriving green spaces.

Unity Park

Unity Park is proudly adopted and cared for by our dedicated Greenway Team at Urban Tilth. Over the years, we have brought the community together through regular weekly, monthly, and annual events such as the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Roller Disco, Free Farm Stand, Halloween Land, and volunteer days that inspire collective action and connection.

Come discover Unity Plaza at 1605 Ohio Avenue, where you can pick fresh, juicy fruit grown right here in Richmond—completely free! Explore our incredible Edible Forest, a thriving multi-layered ecosystem boasting over 80 fruit trees, including cherries, apples, pears, and more. Walk under the trees where birds sing and helpful insects buzz, all working together in this lively garden. You never know what delicious surprise you might find next!

Spanning 8 acres, Unity Park offers much more than green space. It’s a vibrant hub with a community plaza, playground, gazebo, and open lawns—perfect for gatherings, play, and relaxation. With accessible walking paths, inspiring public art, clean restrooms, well-lit areas, and beautiful landscaping, Unity Park stands as a welcoming and empowering oasis for Richmond residents to enjoy and take pride in all year long.

Activation and Beautification Efforts

With the help of our partners, we bring the Richmond Greenway to life through diverse community engagement activities, from guided nature walks and volunteer projects to environmental stewardship programs. These initiatives create safe, welcoming experiences that build community connections, enhance wellbeing, and deepen residents’ relationships with the natural world. Throughout the year, our calendar features signature events designed to showcase the Greenway’s unique character while bringing neighbors together in meaningful ways. These activities provide vital spaces for relaxation, connection, and fun, particularly in Black and Brown working-class communities where outdoor spaces play a significant role in supporting mental well-being and reducing stress.

Weekly Highlights

Volunteer Days

Free Farm Stands

Tours and Site Visits

Annual Opportunities

Meet the Greenway Team

The Greenway Team supports these two sites year-round, working Monday through Saturday to maintain the Richmond Greenway Trail. Their dedicated efforts keep the trail clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Daily tasks include trail cleaning, vegetation management, repairs, trash removal, and building connections with local residents.