Picture This: Huguenot Flatwater

Timmons Group worked with the City of Richmond and the James River Outdoor Coalition (JROC) on the Huguenot Flatwater Accessible Launch within the James River Park System. The new ramp is now the second ADA-compliant access point along this stretch of the James River, accomplishing another significant step towards the goal of improving universal access to the James River so both paddlers and adventure seekers of all abilities can enjoy one of the most valuable recreational resources in Virginia.

Aerial photo of the universal access ramp. there is a stair case on the left side of the ramp that has direct access from the parking lot to the launch point. People are outside enjoying the ramp and the calm water.

This area of the riverfront, located just upstream from the Huguenot Bridge, represents the westernmost access point within the City of Richmond and one of few flatwater sections of the river free from large rock outcroppings and impediments to paddlers.

A closer look at the ramp shows it going in a square leading to the access point. In the middle of that square is greenery. Poeple are sitting on the ramp wall.

This expansive section of the park is best known for its easy access to bird watching, bank fishing, river tubing, and paddle sports.

In celebration of the grand reopening, city leaders and members of JROC gathered on July 20, 2022, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony where they launched watercraft and enjoyed the first opportunity to utilize the new ramp and go for a paddle.

A picture of Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and members of the James River Outdoor Coalition cutting the blue ribbon with giant scissors. They are facing the crowd with the ramp behind them.

Timmons Group’s teams provided landscape architecture, civil engineering, USACE permitting, and project management services on this unique project in Richmond.

This project was recently recognized for Best Placemaking & Urban Design in Historic Richmond’s Annual Golden Hammer Awards.