Evergreen Cemetery - Enrichmond€¦ · ii EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY EVERGREEN...

DECEMBER 7, 2017

Evergreen CemeteryPublic Engagement Summary

EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY iiiii EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY

Evergreen Cemetery is a historic

African American burial ground,

created in 1891 and located in

the East End of Richmond, VA. It

is the resting place for many of

Richmond’s African American

leaders of the 19th and 20th

centuries, including Maggie L.

Walker, John Mitchell, Jr, and

Rev. J. Andrew Bowler. There

are an estimated 5,000 plots in

Evergreen, most of which have

become overgrown after over 40

years of neglect.

EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY viv EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY

Dear Evergreen Families and Friends,

It has been a pleasure getting to know so many of you over the past several weeks, as

I’ve settled into my role as Caretaker of Historic Evergreen Cemetery. My position is a

humbling one, and you have generously shared your memories, offered suggestions,

and discussed the many ways that Evergreen is special to you and your loved ones.

Thank you!

The word “caretaker” embodies nicely the scope and spirit in which the Enrichmond

Foundation is approaching the renewal and restoration of Evergreen. Our mission (and

that of all who work or volunteer here) is to take care—of visitor needs, as facilitators for

families looking for loved ones; of grave markers, as stewards of this sacred place; and

of records, as scholars of the cemetery’s—and our nation’s—history.

How do we make it easier for families to locate loved ones at Evergreen? How should

we go about restoring and maintaining this special place? And how do we properly

honor those resting here, so that their lives and contributions are appreciated by more

of our young people, locally, regionally, and nationally? These are just a few of the

critical questions that you raised at our community gathering November 4th, which was

a meaningful and important turning point in a journey that began long ago.

For years, stalwart volunteers, determined family members, and passionate public officials

have called for Evergreen’s restoration and a renewed commitment to honoring those

resting here. There have been false starts and detours along the way, but today there is

real momentum behind Evergreen’s renaissance, and our shared mission continues to

capture the hearts and minds of volunteers of all ages, who choose to dedicate their

time and energy to shining a light on this treasure and the 10,000 or more heroes buried

here.

There is much work to do together. Many grave markers are threatened and require

urgent repair. Cemetery records are in need of conservation and processing. Brush

and overgrowth must be removed, in ways that allow for easy maintenance moving

forward. And family memories and histories need to be recorded and preserved for

future generations. How do we work together to accomplish all of this and more?

We must continue the conversation begun November 4th—in subsequent informal

community gatherings, while pulling weeds together on-site, and in discussions by phone

and email. We need to get to know one another, openly share our ideas and concerns,

and discuss constructive solutions that move us forward.

Just a few years ago, a successful, ambitious restoration of Evergreen was unthinkable.

Today, it is not only possible, but within our reach over the next few years.

Thank you, again, for returning to Evergreen and for joining in this remarkable restoration

effort. I have no doubt that, together, we will ensure Evergreen’s future, forever.

Yours,

Ted Maris-Wolf

"Just a few years ago, a successful, ambitious restoration of Evergreen was unthinkable. Today, it is not only possible, but within our reach over the next few years."

EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY viivi EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARYvi SOUTH END VISION PLAN

The Enrichmond Foundation Mission Statement

Our mission is to serve the people, parks, and public spaces of the City of Richmond. Since 1990, we have enacted our mission by supporting The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities through citizen involvement, education, and fundraising. The most prevalant of these services is acting as an umbrella non-profit organization for over one hundred volunteer groups and special initiatives or ‘Friends’ groups.

Our partners include community and civic associations, outdoor

enthusiasts, garden and history groups, and other citizen-based

groups whose primary interest is to maintain, restore, preserve,

or improve Richmond’s public recreational resources.

By affiliating with our Foundation and becoming an official

partner, these committed individuals are given the opportunity

to apply for grants and solicit tax-deductible contributions.

In addition, they can lean on us for organizational leadership,

resources and networking. The Enrichmond Foundation is

governed by a board of directors and works closely with The

Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities. This

relationship began when the Foundation was first established in

1990 with the assistance of the Citizen’s Advisory Board and The

Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities. The

purpose is and has always been to provide a means for citizens

to give back to their communities.

The purpose of this document

The path forward for the Evergreen Cemetery is one filled with

possibility. Enrichmond is committed to the ongoing efforts of

preservation and enhancement of this historic property, and

this document summarizes the public input gathered during

an outreach workshop on the grounds of Evergreen Cemetery.

This information will be the starting point for design discussions,

programming explorations, and preservation strategies.

EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY 1viii EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY 1

Contents1: Why This Plan, Why Now? . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Enrichmond's New Role . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

The Purpose of this Process . . . . . . . . . . 3

Evergreen's Story & Timeline . . . . . . . . . 4

Property Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Property Description & Mapping . . . . . 8

2: Where We Want To Go . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Outreach Strategy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Live Polling Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Environment Station Results . . . . . . . . 20

Community Station Results . . . . . . . . . 28

History Station Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Implementation Station Results . . . . . 42

3: How We Get There: Next Steps . . . . . . .52

Guiding Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Methodology & Schedule . . . . . . . . . . 54

EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY 32 EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY

Introduction

The sacred grounds of Evergreen Cemetery are in need of not only restoration and preservation but also a renewed vision. This planning process will allow the community of Richmond to create that vision along with a sustainable plan for maintaining the property moving forward.

Why This Plan, Why Now?

1 Enrichmond’s New Role

Enrichmond Foundation acquired the

cemetery in May 2017 and, in partnership

with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation,

will place it under a conservation

easement to protect it from future

development. In addition to protecting

the land, Enrichmond will enlist volunteer,

professional, and nonprofit assistance

to return Evergreen to an accessible

state. Major efforts over the next several

years will include: clearing overgrowth

and refuse, maintaining cleared areas,

mapping gravesites, recording grave

information, increasing visitor safety, and

making the cemetery and its records

available to families of those interred.

Enrichmond’s acquisition of Evergreen is

the culmination of six years of research,

relationship-building, partnerships, and

persistence. For three years Enrichmond

has supported volunteer groups in the

cemetery and witnessed their heroic

dedication and effort. The next chapter

for Evergreen will continue to include

many of its amazing volunteers and

committed organizations, with the added

support from Enrichmond’s 26 years of

successful public space building and

partners.

Enrichmond is dedicated to making

Evergreen’s sacred grounds public and

accessible to all – most especially to

family members of those interred. The

acquisition also represents Enrichmond’s

first step in bringing the three cemeteries

of Evergreen under one coordinated

restoration effort. For the last year,

Enrichmond has applied the same

dedication and persistence to the

acquisition of East End Cemetery and the

Paupers' cemeteries.

The Purpose of This Process

This process provides a refreshed

community outreach approach that

gathers vital input and a common vision

for the Evergreen Cemetery. Funding

from Dominion Energy made the event

possible.

The purpose of this plan will be to:

1. Establish a community-driven vision

for the ongoing preservation and

rehabilitation of the Evergreen

Cemetery property while defining

more specific visions for the future;

and

2. Create guiding principles for the

development of a detailed master

plan and toolbox of best practices

to guide future improvements to

Evergreen Cemetery.

"It always seems impossible until it is done.”—Nelson Mandela


Evergreen’s Story

The timeline above indicates a few of the major milestones

in Evergreen Cemetery's history. The earliest vision for the

property was to create a place of honor for the affluent African

American community as a counterpart to the Hollywood

Cemetery and the Oakwood Cemetery that only allowed

Caucasian burials. While the property originators had good

intentions, no funding of perpetual care was planned for the

property. This would prove unfortunate for the maintenance

and care later in the twentieth century.

Notable Burials from the Early Twentieth Century

» John Mitchell Jr. (July 11, 1863 – December 3, 1929) a

newspaper publisher, city alderman, banker and advocate for

African American equality

» Maggie Lena Walker (July 15, 1864 – December 15, 1934) a

community leader and the first woman bank founder and

president in the United States.

» John Andrew Bowler (March 1, 1862 – October 7, 1935) a

Baptist minister and schoolteacher who helped organize the

first school for blacks in Church Hill

» Sarah Garland Boyd Jones (February 1866–May 11, 1905)

Virginia’s first African American woman doctor

Property Timeline

Evergreen Cemetery is Established

The Evergreen Cemetery Association

begins the cemetery but makes no

allowance for perpetual care in its

charter.

The Property is Sold

In 1970, the Evergreen

Cemetery Association

sold its more than 5,000

plots to Metropolitan

Memorial Services, which

soon went bankrupt.

Maggie Walker's Death

After a lifetime of breaking

barriers for not only African

Americans but also women,

Maggie Walker dies and her

body is interred in Evergreen

Cemetery.

Volunteer Efforts

In 1999, NPS employee Jim Bell

led volunteer efforts to clear the

overgrown vegetation in Evergreen

Cemetery. In 2007, Veronica Davis

spearheaded renewed volunteerism

on the site, and in 2008, John

Shuck joined the charge. Mr. Shuck

has sustained a stalwart team

focused on Evergreen and East End

Cemeteries up to the present.

The Property Changes Hands Again

A group of black

funeral-home directors

bought the site at

auction. Eventually, Mr.

Entzminger bought out

the other owners and

became sole owner of

the property.

1891

1970

1934

1999

1980

Property Declines

Little

upkeep and

maintenance

occurred

during the 90s.

Enrichmond's Aquisition

After six years of earned trust

and relationship building,

the Enrichmond Foundation

officially purchased the

Evergreen Cemetery property

from the Entzminger family.

Conservation Conversations Begin

John Sydnor, executive director of Enrichmond, had a lunch

meeting with Katrina Entzminger, the eldest child in the

Entzminger family, to discuss how Enrichmond could help

maintain the cemetery and protect this historic treasure.

Over the next six years, another twenty or so meetings

would take place, and Katrina introduced John to the other

members of the Entzminger family.

1990

s

2011

2017

The property changed hands several times during the latter part

of the twentieth century. This was also a time when burials were

still taking place in New Evergreen plots; however, the historic

burials grounds were largely ignored with little maintenance

which allowed invasive species to take over many of the areas.

The twenty-first century brought new relationships and

conversations about the potential to put the property into

conservation permanently. Negotiations between the

Entzminger family, the owners, and the Enrichmond Foundation

yielded a way to protect this historical asset in a way that would

truly give it back to the citizens of Richmond.

The acquisition of the property in May of 2017 meant that a

vision of preservation and enhancement could be realized

for Evergreen Cemetery. The Enrichmond Foundation enlisted

the consultants at Stantec along with staff/students from the L.

Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Center

for Urban and Regional Analysis to begin a master planning

process in September of 2017. In November of 2017, the

cornerstone public outreach event took place in the cemetery

with around 75 community members participating in various

activities and providing their crucial input.

The master plan process will continue into 2018, and a more

detailed schedule can be found in Chapter 3 of this document.


The

historic

Car 85 streetcar

sits behind the Fowler Building

near what would become the Bland

Street light rail station. A vacant site

Context Map of

Evergreen Cemetery in Downtown

Richmond's East End Neighborhood

TheJefferson

Hotel

JohnMarshallHouse

Old StoneHouse

TheAlmshouse

NathanielBaconSchool

BarretHouse

BluesArmory

BranchBuilding

CentralNational

Bank

Donnan-AsherIron-FrontBuilding

EgyptianBuilding

FourthBaptistChurch

Hasker andMarcuseFactory

BollingHaxallHouse

LindenRow

Main StreetStation andTrainshed

ManchesterCourthouse

Mason'sHall

MasonicTemple

MonumentalChurch

DowntownRichmond Capitol

Complex

VCU MCVCampus

MorsonRow

OldCityHall

PlantersNational Bank

PutneyHouses

RichmondAcademy of

Medicine

SaintAlban's

Hall

Saint John'sChurch andCemetery

Saint LukeBuilding

ShockoeHill

Cemetery

Sixth MountZion Baptist

Church

SpringfieldSchool

SteamerCompanyNumber 5

Stewart-LeeHouse

Third StreetBethel

AME Church

TrinityMethodist

Church

US PostOffice and

Customhouse

The Virginia

VirginiaMutualBuilding

ValentineMuseum

WoodwardHouse

Young Women'sChristian

Association

CapitolSquare

Alice FitzPlayground

Fairfield CourtPublic HousingDevelopment

FirstBaptistChurch

Kent-ValentineHouse

Leigh StreetBaptistChurch

Taylor-MayoHouse

LoewsTheatre

VirginiaDepartment of

Highways Building

GraceHospital

Old VirginiaState Library

AbnerClayPark

ArmstrongPlayground

BillRobinson

Playground

Blackwell CommunityCenter (Charlie D

Sydnor Playground)

Brown'sIsland Park

Calhoun Community Centerand Playground

Canal WalkPlaza

ChelseaVillagePark

ChimborazoPark

ChimborazoPlayground

(closed 1/2005)

Gillies CreekNature Area(Fulton Park)

JeffersonPark

KanawhaPlaza Park

LibbyHillPark

ManchesterPark

MontroseHeights

Playground

GreatShiplock

Park

Taylor'sHill Park

Henry CoalterCabell House

Centenary UnitedMethodist Church

CrozetHouse

GlasgowHouse

JamesCenter

PatrickHenryPark

American CivilWar Center At

Historic Tredegar

Creighton CourtPublic HousingDevelopment

WoodcroftVillage

Fulton PublicHousing Community

EvergreenCemetery

AdamCraigHouse

CityJail

StateCapitol

CapitolSquare

Bell Tower

LeighHouse

TobaccoRow

Fairfield CourtCommunity

Center/RRHA

Gilpin CourtPublic HousingDevelopment

OakwoodCemetery

OakwoodHebrew

Cemetery

OakwoodPark

Playground

MosbyCourtNorth

Mosby Court SouthPublic HousingDevelopment

BrielStreet

Playground

CannonballTriangle

Park

CarringtonStreet

Triangle

Christian,James,Jr Place

ChimborazoCommunity

Center

ConradStreet

Mini-Park

CreightonCourt CommunityPlayground - RRHA

Ethel BaileyFurman Park

ParkerField (Luck's

Field)

FairmountPool

GovernmentRoad Lots

James River- Ancarrow's

Landing

LibraryPark

M StreetCemetery

Mosby CourtCommunity

Center

Nina AbadyFestival

Park

ColoredPaupers

Cemetery

RichmondColiseum

RMADeckPark

ShockoeSlip

Triangle

Smith-PetersPlayground

WoodvillePool

FairmountHouse

MarshallStreet

Apartments

HebrewCemetery

SouthernStove WorksManchester

Mosby CourtPublic HousingDevelopment

Ninth StreetOffice

Building

WashingtonBuilding

Walker'sCreek Retention

Basin Park

ArmitageManufacturing

Company

Haxall

Mill Race

Sto

nyRu

nC

reek

Gillies

Creek

JamesRiver

Glen EchoRecreation

Area

DabbsHouse

Museum

W Broad St E

N Bel

vider

e St

S

NBe

lvid

ere

StN

Mec

hani

csvi

lle T

pke

Stony Run Rd

W Leigh St

E Main St

Hull St

E Cary St

Nine Mile Rd

Williamsburg Rd

S 8t

h St

OliverH

ill Way

Semmes Ave

N

W Cary StE Broad St E

Nine Mile Rd

S 14

th S

t

Williamsburg Rd

9th

Government Rd

Fairfield Way E

Mos

by S

t Fairmount Ave

Nine Mile RdW Main St

N 9th

St S

N 23r

d St

N9t

hSt

N

E Marshall St

E Leigh St

N 17th

St

S 9t

h St

Williamsburg AveE

N18thS

t

Oliv

erH

illW

ayS

N 17th St

Oliv

erH

illW

ayN

Fairfield Way W

N 18t

h St

E Leigh St E

S9t

hSt

N

Sources: Esri, USGS, NGA, NASA, CGIAR, N Robinson, NCEAS, NLS, OS, NMA, Geodatastyrelsen, Rijkswaterstaat, GSA, Geoland, FEMA, Intermap and the GIS user community

EVERGREEN CEMETERY, RICHMOND'S DOWNTOWN, AND EAST END

N

Evergreen CemeteryArea of InterestPark/Public AreaCity BoundaryBuilding Footprint

Major RoadRoadBike RouteRailroadBody of Water

0 0.5 1 Mile

East End Cemetery

Property Context

All mapping provided by the L . Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Center for Urban and Regional Analysis

EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY 98 EVERGREEN CEMETERY PUBLIC INPUT SUMMARY SOUTH END VISION PLAN 9

E Morehead St

E Morehead St

W Morehead St

S Tryon St

South Blvd

East Blvd

East Blvd

West Blvd

South Blvd

S Tryon St

Remount Rd

W Carson Blvd

W Dunbar St

W Palmer St W Palmer St

Penman St

Winona StWinona St

W Summit Ave

Camden Rd

W Tremont Ave

W T

rem

ont A

ve

Toom

ey A

ve

Toom

ey A

ve

Chicago Ave

Miller St

Village Ct

Woodcrest

Ave

Doggett St

Abbott St

Cleveland Ave

Euclid Ave

Eucl

id A

ve

Myr

tle A

ve

Orio

le S

t

Euclid Ave

Gri�

th St

Gri�th St

Foster Ave

Bank St

May St

Marshall Pl

Sout

hend

Dr

Athe

rton

Hei

ghts

Ln

Lyndhurst Ave

Lyndhurst Ave

Lynd

hurs

t Ave

Winthrop Ave

Lennox Ave

Springdale Ave

Haw

kins St

Haw

kins St

Distribution St

Dunavant St

Balti

mor

e Av

e Nor

folk

Ave

Youn

gblo

od S

t

Rampart St

W Worthington Ave

W Kingston Ave

W Kingston Ave

W Kingston Ave

W Park Ave

W Park Ave

Larch St

E Kingston Ave

E Park Ave

Rensselaer Ave

Berkeley Ave

Mt Vernon Ave

Mt Vernon Ave

Baxter St

Berk

eley

Ave

Aro

sa D

r

Dilworth Rd

E Dilworth Rd

Lafaette Ave

Carlton AveBerkeley Ave

E Tremont Ave

E Tremont Ave

Brookside AveDilworth Mews Ct

McDonald Ave

Magnolia Ave

Mag

nolia

Ave

Iverson Way

Diana Dr

Dorothy Dr

Olmstead Park Pl

Sumner G

reen Ave

Mather Green Ave

Meacham St

Brookhill Rd

Broo

khill

Rd

Basin St

Benjamin St

Fairwood Ave

Fairwood Ave

Foster Ave

Rem

us R

d

Ideal Way

Idea

l Way

Poindexter Dr

Elmhurst Rd

Elm

hurs

t Rd

Berkshire Rd

Ardmore Rd

Law

ndal

e Rd

Hav

erfo

rd P

l

Oakcrest Pl

Atherton St

Marsh Rd

May�eld Ave

Belton St

Anson St

Dover St

Greystone Rd

Belton St

Mar

ion

Pl

Melbourne Ct

E Worthington Ave

W Summit Ave

Commerce St

Lincoln St

Quincey St

Penn St

S Church St

S Ch

urch

St

Winnifred St

Win

nifr

ed S

t

Mor

ehea

d Sq

uare

Dr

S Ca

ldw

ell S

t

S Co

llege

St

Kee Ct

E Carson Blvd Lexington Ave

Lexington Ave

E Bland St

W Bland St

W D

ilworth Rd

Isleworth Ave

Poindexter Dr

Park Rd

Kirkwood Ave

Springdale AveWinthrop Ave

Park Rd

Romany Rd

Greenwood Cli�

S M

cDow

ell S

t

S C

lark

son

St

S Cla

rkso

n St

Eldr

idge

St

Post St

W Palmer St

W Hill St

W Hill St

Morris St

S M

int S

t

S G

raha

m S

t

S Mint St

Wilm

ore

Dr

Wilm

ore Dr

Wilm

ore D

r

Mer

rim

an A

ve

Merrim

an Ave

Barr

inge

r Dr

Beech Nut R

d

Dun

kirk

Dr

Spruce St

Spruce St

Wickford Pl

Westwood Ave

Spruce St

Southwood A

ve

PEARLE STREETPARK

BAXTERSTREET

PARK

LATTA PARK

FUTURE SOUTH END

PARK

SEDGEFIELDPARK

SOUTHSIDEPARK

REVOLUTIONGOLF COURSE

REVOLUTIONPARK

WILMOREPARK

Irw

in G

reek

Gre

enw

ay

Rail

Trai

l

Rail Trail

Rail Trail

Rail Trail

Rail Trail

Rail Trail

DILWORTH

SOUTHSIDE PARK

SEDGEFIELD

WILMORE

BROOKHILL

SOUTH END VISION PLAN 9

Property Description

The Evergreen Cemetery property of 60 acres is accessed off of Stony Run Parkway. The western edge is delineated by a stream

corridor with Oakwood Cemetery just on the other side of the adjacent roadway. To the north, both the Pauper's Cemetery and

East End Cemetery are part of the current approach sequence into the Evergreen property. Gilles Creek Recycling is located across

the eastern boundary of the property, and East Richmond Road creates the southern boundary. The following pages illustrate the

physical features of the site including topography, floodplains, tree cover, and resource management.

Top, left to right / 1 Yucca plant

representative of African American

cultural landscape / 2 Stony Run

Parkway / 3 Existing entry monument

Bottom, left to right / 4 Open space

burials from late-twentieth century / 5 Historic burial sites overgrown with

vegetation

1 2 3

4 5

Evergreen Cemetery Aerial

Property Boundary


Left / 1 Tree lined, winding stream

corridor

Bottom / 2 Severe erosion cutting

away at stream bank

Right / 3 Evident erosion along stream

exposing tree roots 4 Stream is key

ecosystem on the property

OakwoodCemetery

ColoredPaupers

Cemetery

EvergreenCemetery

MERLE

STO

NY

RUN

EAST RICHMOND

RICHMOND

JEN

NIE

SCH

ER

Sto

nyR

un

Cre

ek

GilliesCreek

12011

010090

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EVERGREEN CEMETERY CONTOUR/FLOODING MAP

N

Evergreen Cemetery10' Contour100 Year Flood PlainPark/Public AreaCity Boundary

Building FootprintRoadRailroadBody of Water

0 0.05 0.1 Mile

East End Cemetery

Evergreen Cemetery

Contour Map & Floodplain

1

2

3

4


Top, left to right / 1 Unique caterpillar

/ 2 Box turtle / 3 Baby turtle

Center, left to right / 4 English ivy,

an invasive exotic species on site / 5 Kudzu, an invasive exotic species on

site

Bottom / 6 Stream bed with river rocks

1 2 3

4 5

6

EvergreenCemetery

OakwoodCemetery

ColoredPaupers

Cemetery

MERLE

STO

NY

RUN

EAST RICHMOND

RICHMOND

JEN

NIE

SCH

ER

Sto

nyRun

Cre

ek

GilliesCreek


EVERGREEN CEMETERY ENVIRONMENTAL MAP

N

Evergreen CemeteryForested AreaWetland AreaResource Protection AreaResource Management Area

City BoundaryBuilding FootprintRoadRailroadBody of Water

0 0.05 0.1 Mile

East End Cemetery

Evergreen Cemetery

Forest, Wetland and Resource

Protection


GUIDING THE VISION

Evergreen Cemetery is a burial ground but is also a public park. The sacred space should respect its history while welcoming visitors of the twenty- first century.

Where We Want To Go

2 “To stand still in the same old rut would be a positive crime. Make no SMALL plans. Small plans have NO MAGIC to stir people’s blood. LET US BE STRONG AND MAKE BIG PLANS."—Maggie Walker

Outreach Strategy

On a cool, damp Saturday morning

in early November, the community

gathered at Evergreen Cemetery to

create a vision for its future. A half

day workshop was crafted to solicit

input on a variety of themes including:

ENVIRONMENT, HISTORY, COMMUNITY,

and IMPLEMENTATION.

Weeks of logistical planning and site

preparation came together to create

a successful event filled with valuable

community input.

Opening remarks were given by the

following individuals:

» John Sydnor Executive Director,

Enrichmond

» Mark O. Webb, Senior Vice President,

Dominion Energy

» Viola Baskerville, Trustee, Virginia

Outdoors Foundation

The Stantec consulting team then gave

the audience an overview of the master

plan process and presented initial

opportunities and challenges. Before

breaking out into the activity stations, the

crowd participated in live polling utilizing

their smart phones. The input received

during those polls is outlined in the

following section.

After the live polling, the crowd was

divided into four groups that then

rotated through the activity stations in

thirty minute increments. Casual strolling

and discovery also took place during

the morning with many participants

marveling at the grandeur of the family

burial plots.

The day concluded with the Enrichmond

Foundation planting a tree to serve

as a temporary memorial for all those

buried in Evergreen Cemetery. The tree

symbolizes the initial step of honoring this

special place and the history it holds.

Tremendous enthusiasm for the beginning

of this process could be felt by the

crowd of around 75 participants. The

team shared that this was only the first

opportunity to provide input and to

expect to see the team again in ealry

2018.


4%

11% 0%2%

10%

11%

2%10%

50%

Where in Richmond do you reside?

East End

Church Hill

Shockoe Bottom

Manchester

Downtown

Fan District

Museum District (Carytown)

West End

Other/County

4441 39

24

3226

3

05

101520253035404550

Vo

tes

If you went on a tour of Evergreen Cemetery, what would you be interested in learning about? Select all

that apply.

84%

16%

Is the Evergreen Cemetery a space you feel safe in currently?

Yes

No

5

11

19 18

43

5

36

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Childrens PlaySpace

Cemetery Cafe Sculpture Garden Urban Farm Trails Open FieldSpace

Memorial Garden

Vo

tes

Which of the following potential amenities are you likely to utilize here at Evergreen Cemetery?

Live Polling Results


16

25

47

18

27

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Concerts Historic Theater Historic Tour Fitness Recreation Birdwatching OtherNature Explorations

Vo

tes

Which of the following programs are you likely to participate in at Evergreen Cemetery? Select all that

apply.

37%

63%

Have you ever participated in volunteer efforts at Evergreen Cemetery?

Yes

No

98%

2%

Would you be willing/able to volunteer in the future?

Yes

No

88%

10%

2%

How important is providing interpretive signage within Evergreen Cemetery?

Very Important

Somewhat Important

Not that Important

Live Polling Results


Environment Station Notes

The following ideas are from event

participants at the Environment Station:

Memorial Day Cycle of Care: People visit

gravesites on Memorial Day, and clean/

maintain gravesites. How do we create

a more frequent pattern of care from this

annual cycle?

Slave gravesites: Event attendees from

the Valentine Museum mentioned

that slaves of prominent

white families

have

their own plots at Evergreen. They were

uncertain if their grave markers persist

today.

Elevated walks: Many attendees

mentioned little need for elevated

boardwalks, aside from lower elevation

areas near the old entrance that may

potentially get wet. Still, these areas

rarely flood. (Some attendees did note

the value of established elevated

walkways to dissuade cemetery visitors

from driving into areas of the grounds

where vehicles are prohibited. Elevated

walks would provide ADA accessibility.)

Burning Meadow: Some attendees,

along with Virginia Department

of Forestry representatives

showed interest in

a burning

meadow. This could be an educational

tool, and valuable in areas with few

grave markers. Potential areas include

the current “kudzu field,” and large open

loop road that must be mowed.

Memorial Grove: The current kudzu field

could be planted with Long Leaf Pine

(or Short leaf, or Bald Cypress trees),

to function as a kind of cathedral. This

“memorial grove” could acknowledge

persons interred without grave

markers. This memorial grove could be

programmed/ have group gathering

space.

Gillies

Creek

runs along the

western border of the

cemetery property. Participants

took a walkabout down to the stream

corridor during the workshop. The

original cobblestone entrance to the

cemetery was also discovered.

Miscellaneous design-related ideas:

» Use plant species intentionally to bring

people to Evergreen. Tree and shrub

species as teaching tools; arboretum.

» Incorporate trees in an allèe, or on the

inside perimeter of the loop road. This

will discourage visitors from driving on

grounds inside of the loop.

» Selectively thin forested areas. Replant

with stable/desirable trees.

» Utilize goat herds to control

vegetation. Herd will need to visit

Evergreen multiple times each year to

demonstrate vegetation control. Goat

herds can dovetail into programming to

get young people interested in visiting

Evergreen more frequently.

» Richmond Tree Stewards is a local

group interested in forest health

and tree care. They may be a good

resource as Evergreen decides how

to maintain a healthy forest while

eradicated unwanted vegetation.

» An attendee from VCU mentioned a

valuable text specifically concerned

with Richmond’s African American

Cemeteries by Veronica Davis. Here I

Lay My Burdens Down: A History of the

Black Cemeteries of Richmond, Virginia

Left, top & bottom / Participants contemplate their input on the visual preference

surveys.

Above / Participants take a look at the beautiful view down Gillies Creek.


Orchard

Pick Your Own Bouquet Cutting Garden

Grasses with Mown Paths Hay FieldMulti-use Green Urban Farm

Grasses & SedgesAnimal PastureWildflower Meadow

Participants voted utilizing "dotmocracy" and were given three colored dots to vote on their preferred design

approach to open space within Evergreen Cemetery. The results are below:

Terraced Lawn

Environment Station Results | Open Space Visual Preference Survey

26%

8%

8%

5% 3%3% 1%

21% 15% 10%



approach to stream restoration within Evergreen Cemetery. The results are below:

Environment Station Results | Stream Restoration Visual Preference Survey

2%

21% 5%30%

2%

14%

5% 3% 2%

17%



approach to stream restoration within Evergreen Cemetery. The results are below:

Environment Station Results | Stream Restoration Visual Preference Survey

21% 13%

2%6% 2%

25% 11%

4%6%

11%


The

Community

Station included a

mapping exercise that asked

participants to explore the potential

community connections to and from

Evergreen Cemetery.

Community Station Results | Wordle of Preferred Community Uses & Future AmenitiesParticipants were encouraged to freely think about potential community uses and future amenities and write them in the provided

word bubble. Those responses have been compiled into the wordle below, a graphic that increases the size of the word the more

often it appears.

Participants

contributed vital

local connections for

consideration and also gave

valuable feedback on potential

and appropriate community uses

for the site.


ConcertsCemetery Cafe YogaUrban Farm

Sculpture Garden Beekeeping

Play Space

Historical TheaterHistory Tours


approach to community uses within Evergreen Cemetery. The results are below:

Fitness

Community Station Results | Community Uses Visual Preference Survey

25%

4%5%

11%26%

1%4%

15%

5%

5%



approach to trails within Evergreen Cemetery. The results are below:

Community Station Results | Trails Visual Preference Survey

27% 17%

1%

28%

5% 4% 4%5%

12% 5%


Community Station Results | Compiled Results Mapping Exercise

BIKING/PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIONS (refer to map)

C1: Evergreen could serve as the terminus of a Gillie

Creek Greenway that connects to the Capital Trail.

C2: Creation of bike infrastructure on the edge of the

city could spur safer cycling routes in the underserved

East End.

C3: Connect a nature trail between Evergreen and

Oakwood Cemeteries across Stony Run Creek.

C2

C2C3

C3

C1

C1

HISTORICAL CONNECTIONS

» Connect the story of those interred to the larger history of

Richmond including the Slave Trail.

» Connect this cemetery thematically to additional

cemeteries in the area (African American, Native American,

Jewish, Confederate, and others).

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS » Connect with local churches and other faith organizations

for volunteer events and programming.

» Connect historical/environmental programming to local

public/private schools in the Richmond area for field trips

and other educational opportunities.

Community members were shown a context map with the

extents of Richmond's Downtown, East End, portions of Henrico

County, and Evergreen Cemetery's location. Participants were

encouraged to draw physical connections (pedestrian, hiking,

biking) and discuss larger community connections related to

culture, history, and society.


History Station Notes

The following ideas are from event

participants at the History Station:

» Audio component to signage is

highly desired

» Mobile app or connection to

informational website for marker

tracking throughout the cemetery

for visitors

» Suggestion of a Labyrinth style

memorial garden

» Great interest in signs near

historic grave markers to provide

background on the individual and

their importance to Richmond and

society

» The scale of the memorial gardens

should be carefully considered to

not take away from the markers

themselves; consider placement in

the more transitional zones of the

cemetery.

» Sculpture gardens should not take

away from the sculptural grave

markers in the cemetery.

» Signage package should include

overall maps for visitors and perhaps

plant identification markers.

The history

station included

visual preference surveys

related to memorial gardens and

interpretive signage along with a

grave identification exercise.

Above / The youngest participants study the possibilities for interpretive signage and

give their opinion. Left, top & bottom / Top Stantec consultants facilitate the station

exercises allowing everyone's voice to be heard. Bottom Participants were able to

learn more about Enrichmond's role in Evergreen Cemetery along with interesting facts

about Maggie Walker. Below / The marker activity gave everyone an opportunity to

explore; some went into the wooded areas which emphasized their desire to continue

finding hidden markers. Marker restoration is extremely importnat to the community..



approach to interpretive signage within Evergreen Cemetery. The results are below:

History Station Results | Interpretive Signage Visual Preference Survey

6%7%

19%

0%

13%19% 13%

3%7%

11%



approach to memorial gardens within Evergreen Cemetery. The results are below:

History Station Results | Memorial Gardens Visual Preference Survey

17%

7% 5%

15%

7% 5%

9%10%

5%

20%


Implementation Station Results | What is the best way to celebrate this place?Implementation Station Results | What do you value most about this property?Participants were encouraged to freely think about how Evergreen Cemetery should be celebrated in the future and write their

answers in the provided word bubble. Those responses have been compiled into the wordle below, a graphic that increases the size

of the word the more often it appears.

Participants were encouraged to freely think about what they value most about Evergreen Cemetery write their answers in the

provided word bubble. Those responses have been compiled into the wordle below, a graphic that increases the size of the word the

more often it appears.

The Implementation

Station included visual

preference surveys, word bubble

questions, and priority ranking.


Implementation Station Results | How will YOU utilize this property in the future?Participants were encouraged to freely think about how they will personally utilize Evergreen Cemetery in the future and write their

answers in the provided word bubble. Those responses have been compiled into the wordle below, a graphic that increases the size

of the word the more often it appears.

Left / Participants discuss the property

with the National Park Service

representative

Right / Participants consider their

responses during hands-on activities at

the Implementation Station

Left / Brett Christina Glymph and Viola

Baskerville with the Virginia Outdoors

Foundation along with John Mitchell

and John Sydnor plant a tree at the

conclusion of the workshop as a

temporary memorial to all those buried

in Evergreen Cemetery.

Right / Jessica Maffey, Enrichmond

Marketing Specialist, guides

participants during the workshop.

Left & Below (inset) / Participants

gave their input on implementation

and programming through the

station exercises and also through

the interactive live polling. Results

from those questions are found

starting on page 16.


Priority 1 Priority 4Priority 3Priority 2

Participants voted utilizing "dotmocracy" and were given four colored dots to vote on their priorities for improvements

within Evergreen Cemetery. The results are below:

Implementation Station Results | Ranking Your Priorities

Marker Rehab Stream RestorationTrails Memorial Gardens


16% 13% 10%10%32%

6% 0%6% 2%4%


approach to branding for Evergreen Cemetery. The results are below:

Implementation Station Results | Branding Style Visual Preference Survey


CASE STUDY: Cove Haven Cemetery, Lexington, KY

» The clean-up and restoration efforts began with assistance

from the Lexington Police Officers and volunteers.

» Officers have been fundraising and working to remove

dead and dying trees and establish relationships with the

community around the cemetery.

» A Veteran’s Day ceremony was held to bring awareness

because over 440 of the interred were veterans.

CASE STUDY: Cove Haven Cemetery, Lexington, KY

» Efforts to revitalize were

started by a 16-year-

old who noticed the

overgrown lot with marked

and unmarked graves.

» The efforts led to the

discovery of marked graves

of five veterans from WWI

and WWII.

» The 16-year old began the

work as an Eagle Scout

project before partnering

the Lee County Cemetery

Preservation Commission.

» The plan consists of barrier

fence along the front,

benches, a gravel path,

removal of overgrown

vegetation, and plans for a

historical marker.

CASE STUDY: Greenwood Cemetery, St. Louis, MO

» The cemetery had fallen into disrepair since ending burial

services.

» An Olmsted Scholar working with the Greenwood

Cemetery Preservation Association studied the site to be

re-imagined as a multi-functional public space.

» The Association has been working with local community

groups and schools to clean up debris, maintain

gardening, and build new seating on site.

Implementation Station | Learning from OthersThe Implementation Station included the following explorations of other African American cemeteries around the

country that have gone through similar renovation efforts.


DEVELOPING THE VISION

The public outreach has laid the framework for conceptual plan development. The design team will continue to look to the community for a preferred direction throughout the process.

How We Get There: Next Steps

3 If you wish to move mountains tomorrow, you must start by lifting stones today. —African Proverb

Guiding Principles

As noted in the previous chapter, the

community has a clear vision for what

Evergreen Cemetery should be moving

forward. Their input will continue to guide

the master plan development.

»Maintain the sacred reverence of Evergreen Cemetery.

»Celebrate the history of these Richmond ancestors and expose their stories to visitors.

»Restore the existing monuments and find permanent ways to memorialize those unmarked today.

»Create natural surface, accessible pathways for visitors to explore the property.

»Manage the vegetation on the property with long-term sustainability in mind.


Methodology & Schedule

The master planning process will be

completed by a core team which

consists of Enrichmond team members

along with consultants from Stantec, staff

and students from the L. Douglas Wilder

School of Government and Public Affairs

Center for Urban and Regional Analysis,

and the National Park Service.

A Steering Committee will be formed in

early January that includes Richmond

residents, families of Evergreen, and

community leaders. Several champions

were identified during the initial public

workshop and should be enlisted as

part of this group of 10-12 individuals.

Responsibilities include being a sounding

board for the design team as ideas begin

to develop. The steering committee will

also be tasked with getting the word out

about public events and reviewing final

deliverables for quality control.

Site Analysis The team will need to

complete a thorough site analysis of

the property prior to conceptual design

development. This will involve another

site visit and additional GIS mapping

for the property. The physical elements

investigated include but are not limited

to: slope analysis, multi-modal site

circulation analysis, open space and tree

cover analysis, and stream erosion issue

identification.

Plan Development A series of draft

conceptual plans will be developed

based on the community input and the

physical site analysis. A minimum of two

options will be designed and vetted

through an additional public workshop.

The goal of this interaction is to agree

on a preferred design direction from the

community.

Plan Refinement After this event, the

design team will refine the final master

plan based on any tweaks noted during

the community event. An illustrative plan

and supporting graphics for key locations

throughout the property will be provided.

Final Plan Document The final

plan document will build on this initial

report and include not only the master

plan but also a set of best practices

for cemetery maintenance and

sustainability. Phasing plans along with

a toolbox of implementation strategies

will help Enrichmond and the Richmond

community realize the vision for

Evergreen Cemetery.

Project Phases Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March April May June July

Engagement Workshop

Site Analysis

Plan Development

Plan Refinement

Final Plan Document

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Milestones Kick-offK Steering CommitteeSC Community EventC Stakeholder InterviewsSI

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