In May 2025, the Historic Richmond Board approved a challenge grant of $10,000 for the Libby Hill Parkhouse Restoration, contingent on CHA of RVA raising an additional matching sum of $10,000.  Historic Richmond’s Executive Director Cyane Crump has stated that “Libby Hill Park is one of Richmond’s most beloved historic and cultural assets. The Church Hill neighborhood’s committed volunteers have rolled up their sleeves to care for and maintain this very special place and we are very pleased to support their community efforts.”

In their first fundraising (2024), CHA of RVA’s Parks and Beautification Committee raised $10,126 for replacing the windows and is now launching a second fundraising campaign to raise the match for the Challenge.  If we are successful in this second campaign, the Church Hill Association will have $30,000 to help support the restoration, which is estimated to be about $85,000.  This level of funding  ($30,000) combined with the City of Richmond’s funds will help make the full restoration feasible in a time of budget constraints.

Located at N. 28th and E. Franklin Streets, Libby Hill Park is one of the three original parks in Richmond’s park system.

The iconic Libby Hill Park house, dating from the turn of the 20th century, anchors one of the oldest parks in Richmond.  Libby Hill Park was established in 1861 to allow for “breathing space” for city dwellers.  The park house was occupied for nine months of the year by a park keeper.  His job was to maintain the 7.5 acre park, cutting the grass with a push mower, tending to the flower beds and turning the gas lamps on by hand at night and off in the morning.    Libby Hill Park and the Park House were beautifully restored from 1990 -1994 thanks to a grant from a gift from former Mayor J. Fulmer Bright. Thirty years later, time has taken its toll and the structure needs a full restoration.

Click below to learn more about The Libby Hill Park House restoration efforts.