22nd Street Depaving Project

Written By Sarah Wilkinson

In June 2025, Groundwork RVA and the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities depaved part of the 22nd Street Parking Lot in the James River Park System, replacing the asphalt with 151 native trees and shrubs. This tiny forest, also known as a Miyawaki forest, is a great way to reforest urban spaces quickly by accelerating ecological succession, reducing maintenance needs, and increasing biodiversity.

A bulldozer scrapes pavement and dirt from the 22nd Street Parking Lot during the depaving process.
Pin flags dot the depaved area to mark planting locations. A graffitied retaining wall is in the background behind the lot.
Volunteers plant plants and small trees around the depaved lot where the pin flags are located.. A graffitied retaining wall is in the background behind the lot.
A bulldozer scrapes pavement and dirt from the 22nd Street Parking Lot during the depaving process.
Volunteers plant plants and small trees around the depaved lot where the pin flags are located.. A graffitied retaining wall is in the background behind the lot.
Photo showing the depaved lot planted with small trees and plants.. A graffitied retaining wall is in the background behind the lot.
Sarah Wilkinson
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