Community Support pushes campaign past $2.2 million
Thanks to the generosity of donors across Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, more than $2.2 million has been raised toward the $3.9 million needed to build the future downtown park. Supporters from across the region have stepped forward to move this project closer to reality.
The park will be a welcoming public space for families, events, farmers market activities, music, and everyday connection in the heart of the community.
In April, Build Our Park will participate in the 2026 Great Community Give, inviting the community to help fund the next piece of the project.
Build Our Park Project booklet
Explore the digital booklet to learn more about the project and discover how you can support Build Our Park through exciting giving opportunities.
Tap the image to explore the digital booklet and discover how you can support Build Our Park through exciting giving opportunities.
Ande Banks (left) and Eddie Bumbaugh in Harrisonburg City Hall.
City of Harrisonburg, Build Our Park Execute Agreement
On Dec. 10, City of Harrisonburg City Manager Ande Banks and Build Our Park President Eddie Bumbaugh executed the Harrisonburg Downtown Park Donation Agreement approved by City Council.
The agreement formally defines the process that will see the park through its construction and operation. This includes: preparing construction plans, a comprehensive budget, fundraising, construction, operations, and general provisions. Also acknowledged in the agreement are naming rights policies and the framework for Build Our Park to remain an engaged Parks & Recreation stakeholder into the future.
Harrisonburg City Council Approves Harrisonburg downtown Park Donation agreement
On Nov. 26, 2024, City of Harrisonburg City Council unanimously voted to accept the Harrisonburg Downtown Park Donation Agreement presented by the City Attorney office.
This is reason to celebrate! With approved conceptual plans and a donation agreement, our community has the long-awaited and hard-earned assurance the park will become a reality.
Early in the new year, Build Our Park will launch the much-anticipated capital campaign to fund the park’s creation. Meanwhile, along with all previous contributions to Build Our Park, 100% of donations made toward the project are tax-deductible and will qualify toward donor recognition levels, soon-to-be-announced.
To make an end-of-year gift or learn how to connect for future giving opportunities, click here.
City Council Approves Build Our Park CONCEPTUAL PLAN, AUTHORIZES CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE AGREEMENt
At its September 24 meeting, Harrisonburg City Council voted to approve the conceptual plan presented by Build Our Park and authorized the City Attorney to prepare the Downtown Harrisonburg Park Construction and Consulting Agreement for public hearing.
City Council Approves Build Our Park request for city to collaborate in planning
January 2023
At its January 24 meeting, Harrisonburg City Council unanimously voted to approve a request presented by representatives of the Build Our Park board of directors to authorize city staff to collaborate with the group to plan for the public park in downtown Harrisonburg.
The move allows deliberate planning by the non-profit organization and the city to move forward. The results of this planning phase will include a detailed site plan and comprehensive solutions to funding, development, and long-term needs.
Harrisonburg downtown Master Planning underway
March 2021
The City of Harrisonburg and Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) have launched Harrisonburg Downtown 2040, a community-driven plan for Downtown Harrisonburg.
The effort, in collaboration with a consultant team led by Interface Studio, is a community-driven process focused on what Downtown Harrisonburg should look like and how it could change in the short-and long-term.
Build Our Park recognizes Harrisonburg Downtown 2040 as the keystone to the years-long collaborative planning process that will formalize the ultimate scope of a park in the heart of Downtown.
Engagement opportunities will focus on what community members see as their priorities for making Downtown a more desirable destination, any additions they would love to see come to the area, and what things are important for them to see preserved. With Downtown already being beloved as the heart of The Friendly City, and known throughout the region as Virginia’s first Culinary District, now is the chance for residents to shape the next 20 years of growth, culture and design of Downtown.
“One of the things we are most proud of here in Harrisonburg is the incredible atmosphere and distinctiveness of our Downtown,” Harrisonburg Economic Development Director Brian Shull said. “That’s due to the hard work and dedication of our local businesses, and the creativeness and enthusiasm of our residents over the years. We are very excited to see where Downtown goes from here and what ideas our community brings to the table during Downtown 2040.”
“Downtown truly is the heart of our community, so we are excited about this opportunity to involve community members in imaging what Downtown could become in 20 years,” Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance Executive Director and Build Our Park Board Member Andrea Dono said. “With a community-driven vision and road map in hand, we will have a strategic plan and great ideas to help us achieve that vision together.”
All the information gathered will factor into Harrisonburg Downtown 2040, a master plan which will guide future development and projects in the area. The plan is expected to be completed in late 2021 and shared publicly before adoption in 2022. More information on the effort is available at www.harrisonburgva.gov/downtown-2040.
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