A Year in Review

Monday, January 04, 2010

Most of us are probably saying good riddance to 2009. But even though it was one of the tougher years on the economy, a lot of positive things happened. We’ve compiled this year’s Top Five community highlights.
 


1. Rocketts Landing Regattas


2009 brought two new regattas to Rocketts Landing: the Collegiate Regatta in March and Sprints Regatta in May.



Collegiate Regatta


Teaming up with the Virginia Boat Club and VCU to host Richmond’s inaugural and only major collegiate regatta, the event featured crew clubs from VCU, University of Richmond, North Carolina State University, Duke University and University of Maryland at Baltimore County. The crew teams planned to compete in 25 different races and various categories. Unexpected choppy waters made the river difficult to navigate, however, and the teams were able to complete only three races. Though the regatta was called off after two hours, we believe starting a new collegiate sports competition that celebrates the James River is a huge accomplishment.



Sprints Regatta


The sixth annual 1000-meter sprint took place in May and included an array of contestants from both high school crew teams and regional clubs. This was the first year Rocketts Landing hosted the event and many spectators lined up along the Intermediate Terminal Dock on the banks of the Virginia Boat Club and Rocketts Landing’s site. Refereed by USRA officials and controlled by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the regatta proved a successful and invigorating Richmond river competition. 



2. Virginia Capital Trail Cap-2-Cap Bike Ride


The Virginia Capital Trail is in the works to become a multi-use trail linking Richmond and Williamsburg by 2013. Rocketts Landing joined forces with the Virginia Capital Trail in May and was the official host for the 2nd annual bike ride, which raises money for the trail’s development. With a 40-percent increase in attendance from last year, 1400 riders completed the course, in either 25, 50 or 100 mile round trips. The event saw an upgrade of festivities this year including a VIP breakfast, beer truck, lights and live music.



3. The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing


Rocketts Landing’s first restaurant in the community, as well as Richmond’s only and highly anticipated riverfront restaurant opened its doors in August. Located in the restored Power Plant Building on the banks of the James River, The Boathouse has been serving a packed house almost every night since it opened. In November, the Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods (A.C.O.R.N.) awarded The Boathouse with their 2009 Golden Hammer Award for “best commercial renovation,” honoring their successful work blending industrial history with contemporary architecture.



4. Rocketts Landing’s Fountain


In November, community residents gathered together for the grand illumination of Rocketts’ newest structural addition: an industrial-inspired fountain. Local design firm Tektonics conceived and built the fountain, matching its design to the surrounding 100-year-old industrial buildings. Illuminated from below and within the fountain, light permeates through chinks and gaps, and reflects water streaming through the middle. Residents expressed satisfaction, stating the fountain offered a welcoming community gathering place, which will soon be joined with benches. 



5. Jingle on the James


Hundreds of people attended Rocketts Landing’s inaugural two-day holiday festival. Richmond’s only riverfront holiday event featured over 100 Virginia artists in an eclectic “art village,” James River Parade of Lights, James River Ringers Bell Choirs and Salvation Army Brass Band, RVA HoOp LOvers and carolers. Though the second day brought rain, the holiday festival vendors and attendees remained in positive spirits and marked the beginning of a new Richmond holiday tradition.