Hotchkiss Green gets a $1 million facelift. Here’s what to expect.

RICHMOND, Virginia – Richmond’s parks and community centers have been renovated in recent years.

According to Mayor Levar Stoney, the city has invested $78 million in new community centers and parks since 2017. The upgrades seem to be paying off, as the city of Richmond’s parks now rank 22nd among the 100 largest cities in the country – up from 48th in 2017.

The latest $1 million renovation was announced Monday at the groundbreaking for Hotchkiss Green on the north side.

In addition to renovating the community center, the city is transforming two acres of lawn into walking paths, a pollinator garden, tree canopies and areas where the community can “come together, rest, socialize and play.”

WTVR

“We have made record investments in our Parks and Recreation Department to ensure that Richmond residents, regardless of their race, prayer partner, loved one or zip code, have access to the best amenities like sports fields, trails, after-school programs, schools and just the opportunity to have fun,” Stoney said.

Hotchkiss Green is a partnership between Richmond Parks and Rec, community agencies, Capital Trees, and investments from individuals, foundations and corporations.

These partnerships prove that it truly takes a village to raise a child and potentially change their life forever.

It was the renovations to the Hotchkiss Community Center and the support of former VCU basketball star Lionel Bacon over 15 years ago that changed the path of Lorez Simms and his sons forever.

WTVR

Playing basketball at the Hotchkiss Community Center and YMCA helped Lorez get off the streets and eventually play in the semi-professional ABA league.

Lorez is now the owner of Team Simms Elite Training.

CBS 6 News Anchor GeNienne Samuels will have more on Lorez Simms’ story in the coming weeks.