330 Greenway Lane
A quarter-mile community greenway in Richmond, VA — converting a gravel alley and open drainage ditch into a permeable, planted corridor for neighbors, pollinators, and stormwater.
The Vision
330 Greenway Lane (rear) is a 10-foot-wide, quarter-mile alley running between residential homes in Richmond's Glenburnie neighborhood. Anchored by a church on one end and a generous lawn on the other, it currently sits as a gravel lane with an open drainage ditch down the center — a hazard, a missed opportunity, and a community asset waiting to happen.
The goal is to transform it into a community green alley: permeable surface, bioswale drainage, native wildflowers, solar lighting, seating, and a donor-engraved brick walk at each entrance. Similar projects have been completed in Baltimore, Chicago, and right here in Richmond along 12th and 5th Streets.
What We're Building
Four phases of construction, each triggered by a community fundraising milestone.
Phase 1 — Bioswale
Convert the open drainage ditch into a functioning bioswale with engineered soil media and native plantings — sedges, rushes, and native grasses that filter stormwater naturally.
Phase 2 — Permeable Surface
Replace the compacted gravel with porous asphalt or permeable pavers across the full 13,200 sq ft — eliminating runoff and letting rain recharge the groundwater.
Phase 3 — Planting
Add native wildflower plantings between the bioswale edge and the walking surface.
Phase 4 — Customized Brick Installation
Install solar LED pathway lights, lay the engraved donor brick walks at each entrance, add gateway markers, and formally dedicate the greenway to the community.
Support With a Brick
The greenway is community-funded through an engraved brick campaign. Every 1,000 bricks sold funds the next phase of construction. Bricks are permanently installed in the donor walk at the alley entrances — a lasting way to put your name on something good in Richmond.
| Size | Price | Lines |
|---|---|---|
| 4×8" standard | $100 | 3 lines of text |
| 8×8" square | $200 | 6 lines of text |
4,000 bricks fully funds the project. Each milestone unlocks the next phase of construction.
Grants & Public Funding
The project is pursuing several matching grants alongside the brick campaign:
- EPA G3 Grant — up to $175,000 for construction via the Chesapeake Bay Trust. Richmond projects have won this before.
- Richmond NCRG — up to $49,999 directly to nonprofits for green infrastructure in the City of Richmond.
- Virginia VCAP — up to 80% cost-share for permeable pavement for abutting property owners.
- VA Community Flood Preparedness Fund — nature-based stormwater solutions with City of Richmond as co-applicant.
The project is seeking 501(c)(3) nonprofit sponsorship to access grant funding. If your organization can serve as fiscal sponsor, get in touch.
By the Numbers
1,320 ft
Length of the alley — a full quarter mile of new greenway
13,200 sq ft
Total permeable surface replacing compacted gravel and runoff
4,000 bricks
Community fundraising goal — each milestone funds the next phase
$300k–$350k
Total project budget target, combining brick sales and grants
$0
Cost to the City — a community-led project from start to finish
Get Involved
Order a brick, sponsor directly, or connect us with a grant opportunity. Use the form on the main page or reach out directly.