Schenk’s Greenway update: Sewer work necessitates sculpture move

Upgrades to the sanitary sewer infrastructure that runs along Schenk’s Greenway will begin this summer. This project will directly impact the Greenway between Harris Street and the Recycling Center along McIntire Road. The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA) will be managing the construction project, currently scheduled to begin sometime in July of 2015.

In advance of the construction and to ensure their protection, two City-owned sculptures will be relocated.  The much decorated bear, “Looking for Ice,” will remain in Schenk’s Greenway but will be moved to the newly completed section of the park on the east side of the Harris Street Intersection.  The stone butterfly, “Azure,” will be moved to a location northeast of the John Warner Parkway and Melbourne Road intersection.  “Azure” will be a main feature located within a planned Pollinator Demonstration Garden. The sculptures are expected to be moved the week of June 15.

In order to preserve plantings along the Greenway, Charlottesville Parks and Recreation will sponsor a “Dig Day” at Schenk’s Greenway on Saturday June 27thfrom 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. The collection of existing perennials and shrubs will be available for the public to remove from the site and to enjoy at their own homes.  City Horticulture staff will be available to direct removal of plants, and those interested will need to bring their own shovels and containers for the plant material.  For more information on “Dig Day” or the sculpture move, please call the City of Charlottesville’s Parks and Recreation Department at 434-970-3586.

The project includes complete replacement of the landscape, tree canopy and trail throughout the park once construction is complete; the anticipated project completion date is January of 2016. For more information on the Schenk’s Branch sanitary sewer line replacement project please call Michelle Simpson with RWSA at [email protected] or 977-2970 ext. 202.