A New Vision for Open Space
Richmond Little League, a local nonprofit dedicated to youth sports, has put forward a plan to build soccer and baseball fields on the grounds of Lois Harrison‑Jones Elementary, replacing a long‑vacant indoor tennis facility.
The organization will cover the full design and construction costs, creating an additional open‑air space that can be used for a variety of community activities and school‑related programs.
The initiative follows an earlier proposal from Second Serve RVA, which had suggested a tennis complex but was rejected by school board members and parents after concerns were raised by Irv Cantor of the Richmond Tennis Association.
Under the new layout, the fields would be bounded by a fence and limited parking zones, while existing baseball diamonds at nearby Byrd Park would remain available for other uses.
School Principal Nicholas Lereche has voiced worries about a dilapidated concession stand on the site, citing safety issues such as homeless encampments and break‑ins, and has called for its removal.
Committee Chair Stephanie Rizzi highlighted past experiences of exclusion at Byrd Park, urging the league to provide data on enrollment of Richmond Public Schools students and to ensure the program remains open to all.
In response, Richmond Little League President Bobby Prout pledged that no child would be turned away, emphasizing the league’s commitment to inclusivity despite previous reports of restricted access.
Before the proposal moves to the full board, the league is gathering feedback from parents, teachers and neighborhood groups to refine the design and address any lingering concerns.