Our last major outdoor recreation project will finally bring the RVCC fields to their finest form. Early in 2027, we’ll get to work on three projects that will “top off” all the additions and improvements we’ve made to our grounds over the past 14 years.
First, we’re topping off our recreational space by rehabbing our soccer field. Our relationships with Nelson County Parks & Recreation, Nelson Express Travel Soccer, and community recreation groups have grown into a busy schedule of soccer and lacrosse use on our field, with games and practices happening several times per week. The soccer field will need to be leveled, re-oriented on the grounds, and re-seeded with grass that can be cut short enough for sports—and the end result will be a tournament-sized playing field.
Next, we’ll top off the area that used to hold the wildflower meadow. That space is currently a mix of overgrown hardscaped paths and rough ground full of bumps and holes left over from various construction projects. Leveling it out will create additional “play” space for kids, dogs, outdoor classes, gathering with neighbors on pleasant evenings, or simply to sit on the sidelines and enjoy the game.
Finally, we’ll work with the Building Goodness Foundation to top off our former batting cage by adding a saltbox-style roof to convert a currently unused structure into a picnic pavilion – complete with camp grills! By roofing the 16’ x 72’ concrete surface, we’ll create a shelter to provide protection from sun or storms while watching soccer games or hosting small get-togethers.
The total cost for all of this is estimated to be $64,000.
Huge thanks to The Bama Works Fund of the Dave Matthews Band, the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, and the Building Goodness Foundation for supporting this project. With their help, we are well on our way to making this happen: we’ve already got $33,000 in donations and contributed labor. We’ve also received a generous $20,000 matching grant from the Perry Foundation, which means we’ll need to raise $20,000 to get that $20,000 grant. And if we’re fortunate enough to raise a little more than that, we might even be able to fix the field lights!
