Fountain Lake’s New Concession Stand
The Pepsi shed has been gone for a year now and in its place we now have this newly constructed building called, “The Landing.” Since it appears to be completed, plenty of people are wondering when it will begin operating and what it might have to offer. I emailed a few questions to Larry Miller with Richmond City Parks and Recreation and here’s how it went:
Larry Miller: Thank you for the email. We’re excited about the new concessions stand and comfort station and are really looking forward to opening it!!
Byrd Park: When will “The Landing” be open?
LM: We hope to open in mid May for concessions.
BP: Who is going to operate the concession stand? The city? A private business?
LM: The concessions procurement bid process is underway and provided we find a suitable private business to operate the stand, we will contract with them for the operation.
BP: What will they sell? Hotdogs and sodas? Something a little more unique?
LM: We hope to do the basics like you have outlined (i.e. hotdogs and sodas), but also have a better offering of sandwiches and goodies. This is TBD as we are still in the bidding process.
BP: Will the paddleboats still cost $12 per 30 minutes?
LM: Yes.
BP: What hours will the concession stand be open? What hours will the restrooms be open?
LM: Initially, the stand will be open on weekends and as necessary during the weekdays depending on business. As we have no operating history for the new stand, it’s a little too soon to tell exactly what the weekday hours may be. Ideally, we hope to be open as much as possible, 8-9 months out of the year basically late morning to sunset. The restrooms are open now on a daily basis.
BP: Readers, what are your questions? I’ve asked Mr. Miller to keep an eye on the comments for a few days to address your concerns as well (like healthier food options, sorry that wasn’t in my initial email). Follow up. It’s your turn.
The taco trucks need to bid so we don’t end up with the usual suspects of overpriced, low value, traditional food offerings.
I agree. It would be nice to get something besides the high fat, fried frozen fare, i.e. nachos, fries, chips and soda.
$12 for 30 mins? What a joke.
Put a powerful motor on that thing and we’ll talk.
The pricing does seem a little crazy for the paddle boat rental. $6 for 20 minutes?
For those interested, here is the concession stand contract that up for bid: http://richmondvaprocurementformalbids.blogspot.com/2010/03/fountain-lake-concessionpedal-boat.html
An article in the RTD a while ago mentioned new picnic tables and benches would be installed during a later phase, but I noticed both projects underway (and completed) last week. Last week, I also saw green umbrellas being tested out on the picnic tables, so I imagine the umbrellas will return once the concession stand opens.
Another item that was mentioned in an article was the future addition of WIFI around The Landing. Does anyone know when this might occur? I had the impression free WIFI was intended to occur along with the picnic tables, but I have not see any mention of this, yet.
I’ve got a Gondola in my garage that I’d could probably turn into a formidable Fountain Lake business (kidding), however what’s up with some Kayak’s? Can we put ‘em in the water and not risk getting hemmed up by the po-po’s (ie. arrested)?
I agree. It would be nice to get something besides the high fat, fried frozen fare, i.e. nachos, fries, chips and soda.