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Richmond reopens refurbished playground following Bechtel donation

By Shepherd Snyder

November 7, 2024 at 6:24 PM EST

Richmond officials cut the ribbon on a reconstructed playground Thursday after a donation from Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass.


The company gave $45,000 to the Richmond Housing Authority for new playground equipment at the city’s Robinson Terrace apartment complex. It’s one of many donations to locations around Richmond as they finish operations at the Blue Grass Army Depot’s chemical weapons destruction plant.


Bechtel project manager Joe Curcio says they want to leave something behind for the city after they leave.


“In this particular case, we went through, worked with city officials or county officials, depending on what the project was, and identified things that would benefit the community,” Curcio said.


Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe says it shows a strong relationship with Bechtel and the city.


“We have conversations about, ‘What's the city feeling? How are things going? How are we perceived? Is there anything that you need from us?’ I think that's been the key,” Blythe said.


Last month, Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass donated $100,000 to Richmond’s Ignite Academy. Curcio says they expect to remain in the city for two to three more years as they slowly wind down operations.

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