RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Two dams in Richmond's Bryan Park are set to be removed to improve the ecological function. During Richmond's Urban Design Committee (UDC) on Thursday, April 16, the committee approved the design concept, with changes, to remove multiple dams at Bryant Park's Young Pond and restore the Upham Brook watershed to improve ecological functions, according to a staff report from the meeting. The project aims to improve management for invasive species, native landscaping and two pedestrian bridges to continue connecting the parks. The collective ponds within Bryan Park are known as Youngs Pound and are impounded by two 1910s concrete masonry dams. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities operates the two dams. The lower dam is regulated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Dam Safety Program, but the upper dam is not under state regulation due to its smaller size, according to the staff report. For this project, the ecological improvements will include diversifying wildlife habitats, improving water quality, restoring the natural stream, removing invasive plants and providing passage for fish of more than five miles of upstream habitat. There will also be improvements within Bryan Park, such as more connections and accessibility, improving the existing watersheds, incorporating history through salvaged materials and markers, building more rest areas and providing additional support for previous park programs. Additionally, according to the staff report, 450 new trees will be planted within the area. It will also feature native and site-appropriate grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees. Measures will be taken to protect as many healthy trees as possible while undergoing a mass removal of invasive plant species. The new area will include a gathering space and trailheads that will be built with materials from the site, such as cobbles, concrete bollards and trees that will be replanted and serve as paving, seating and stream functions. There will also be informal fishing areas, a low-water crossing riffle at Princeton Creek and bird watching areas in various habitats. The northern pedestrian bridge will also be connected to a part of the Fall Line Trail, which was already approved in 2025 by the UDC. The committee set the following conditions for approval: Adjust plans to show the FallLine Trail connection to the project site for final approval Recommended that the lighting be dark sky compliant or similar Recommended adding signs providing information The project will be funded by the Richmond Department of Public Utilities (DPU) as part of the capital improvement plan. Richmond also awarded a grant to the Round 6 Community Flood Preparedness Fund of about $5.7 million to cover part of the project. In early 2028, the project plans to break ground with phased construction that is expected to last around two years. ...read more read less