News about Bellemeade Park
Channel 12 recently ran a great piece about Bellemeade Park and "Mr. Bob" Argabright.
RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Nestled in the corner of Gunn and Minifee Streets lies hope for the people of South Richmond.
Bellemeade Park is far from your average outdoor public space.
So what makes it so special? People at the park would say the story begins with Mr. Bob.
“He has a huge heart for children and a huge heart for exposing them to the outdoors,” Sara Hudson, a volunteer at the park, said.
“He just continues to do the best for others. He is never expecting anything in return,” Katherine, a volunteer and UVA student, said.
Robert Argabright, who’s effectionately known as Mr. Bob, showed 12 On Your Side’s Ashley Hendricks around his home away from home.
The park sits just behind the Bellemeade Community Center and Oak Grove Elementary School, where children love to learn and use their imaginations.
The principal of Oak Grove Elementary School, Dr. Latoya Draper said, she’s noticed the difference the park has made in her students.
“They are excited about the work. They’re excited about what they can do when they come over here,” she said.
Ashley Hendricks and Mr. Bob walking in Bellemeade Park
Ashley Hendricks and Mr. Bob walking in Bellemeade Park(WWBT)
But the vibrant, green space you see now hasn’t always been there.
The plot of land was mostly just that.
“The only thing here was - there was the football field,” said Mr. Bob.
For decades it was an eye sore, overgrown with weeds and brush, but Mr. Bob saw it as an opportunity to uplift one of Richmond’s marginalized communities.
“He just saw a need and had some time on his hands,” Hudson said.
That was 22 years ago when Mr. Bob retired from his corporate job.
Transforming Bellemeade Park gave his life new meaning.
At 83-years-old Mr. Bob continues to transform this space for anyone who needs it.
Thanks to city funding, donors, and volunteers - Mr. Bob’s vision for the park gives adults and children alike a safe space to enjoy.
During school hours, you’ll find Mr. Bob in the heart of the park teaching young students about science and the environment.
Students also learn invaluable lessons of teamwork, giving back, and showing kindness to others.
“What I do is I ask the kids or let them pick as many flowers as they want to give to Ms. Draper, give them to the custodian, give them to anybody,” Mr. Bob said.
Mr. Bob, along with a host of volunteers like Katherine, encourage students to leave with something in their hands and most importantly their hearts.
“I had a child tell me the other day ‘I feel so alive when I’m outside’,” Katherine said. “And you can see every child that interacts with him immediately is at ease and comforted,” she said.
Sara Hudson said she is also inspired by Mr. Bob’s commitment.
It’s why she reached out to 12 On Your Side to nominate him for the Acts of kindness Award.
Bellemeade Park is far from your average outdoor public space.
So what makes it so special? People at the park would say the story begins with Mr. Bob.
“He has a huge heart for children and a huge heart for exposing them to the outdoors,” Sara Hudson, a volunteer at the park, said.
“He just continues to do the best for others. He is never expecting anything in return,” Katherine, a volunteer and UVA student, said.
Robert Argabright, who’s effectionately known as Mr. Bob, showed 12 On Your Side’s Ashley Hendricks around his home away from home.
The park sits just behind the Bellemeade Community Center and Oak Grove Elementary School, where children love to learn and use their imaginations.
The principal of Oak Grove Elementary School, Dr. Latoya Draper said, she’s noticed the difference the park has made in her students.
“They are excited about the work. They’re excited about what they can do when they come over here,” she said.
Ashley Hendricks and Mr. Bob walking in Bellemeade Park
Ashley Hendricks and Mr. Bob walking in Bellemeade Park(WWBT)
But the vibrant, green space you see now hasn’t always been there.
The plot of land was mostly just that.
“The only thing here was - there was the football field,” said Mr. Bob.
For decades it was an eye sore, overgrown with weeds and brush, but Mr. Bob saw it as an opportunity to uplift one of Richmond’s marginalized communities.
“He just saw a need and had some time on his hands,” Hudson said.
That was 22 years ago when Mr. Bob retired from his corporate job.
Transforming Bellemeade Park gave his life new meaning.
At 83-years-old Mr. Bob continues to transform this space for anyone who needs it.
Thanks to city funding, donors, and volunteers - Mr. Bob’s vision for the park gives adults and children alike a safe space to enjoy.
During school hours, you’ll find Mr. Bob in the heart of the park teaching young students about science and the environment.
Students also learn invaluable lessons of teamwork, giving back, and showing kindness to others.
“What I do is I ask the kids or let them pick as many flowers as they want to give to Ms. Draper, give them to the custodian, give them to anybody,” Mr. Bob said.
Mr. Bob, along with a host of volunteers like Katherine, encourage students to leave with something in their hands and most importantly their hearts.
“I had a child tell me the other day ‘I feel so alive when I’m outside’,” Katherine said. “And you can see every child that interacts with him immediately is at ease and comforted,” she said.
Sara Hudson said she is also inspired by Mr. Bob’s commitment.
It’s why she reached out to 12 On Your Side to nominate him for the Acts of kindness Award.
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