Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions related to the "Town Square" Project? We have answers! Browse the questions below.
If you don't find your answer, or would like further information, contact Kristina Ramsey at kristina.ramsey@bvcity.org.
General
We know... We're a City, not a town!! When the project was ideated and City staff began applying for grants to purchase the space, there was an urgent need for a project name to identify it on grant applications. Staff went with "Town Square" because it was quick and easy, with no intention for the name to stick or be used for more than internal communications. As the project progressed, the need for something to call it continued and it has continued as the project name. However, this name is TEMPORARY!!
As with every element of the project to date, we want to involve the community in selecting the name. We are still discussing a handful of great ways to do this so STAY TUNED.... now that construction is beginning, we see something coming soon!
Phase 1 includes:
- Site preparation (needed demo, site grading, stormwater, water and sewer relocation/installation, and infrastructure relocation/installation)
- Construction of the pavilion
- All sidewalks on the site
- Concrete Stage platform
- Parking area
Later phases will include:
- Landscaping
- Roof for stage
- Entry "plaza" (concrete patio, seat wall, landscaping, etc.)
- All furnishings (tables, chairs, benches, etc)
- LOVEworks sign and any art fixtures
- Bathroom building
To complete the pavilion build, the following work must be completed in advance of or in correspondence with the April 5-9 build weekend.
- Demo of the existing concrete currently used for parking
- Tree removal, landscaping removal (specified plant beds)
- Site grading
- Relocate electric service, small shed for panel and meter base, and conduit on site
- Concrete foundation for pavilion and storm drain system
- Roofing materials and installation
Additionally, phase 1 includes completing the sidewalks for the entire site, the concrete stage platform, and parking area.
Future phases will include:
- Landscaping
- Roof for stage
- Entry "plaza" (concrete patio, seat wall, landscaping, etc.)
- All furnishings (tables, chairs, benches, etc)
- LOVEworks sign and any art fixtures
- Bathroom building
The timeline for future phases is to be determined based on funding availability and construction timelines. The bathroom building will likely be the final phase of the project.
We will be seeking volunteers to help with serving meals during the build weekend. Additionally, we welcome any support on the fundraising committee and are open to any other ways you feel you can help.
If you are interested, visit the "Donate" page and select "Contribute Another Way" to fill out the interest form so we know to contact you when the time comes.
Additional opportunities may become available -stay on the lookout!
Meal Donations
Meals are needed for all 4 days of the build weekend, as well as snacks and meal supplies, to feed and fuel the volunteers. This includes hearty and filling breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for approximately 150 volunteers (give or take a handful).
Meals are most often donated from local businesses, organizations, churches, etc.
A few things to know:
- Ideally, each individual meal will be assigned to one group (i.e. a church, an organization, etc.) to feed all ~150 individuals
- Meals should be hearty and filling – we are feeding hardworking individuals who need to fuel their bodies.
- Meals need to accommodate dietary restrictions likely including vegetarian, beef free, gluten free, etc. Dietary restriction needs will be shared closer to the build date, but will be minimal.
- We are also seeking snacks! If you want to contribute but a meal is too big of an undertaking, this is the perfect way to contribute as you can donate what you can! Snacks can be baked goods, mini bags of chips, whole fruites etc.
Further details and instructions are available by contacting Kristina Ramsey at kristina.ramsey@bvcity.org.
If you are interested in providing a meal, visit the "Donate" page and select "Contribute Another Way" to fill out the interest form OR contact Kristina.
Absolutely! Snacks to have on hand for the duration of the 4-day build are needed. Snacks may be baked goods, bags of chips, fruit, etc.
You can provide what you can. Ideally, we can get many different organizations/groups/individuals to donate what they can to fill the full need.
We need some supplies for meal time and any assistance is welcome!
The following supplies are needed for meals during the build weekend. Supplies are needed for 150 individuals to consume 3 meals a day for 4 days and have extras in case they are needed.
- Disposable plates (dinner sized)
- Disposable dessert plates
- Disposable bowls
- Paper napkins
- Disposable cold cups
- Disposable hot cups (for coffee)
- Large tea bags (for bulk tea; all 4 days)
- Bags of sugar (for tea and coffee; all 4 days)
- Sweet and Low (for tea and coffee; all 4 days)
- Jugs of half & half (for coffee; all 4 days)
- Eating utensils (for lunch and dinner; 1 day only)
- LOTS of ice
Yes! Home cooked meals are preferred. However, if you want to give cash to hire a caterer OR hire a caterer yourself, this is welcomed!
Contact Kristina Ramsey at kristina.ramsey@bvcity.org with any questions. Otherwise, visit the "Donate" page and select "Contribute Another Way" to fill out the interest form.
Monetary, Labor, and Material Donations
Our project goal is $700,000 to cover all costs as estimated for the conceptual design, the monetary value of meal/supply needs and other non-construction elements, as well as any additional costs that will arise.
To complete the project, the following materials are needed, but any donations are welcome. Visit the "Donate" page and select "Contribute Another Way" or contact Kristina Ramsey at kristina.ramsey@bvcity.org to share your interest and get further information.
- Metal roof for 54'x22 pavilion
- Concrete for pavilion foundation – also stage platform and sidewalks, if possible (but not necessary for April pavilion build)
- Utility materials
- Grass seed or sod (for disturbed soil after grading, etc.)
- Electrical shed (temporary shed to house electrical until bathroom structure is built)
Labor donations are welcome from experienced individuals! The following are needed for phase 1 of the project.
- Tree removal and landscaping (specified trees on site)
- Demo of existing concrete on site
- Site grading
- Utility infrastructure installation
- Roof installation
- Concrete pour/installation
If you are ready to donate, visit the "Donate" page and select "Contribute Another Way" to fill out the interest form.
If you have other expertise that you would like to offer or would like to know more, please contact Kristina Ramsey at kristina.ramsey@bvcity.org.
Yes, this is correct! The City is working with Main Street Buena Vista (MSBV) to bring this project to life. Since we can't take online payments (yet!), MSBV is accepting online donations to help make it more convenient for you. This is being processed through their third-party partner, Zeffy. We assure you, this is a trusted site and all donations made through Zeffy will come straight to MSBV and the City to support the project.
Thank you for your considering a contribution to the project!
Absolutely! You may send a check to the following address. Please include "Town Square Donation" in the memo line of the check.
Attn: Kristina Ramsey
City of Buena Vista
2039 Sycamore Ave.
Buena Vista, VA 24416
Thank you for your considering a contribution to the project!
Yes, any donation of $250 or more will receive a written acknowledgement of the contribution. Please be sure your name and mailing address are included on the online form or check when making a donation so we can ensure you receive your acknowledgement.
Please note: The City and MSBV are not responsible for maintaining the personal records for the donor, beyond what is required for the written acknowledgement. Any additional records required by the IRS for the donor to claim a deduction are the responsibility of the donor.