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For more information, contact:     
                                                                                                     
Shane Brogden                                                                                                                    

Director of Promotions and Communications

Email: Shane@riverdistrictassociation.com

For Immediate Release

November 10, 2025

River District Association to Unveil Gateway Mural and Community Pollinator Garden on

North Main Corridor 

DANVILLE, Va. (Nov. 10, 2025) – The River District Association (RDA) will celebrate a major milestone in the North Main Corridor’s revitalization on Thursday, Nov. 13, with the unveiling of two new additions designed to welcome residents, visitors and support local pollinators.

The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the Pollinator Garden on the corner of North Main Street and Worsham Street. After unveiling and exploring the garden, attendees will walk down to unveil the highly anticipated North Main Mural at the gateway entrance to the corridor at Riverside Drive and North Main Street. A shuttle will also be available for guests needing transportation between the two locations.

“This is the time we can celebrate and show how community, collaboration and dedication can make amazing things happen," said Lashawn Farmer, director of design and expansion for the River District Association. "The gateway mural and pollination garden represent what's possible when residents, local artists, and community partners unite with a shared vision.

The mural project began when RDA worked with a committee from the North Main Visionaries Collaborative Group to commission experienced local artist and muralist Billie Jones. Jones created the design and painted the mural, with assistance from community members, on the retaining wall at the Riverside Drive and North Main Street intersection. This project was made possible by RDA and the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).  

The North Main Visionaries Collaborative Group partnered with the City of Danville Public Works, Bee City USA Danville, VA, and City of Danville Parks and Recreation, to transform the corner of North Main and Worsham streets into one of several Pollinator Gardens in the city.

"Public Works is proud to have collaborated with the North Main Visionaries to create a beautiful green space that not only enhances our neighborhood but also supports vital pollinator habitats as part of our BEE City USA initiative," said Jessica Smith, arborist for the City of Danville. "We're looking forward to hosting educational workshops here and inviting everyone in the community to learn how they can get involved and help Danville grow greener."

The pollinator-friendly space features native plants, an art sculpture and benches for visitors. The projects mark the beginning of continued revitalization work by RDA, the North Main Visionaries and the city along the North Main corridor.

For more information about the River District Association, or if you have any questions about this ceremony, please visit riverdistrictassociation.com or contact Shane Brogden at shane@riverdistrictassociation.com.

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About River District Association

The River District Association transforms Danville's River District into a welcoming destination that drives economic and social development across the Dan River Region. As an accredited Virginia and National Main Street Community and 2023 GAMSA (Great American Main Street Award) recipient, RDA's innovative, inclusive approach strengthens the regional economy and enhances quality of life for all. Founded in 1999, RDA is committed to excellence, collaboration and intentional action that benefits the entire community.

Join us for the Plan Mechanicsville Block Party on Saturday, Nov. 15, from noon-3 p.m.!

In partnership with the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism, the River District Association invites you to celebrate with us and help shape the future of our community.

This free event will feature food trucks, live music, children's activities and giveaways.

Share your vision for Mechanicsville! Take the official survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/planmechanicsville

Read the full news release here: https://www.discoverdanville. com/wp-content/uploads/2025/ 10/Residents-invited-to-shape- future-of-historic- Mechanicsville-district.pdf

The City of Danville is engaging the community to create a vision for the historic Mechanicsville neighborhood in the River District. This process is called Plan Mechanicsville.

Mechanicsville has a nationally recognized historic district with significant ties to the Civil Rights movement and the city's history of building, manufacturing and processing of various products. Plan Mechanicsville aims to revitalize the area, building upon the success of the River District and other economic development efforts in the Danville region.

Please share your thoughts and ideas in this survey (open throughout the month of September). YOUR input is essential to creating a vision for Mechanicsville that is inspiring and forward-looking, and also firmly rooted in its history and culture.

To complete the survey, click HERE.

To learn more, visit www.OurMechanicsville.com.

Save the Date: Community Workshop on September 25

The City of Danville and the River District Association are working with the community to plan a bright future for the historic Mechanicsville neighborhood in the River District.

Join us on September 25, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at High Street Baptist Church to learn about the planning efforts to improve Mechanicsville and the latest projects in the area.

Come and share your ideas for improving the area like arts and culture, development and beautification!

The River District Association in Danville, VA is seeking our next Executive Director. 

Danville is a proud 2023 Great American Main Street Award [GAMSA] recipient, and we are looking for a passionate, strategic, and experienced non-profit professional to lead our impactful work in downtown and business district revitalization.

This individual will exhibit a wealth of Main Street knowledge and experience, boast a proven track record of collaboration, and share our vision of creating a lively place for all while driving meaningful social and economic development throughout the greater region.

Learn more about this exciting opportunity by viewing the Leadership Profile here.

The River District Association (RDA) is excited to announce a call for proposals from professional muralists and painting contractors to help create a signature mural at one of Danville's most prominent locations.

The project will transform the gateway wall at the intersection of North Main St. and Riverside Dr., creating a vibrant welcome to visitors and residents entering Danville's River District and the North Main St. Business District. 

The RDA invites qualified artists to submit their proposals for this high-visibility project. Interested parties can download the complete Request for Proposals by clicking here. 

For additional information or questions regarding the proposal process, please contact Lashawn Farmer, director of design and expansion for the River District Association at lashawn@riverdistrictassociation.com or call 434-791-0210.