The City of Fredericksburg is moving forward with two key municipal development projects. On Tuesday, the City Council moved forward with plans for the new Riverfont Park. City officials have been tasked with completing land and archaeological surveys of the site and combining the existing nine lots identified for the park into a single lot. Fredericksburg has already contracted with a design firm to create a concept design for the public space, which will be done in conjunction with the Riverfront Task Force. The Council also required city staff members to develop a public information plan that would encourage and allow input from the community. City Council will take up the issue again when these items are complete, which is expected to take six to nine months.

The Riverfront Park was not the only city project to move ahead this week. Earlier in the week, the Council made progress on approvals for the new city courthouse and renovation of the existing General District Court building. The new courthouse is needed, but constitutes a major project for the city and is expected to cost more than $30 million. The complete renovation of the existing district court will cost an additional $4.8 million. Both projects will be handled by First Choice Public–Private Partners. The new courthouse will be located in the heart of Fredericksburg’s downtown corridor. These park and courthouse projects highlight the importance of municipal projects to spur development.