Construction begins on Lynchburg Va.'s College Park stormwater upgrades
Construction is underway on Phase 1 of the College Park Improvements Project in Lynchburg, Virginia, marking the start of a two-phase effort to reduce flooding, improve water quality and enhance park amenities.
Managed by Lynchburg Water Resources, the first phase focuses on stormwater system upgrades designed to increase the park’s capacity from handling a one-year storm event to a 10-year storm. Improvements include enlarged stormwater ponds, updated pipes and culverts, and the planting of native grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and trees to help stabilize slopes and improve filtration before runoff moves downstream.
F&B Contractors began construction on February 9, 2026, with work expected to take approximately 12 months. Standard construction hours are weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., though overnight pumping operations may occur as needed to manage stormwater flows.
Once stormwater improvements are complete, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation will lead Phase 2, which includes relocating the basketball court and adding an overlook, picnic area, play area, park loop and bike racks to improve connectivity and community access.
College Park, located along Breckenbridge Street near the University of Lynchburg, will remain closed during construction and is expected to reopen after both phases are completed. The project reflects community input gathered in 2021 and aims to strengthen resilience while revitalizing the 60-year-old neighborhood park.