Did you know Richmond had a castle?
Well it did, sort of, but now it’s gone – South Arm “Castle” to be precise.
However, the not-so-stately abode was not the home of Richmond royalty, it was a very solid, concrete miniature play castle at South Arm Park.
And this week generations of Richmond residents were lamenting the “demolition” of the castle, with some recalling fond memories of playing in it a full 50 years ago, followed by their own kids doing the same.
While some on social media were not particularly sad to see it go, remembering instead how parts of it smelled of urine and how many injuries were sustained while pretending to be knights and nobles.
New South Arm Park playground on its way in the spring
In fact, the castle is being removed as part of a playground renovation, which has been in the works since 2019 after public consultation.
Work, according to the city’s sign at the park, is starting this fall and will ultimately see the likes of slides, monkey bars, a plaza, walkways, a climber, a tower, a zipline and picnic tables by next spring.
That didn’t stop the comments flooding in on Facebook community group Richmond Rants and Raves, with one poster pondering whether to go down to the site to retrieve a GI Joe toy lost there in 1985.
While another said that the castle was “an awesome place for kids to play and USE THEIR IMAGINATIONS. I’m so mad seeing this! Kids are being ruined by this "safe and modern" world!!”
One Facebook user said she was “devastated” and questioned the need to rip up the park, adding that it “seemed safe enough…”
“Looks like they have done changes for the sake of doing changes. Have to spend budget money, to justify spending budget money, to keep the budget going, so they can get more budget money…it’s a never ending cycle,” said another.
However, one group member, while acknowledging there were elements of fun and imagination at the castle, said the park was “really gross and long overdue to be removed.”
She added that it was constantly filled with garbage, dirty clothing and cigarette butts, which she had to clear up all the time before her kids could play there.
