Bechtel Parsons gifts donation for playground at Betty Miller Park

Children living in the Smith Village apartment complex now have a new playground at Betty Miller Park following an approximately $55,000 donation announced today by the Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass Joint Venture (BPBGJV).

 “This park was named for the late Betty Miller, who worked tirelessly to assist those less fortunate in the Richmond community,” said BPBGJV Project Manager Joe Curcio. “Mrs. Miller was known as ‘the woman who could get things done.’ My hope is that Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass may be remembered in the same way: people who got things done.”

 “Not only have we made this community safer by destroying the chemical weapons, but we have also made the community better by providing support for projects like this playground,” Curcio said.

 In remarks about the new playground, Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe said, “In the City of Richmond’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for our residents, having enough dedicated playground space for the benefit of our children and youth is an important element. Through the kindness of Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass Joint Venture, the city can celebrate a ribbon cutting on a new playground at the Betty Miller Park.”

 “I commend both Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass Joint Venture and the City of Richmond Parks and Recreation Director for their cooperative efforts to create a space to benefit all the children and young people in the neighboring area of the Betty Miller Center, which includes families within the Smith Village area,” said Blythe.

 “Having a playground and recreational area close to home for these children and youth provides a boost to their wellbeing.”

 The BPBGJV donation made the playground equipment purchase possible. The new playground will be within walking distance for the residents of Smith Village, and it will also be used by youths who attend weekly programming at the Betty Miller Building.

 BPBGJV is the systems contractor selected by the Department of Defense to design, build, systemize, test, operate, and close the facility which destroyed the chemical weapons stockpile at the Blue Grass Army Depot in Richmond. Destruction of the stockpile of 523 tons of chemical weapons was safely completed on July 7, 2023. Since then, closure activities have begun at the site’s Main Plant.