A community effort is underway to preserve a historic piece of Roanoke’s Black history. Nearly a dozen people spoke at Monday’s Roanoke City Council meeting, urging officials to support the restoration of the Washington Park Caretaker’s Cottage.
The Friends of Washington Park, in partnership with the Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation, is working to secure funding to restore the cottage, which dates back to the 1800s. The group is applying for grants but first needs formal support from City Council.
“We are not giving up on Washington Park Cottage,” one speaker said during the meeting.
“Restoring the caretaker’s cottage would preserve a key historical structure and enhance the park’s ability to serve as a center for education, community engagement, and cultural programming,” another speaker added.
For those interested in supporting the restoration, donation information can be found here.
