The Grove
The Vision
A group of private citizens, in partnership with the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce, invites you to honor community leadership at The Grove, a stone terrace to be located under 150-year-old oak trees on the sweeping hilltop on the east side of McIntire Park.
With inscriptions to past and future community leadership, the terrace will provide a place to admire the oak canopy, view Brown's Mountain, and watch people playing on the lawn. A path, shaded by trees representing the current McIntire Citizenship Award recipients, will start at the new pedestrian bridge and end at The Grove.
The Grove will:

1. Promote Community Leadership
- Honor past civic leaders
- In the future, annually honor other community leaders, including students, and community organizations that promote civic engagement.
2. Preserve the Hilltop's Landmark Oak Trees
- Prolong their lifespan through careful maintenance
- Plant more native oaks
3. Enliven the Park
- Provide a tree-lined path to the stone terrace in The Grove that the entire community can enjoy.
- Approved by City Council, The Grove will enhance the 2015 McIntire East Park Plan.


The Leaders
The Grove will honor all of the Paul Goodloe McIntire Citizenship Award recipients since the award was established in 1975 to recognize outstanding citizen contributions to our Greater Charlottesville communities.
Juandiego Wade - 2019
Joyce Robbins - 2018
Kurt Krueger - 2017
William J. Kehoe - 2016
Dr. Marcus L. Martin - 2015
Cathy S. Train - 2014
Cole Hendrix - 2013
Mike Gaffney - 2012
Martin V. Burks III - 2011
Alvin Clements - 2010
John T. Casteen, III - 2009
Dan & Lou Jordan - 2008
Harold Wright - 2007
Grace Carpenter - 2006
Joseph Teague, Sr. - 2005
E. Marshal Pryor, III - 2004
Leonard Sandridge - 2003
William L. Howard - 2002
James S. Kennan - 2001
Paul H. Wood - 2000
Richard & Julia Nunley - 1999
Mary Ann Elwood - 1998
Dr. George & Ann Spence - 1997
Laurence Richardson - 1996
Guy Agnor - 1995
The Jessup Family - 1994
Nancy O'Brien - 1993
Darden Towe - 1992
Mr. & Mrs. James Murray - 1991
Elizabeth B. Gleason - 1990
Drewary J. Brown - 1989
John B. Rogan - 1988
Hovey S. Dabney - 1987
Leigh B. Middleditch, Jr. - 1986
Francis Fife - 1985
Bernard J. Haggerty - 1984
George C. Palmer III - 1983
James E. Bowen - 1982
Junius R. Fishburne - 1981
Laurence Brunton - 1980
Mary Victoria Craw - 1979
Lionel S. Key - 1978
Randolph H. Perry - 1977
Joel M. Cochran - 1976
Mitch Van Yahres - 1975
Donate
Please join us in honoring community leadership. By the spring of 2020, our goal is to raise a total of $600,000 to construct The Grove. Located on the hill overlooking the city, it will be the first phase – the launching pad – for a larger vision to enhance the entire 75 acres of McIntire Park East, making it "A Central Park for All." Future enhancements for the Park include over 3 miles of trails, natural kids play areas, picnic shelters, a botanical garden, restrooms and more.
To donate online: Please click here to donate online through the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation.
To donate by check: Please write your check to Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, designated to The Grove. Send it to CACF, 114 4th St. SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Steering Committee
Martin Burks III, Vin Cibberilli, Shana Clarke, Elizabeth Cromwell, Jim Haden, Cole Hendrix, Dan Jordan, Ella Jordan, Chris Murray, Marshall Pryor, Leonard Sandridge, Rocky Taylor, Mike Van Yahres, Peggy Van Yahres, Juandiego Wade, Roxanne White
For more information, contact Peggy Van Yahres, 434.953.6636 or vanyahresp@gmail.com.
