Monroe Park is once again open to the public following the biggest facelift in its 167-year history as a public green space. The centerpiece of the park is the Checkers House, which has been remodeled to provide room for a coffee shop, modern restrooms and space for city and Virginia Commonwealth University police officers. The reopening capped a project that took 22 months and cost about $6.3 million, with about half coming from private donors. (Regina H. Boone/Richmond Free Press)
