> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.richmonder.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # July 20 Newsletter: Making an indoor splash - URL: https://www.richmonder.org/july-20-newsletter-making-an-indoor-splash/ - Published: 2026-07-20T10:00:36.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-20T10:00:36.000Z - Description: Chesterfield pushes pause on future data centers, and Danny Avula will recommend that City Council give RPS additional money to cover its budget shortfall. Plus The Richmonder 25 returns! - Author: Michael Phillips - Tags: Newsletter **Weather:** Standard summer fare, with a high of 89 and a slight chance of afternoon showers. **On this date** in 1914, City Council approves funds for a new City Hall skyscraper, but the plans fall apart the next year due to a lack of support. ([more](https://richmondmagazine.com/news/richmond-history/municipal-waste/)) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-18.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-hype-a-giant-indoor-waterpark-and-resort-opens-soon-in-spotsylvania-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) ### After years of hype, a giant indoor waterpark and resort opens soon in Spotsylvania. Here’s what you need to know Scheduled to open Nov. 12, Kalahari’s primary appeal is its sheer number of amenities, all of which are located within the hotel. The resort chain’s trademark is its giant indoor waterpark, and Virginia’s will have more than 50 waterslides, as well as an adults-only swim-up bar. 💰 The project cost $900 million to build out, and room rates, which include waterpark access, start at $415. The Greater Richmond Convention Center’s general manager said he doesn't expect the resort to hurt the convention center’s business. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/after-years-of-hype-a-giant-indoor-waterpark-and-resort-opens-soon-in-spotsylvania-heres-what-you-need-to-know/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-19.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/googles-chesterfield-data-center-arrives-amid-shifting-opinions-on-the-facilities/) ### Google’s Chesterfield data centers arrive amid shifting opinions on the facilities The conversation around data centers has changed dramatically since Google began planning its three sites in the county. 📉 A VCU poll showed 81% of voters support making data centers pay additional fees to offset increased electricity demand. A Chesterfield supervisor said Thursday that “the current board does not have an appetite for any more data centers.” [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/googles-chesterfield-data-center-arrives-amid-shifting-opinions-on-the-facilities/) [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder_Finance_Texture_040825--1-.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/city-will-receive-early-access-to-tax-money-intends-to-use-it-to-support-rps/) ### City will receive early access to tax money, intends to use it to support RPS Richmond Public Schools, finding itself in an $8.9 million budget hole, asked Mayor Danny Avula to give the district an unbudgeted $5.6 million tax payment from short-term lodging operators. Avula agreed on Friday and set the process in motion, though final approval will have to come from City Council. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/city-will-receive-early-access-to-tax-money-intends-to-use-it-to-support-rps/) --- [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/Richmonder-25-standard-1.jpg)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-meet-the-2026-honorees/) The Richmonder 25 is an annual series celebrating the people who make us proud to be Richmonders. [![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/image-20.png)](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-firewood-volunteer-steve-allen-delivers-warmth-to-richmonders-who-need-it/) ### The Richmonder 25: Firewood volunteer Steve Allen delivers warmth to Richmonders who need it Allen is a longtime member in the all-volunteer Project W.A.R.M, which just marked its 50th year of delivering free firewood to the elderly, people with medical issues and others who might struggle to gather wood on their own. By taking wood into homes, Allen and other Project W.A.R.M. members often develop close relationships with those they help. When the founder of the project died, Allen ensured the work would continue. “He’s the glue that holds it together,” the founder's widow said. [**Read more here.**](https://www.richmonder.org/the-richmonder-25-firewood-volunteer-steve-allen-delivers-warmth-to-richmonders-who-need-it/) 🥳 Save the date! We're throwing a party for our Richmonder 25 honorees on Friday, Sept. 25 at The Hippodrome. [****Ticket info is here**](https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/74a784d4-532f-4229-8ce5-326b0849a518/events/vevt:d5dece82-abb3-43b4-bc48-ecbee1c777ff/home/story); our donors get $30 off with code Richmonder1. --- ### In other news - [**Suspect shot after stabbing VSP special agent serving on U.S. Marshals task force**](https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/07/18/suspect-shot-after-stabbing-vsp-special-agent-serving-us-marshals-task-force/) (12 On Your Side) - Police Chief Rick Edwards said it started with an investigation into two stabbings, which happened several hours apart in the downtown area early Saturday morning. - [**Richmond named "most improved" city in American Fitness Index rankings**](https://acsm.org/american-fitness-index-rankings-2026/)(Press release) - The region moved from No. 40 nationally to No. 20. - [**A thriving Richmond begins with safe neighborhoods | Guest column by Mayor Danny Avula**](https://richmond.com/opinion/column/article%5F6feb11cc-1b27-4fa4-a7ef-2159e378a42f.html#tracking-source=home-top-story) (Times-Dispatch) - "We cannot make lasting progress in housing, education or government services without safe neighborhoods." - [**Bunkie Trinite Trophies: Inside the family-owned trophy shop that's been honoring Richmond for 50 years**](https://www.wtvr.com/sports/beyond-the-roster/bunke-trinite-trophies-july-16-2026#google%5Fvignette) (CBS 6) - The business is expected to pass to a third generation in a few years. --- ### The editor's desk ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/99/06/99067822-fdfd-42b1-ab19-555c33eefb89/content/images/2026/07/IMG_9461.jpeg) A celebrity sighting on Monument Avenue. *Michael Phillips, founder* *mphillips@richmonder.org* --- Sent this by a friend? 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