Highland Park, once a place of decay, continues to blossom. Residents, civic groups, police, schools churches, nonprofit organizations and area businesses are helping to make this community a great place to live, work and play.

Here are some of the positive things that are complementing the work that has already been done:

• 77 new senior apartments are being developed at Six Points, the crossroads where Brookland Park Boulevard, Meadowbridge Road, Dill Avenue and 2nd Avenue meet.

• Plans are being made to transform the long derelict building that was once home to a church and community center.

• Construction has begun on a new roundabout or traffic circle at Six Points.

• The city has begun giving Ann Hardy Park in North Highland Park a facelift that is bringing improvements to the community center at its heart and the play equipment on the grounds.

Also coming to Highland Park, thanks to the nonprofit Storefront for the Community Design, is the Six Points Innovation Center (6PIC), providing a place for Highland Park teens to work on community change and to become advocates for the community’s future. 6PIC will occupy part of the currently vacant building owned by Boaz & Ruth that is under renovation. The building also will house nonprofits such as Groundwork RVA, ART 180, Saving Our Youth Virginia and the Richmond Guardian Angel to collectively work with youths.

Meanwhile, more than 300 residents are involved in Neighborhood Watch endeavors in doing their part to improve safety. Others are teaming up to host festivals and community events that build trust, fellowship and community spirit.

Highland Park is becoming a model that other neighborhoods can learn from. Most notable is a Quality of Life plan that sets four goals to guide the various endeavors: To empower people; to increase youth participation in programs and recreational activities; to increase public safety; and to create employment opportunities.

Our City Council representative, Ellen F. Robertson, has been steadfast in her support and in steering the funding to make various projects move from the drawing board to reality. The police sector commander, Lt. Lewis Mills, now has two officers walking a beat and is taking other steps to uplift the community as a partner. And, just as important, business owners have invested to create important services.

Highland Park has its challenges, but the future is bright. Come visit and see for yourself.

JO WHITE

Henrico County

The writer is commander of the Richmond Guardian Angels in Highland Park.