A new pedestrian bridge in Forest Hill Park could be named for the family of Bryan and Kathryn Harvey, who lived in nearby Woodland Heights when they were slain on New Year's Day 2006.
Richmond City Council President Kathy C. Graziano is proposing an ordinance to name the span over Reedy Creek the Harvey Family Bridge, overriding a city-code provision that says city facilities shall not be named for multiple people. The council is scheduled to vote tomorrow.
"We're very happy they're doing this. It's a nice honor to our family," said Paige Harvey, Bryan's sister.
"Bryan and Kathy and the girls loved Forest Hill Park," she added. "A lot of things they did involved Forest Hill Park."
The Harveys, including daughters Stella, 9, and Ruby, 4, were murdered in the basement of their home on West 31st Street as part of a killing rampage by Ricky Javon Gray and his nephew Ray Joseph Dandridge. Gray awaits execution, while Dandridge is serving life in prison without parole.
The Friends of Forest Hill Park group sees naming the bridge as a way to remember the Harveys as vibrant members of the community. Bryan worked for Henrico County Public Schools and was a popular, longtime musician with The Dads, House of Freaks and NrG Krysys. Kathryn was an owner of World of Mirth, a gift and toy shop in Carytown.
"FFHP feels that this symbolic gesture is something positive that can come out of a tragedy and something that will keep the Harvey family forever in our hearts and minds," co-President Debra McClane said in a letter to Graziano.
The bridge will replace one destroyed in 2004 by the remnants of Tropical Storm Gaston. It is expected to be unveiled May 22 when the restored lake at Forest Hill Park is dedicated.
Friends of Forest Hill Park is covering the $500 cost of a marker for the bridge with money donated through the sale of a painting by artist David Jeter that was displayed at nearby Crossroads coffee shop. The marker is expected to include a scanned photo of the Harveys.
Paige Harvey said she's looking through family photos and eager to attend the dedication. She expects a gathering filled with children who knew the girls, as well as music by Bryan's friends.
"It's been [four] years," she said. "You want to remember them and a lot of the good times."
Contact Will Jones at (804) 649-6911 or wjones@timesdispatch.com.
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