Right Around the River Blog

Rocketts Landing Brings a Family Closer to the River — and Each Other

Post Date: 04-10-2014

When Sharon Pickard’s mother moved from Florida to an Assisted Living facility in Bon Air (Southside Richmond), she and her husband Tom spent countless hours driving up-and-down I-95 visiting her from their home in Princeton, N.J. But, when their highway-commute became too much, they decided that a move closer to her family in Richmond was due — and after one visit to Rocketts Landing, they found their new home.

Sharon and Tom Pickard prepare for their morning kayaking adventure.

Sharon and Tom knew they wanted a college town with lots of urban spaces. And as avid river enthusiasts with decades of experience between them spent paddling and rowing, they also wanted easy river access for their recreational pursuits.

So, in October 2013, Sharon and Tom downsized from their home in New Jersey and moved into their 1875-square-feet condo in our community’s Sky Line building.

“We love the simplicity of condo living,” Sharon explains. “Living at Skyline is akin to living in a luxury hotel. It is well maintained, and we have a wonderful management company to reach out to when necessary. When we think about what a life change we made, we still cannot believe it, but [moving to Rocketts Landing] has been the right thing for us.”

Sharon and Tom's teamwork as they prepare to paddle.

Since moving here, Sharon and Tom frequently start their mornings kayaking on the James River, launching from the docks near the marina. They’ve also become members of the Virginia Boat Club and mix sculling into their weekly river activities. And, they’re taking their newfound love for the James River further by serving as members of James River Association’s “River Rats” program — which means they’re now responsible for monitoring the James River’s health along the Rocketts Landing riverfront and for five miles beyond.

When they’re not paddling, Sharon and Tom frequently enjoy casual strolls along the river and throughout our community. And on nice evenings, they’ll walk up to our next-door neighbor Church Hill or stroll along the Canal Walk for an early dinner.

Sharon and Tom paddle upstream during a strong current for their morning exercise.

But, perhaps one of the most convenient lifestyle changes they’re now enjoying is the fact that Sharon’s sister and brother-in-law have also since moved into Fall Line at Rocketts Landing from their suburban home in Bon Air. After years of living in separate states, they now live just down the block from each other and get to enjoy riverfront dining together at The Boathouse and Conch Republic and regular visits with each other, whenever the urge hits.

“It’s so nice to sit outdoors [together] on a nice day and be able to get together without [having to] drive. Really makes you feel like you’re on vacation!” says Sharon.

RVA's skyline overlooks Sharon and Tom on the James River.

We always love when we get to hear stories like Sharon and Tom’s, where our residents have not only been able to find the lifestyle they love at Rocketts Landing — but have been able to truly find their home. We’re thrilled to have them here right around the river.