CHARLOTTESVILLE AND ALBEMARLE PARKS
CITY PARKS
Azalea Park: Despite the 2002
city code's strict leash laws in most city parks, dogs can still run
free in Azalea's fenced-in field as long as owners keep them under
voice control and take responsibility for cleaning up after them.
Azalea offers a Junior League Softball Field, concession stand,
basketball courts, swing-sets, and playground. Azalea Park also offers
city residents garden plots for $30 per plot ($50 per plot for
non-residents). Azalea's 23 acres are on Old Lynchburg Road on the
southern edge of town near Interstate 64.
Forest Hills Park: On Forest
Hills' lower ground, a paved parking lot leads to a Little League
baseball diamond. The park's hillier sections offer picnic shelters and
outdoor grills. Playground equipment includes slides, swing sets, a
merry-go-round, animal rockers, and a horseshoe pit. Finally, at the
head of the valley lies a long flat section with two full basketball
courts and two wading pools with a swing set.
McIntire Park: Thanks to the
Charlottesville city parks' premier benefactor, Paul Goodloe McIntire,
this park is filled with activities and entertainment. Located off the
Route 250 Bypass, McIntire is densely packed with trees and winding
streams. The community takes great pride in the park's two lighted
Little League baseball fields and three 70-person shelters that cost
$75 for an all-day weekend or holiday reservation; $50 for weekday
reservations. McIntire is the location of April's popular Dogwood
Festival carnival and fireworks. McIntire Park sports a nine-hole sand
green golf course, and a playground with a tot area and wading pool.
Across the Bypass is the popular skateboard park. Picnicking, kite
flying, and Frisbee are all available at the golf course.
Meade Park: Meade Park's five
acres at the corner of Meade Avenue and Chesapeake Street is the home
of Onesty Swimming Pool overlooking a stream bordered by weeping
willows. The swimming area provides a large lighted outdoor swimming
pool, wading pool, showers, restrooms, and locker facilities. A
playground, basketball court, unofficial softball field, and picnic
shelter are also available.
Meadowcreek Gardens: A prime
Charlottesville area for gardening real estate lies off Route 250
Bypass on Morton Drive behind the English Inn. The area known as "The
Fairgrounds" is most renowned for its 73 community garden plots
available for city residents to grow flowers and vegetables. Another
undeveloped 20 acres of the park provide a footpath through the woods.
Pen Park: The largest park in
Charlottesville-- at 280 acres-- Pen Park has been at this spot for
over 200 years. The park's varied topography offers a mountain vista
backdrop to recreational activities that include eight tennis courts, a
Little League baseball field, batting cage, volleyball court, three
outdoor picnic shelters, and a playground. The Meadowcreek 18-hole golf
course offers a clubhouse and pro shop, along with an outdoor physical
fitness course. The handicap-accessible course features 20 exercise
stations leading to the Rivanna River. Pen also offers three lighted
picnic shelters, each of which can accommodate 70 people and are
available for reservation from April to October with prices ranging
from $75 on weekends and holidays to $50 on weekdays.
Quarry Park: Off Monticello
Avenue, Quarry Park sits where a road once led to an old stone quarry.
The park's nine-plus acres offer two Little League baseball fields and
a concession stand with restrooms. Quarry is part of the Rivanna Trails
System and provides visitors with enjoyable views of the nearby
mountains.
Riverview Park: These 26.5
acres bordering the Rivanna River at the eastern edge of the city,
formerly part of Riverview Cemetery, morphed several years ago into a
family hiking paradise. Known initially as the Rivanna Green Belt, in
March 2004 the original tar-and-gravel trail was covered with asphalt--
and then striped like a highway in May 2005. In addition to the long
walking, jogging, and biking trail, Riverview offers a picnic area with
a large paved parking area, information center, playground, grill, two
benches, and an open field. The Belt is also handicap-accessible, and
leash law restrictions are waived on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
so Fido can scamper about and meet friends. Other days the city's leash
law pertains.
Tonsler Park: The
almost-always-bustling Tonsler is Charlottesville's version of Centre
Court at Wimbledon. The tennis park's many other amenities and
convenient location near a neighborhood supermarket make it a popular
gathering place. In addition to tennis courts, Tonsler provides a
life-sized chess board, lighted basketball courts, a Little League
baseball field, and a variety of playground equipment.
Washington Park: One of the
most historical parks in Charlottesville was dedicated to the famous
African-American rights leader Booker T. Washington in 2001. Over a
century ago, Washington became a close college friend of
Charlottesville's educator Benjamin Tonsler. Despite its meager nine
acres, Washington is one of the most popular parks in the area with
three lighted basketball courts, a lighted outdoor pool with wading
area and bath house, a recreation building, a playground, and
restrooms. At the bottom of a grassy hill, a second basketball court,
regulation softball field, and multi-use field complete Washington
Park's offerings. Washington has also become well known for the African
American Cultural Arts Festival in July.
CITY-COUNTY JOINTLY OWNED PARKS
Darden Towe Memorial Park: This
beautiful park by the Rivanna is known in some circles as "the dog
park," for good reason. In addition to the park's three softball
fields, four multi-purpose fields for soccer, lacrosse, and football,
and four tennis courts, a small part of the park's 110 acres is fenced
to allow dogs to frolic and owners to socialize. Visitors also enjoy
access to the Rivanna River and a picnic shelter which includes
electricity, open grills, and seats up to 50 people for a $25 fee.
Darden Towe, on Route 20 North/Stony Point Road, is open year round
from 7am until dark.
Ivy Creek Natural Area: Managed
by the Ivy Creek Foundation, this gorgeous 215-acre natural area offers
over six miles of walking trails, but with a strict set of rules that
prohibit pets, jogging, hunting, and collecting specimens. The
volunteer Ivy Creek Foundation provides nature programs throughout the
year. Members of the Monticello Bird Club lead monthly bird walks
through the area while members of the Virginia Native Plant Society
lead a plant walk on the third Saturday of every month. Off Earlysville
Road near the Reservoir.
Ragged Mountain Natural Area: Another
paradise for sturdy hikers, Ragged Mountain offers beautiful but
somewhat challenging trails. A variety of trees including mature oak,
hickory, poplar, pine, and maple trees surround the 980-acre park's two
lakes to create four miles of total shoreline. Trekkers should allow at
least two to three hours to complete the somewhat treacherous
seven-mile hike around the area's perimeter. The trail ascends 850 feet
into the Ragged Mountains. In order to protect the wildlife, water
quality, and serenity of the Ragged Mountain Reservoir, no dogs,
jogging and running, bikes, collecting, horses, hunting, swimming, and
camping are allowed. Located off Reservoir Road beyond the Fontaine
Avenue exit from the 250 Bypass, the Natural Area is open
7am-dusk.
COUNTY PARKS
Beaver Creek Lake: With more
water than any other county park (115 land acres, 104 water), Beaver
Creek is a fisherman's dream. Beaver Creek Lake prohibits swimming, but
picnic tables are scattered throughout the park along with seasonal
restrooms. Beaver Creek is open 7am-dark and (6am during peak fishing
season). The Lake lies off 250 west bypass on Brown's Gap Turnpike (Rt.
680).
Chris Greene Lake: The park's
120 acres of land, 60 acres of water, and two acres of beach offer
swimming and canoe rental as well as two main picnic shelters with
electricity and available seating for 84 and 42 people. Eight picnic
tables and five grills are also scattered throughout the park located
off Route 680 on its own Chris Greene Lake Road.
Dorrier Park: Despite its small
size, Dorrier provides numerous athletic opportunities. Near
Scottsville, the two-acre park has softball and soccer fields, two
tennis courts and a walking path. A picnic shelter with electricity
seats 50 (with restrooms!). Off Page Street in Scottsville.
Mint Springs Valley: Mint
Springs' water territory (eight acres water, two acres beach) offers
public swimming, and in addition to regular fishing regulations, Mint
Springs also provides licensed trout fishing October 1-June 15. Mint
Springs' whopping 504 acres offer picnic tables and grills as well as
two picnic shelters seating 24 and 48 (grills and electricity, too).
Mint Springs also offers a variety of hiking trails, including a
half-mile lake trail and a nearly two-mile fire trail.. Mint Spring's
whopping 504 acres of land tragically became famous when Piedmont
Airlines Flight 349 plunged into its hillside, killing 26 people in
October 1959. The lone survivor, Phil Bradley, helped develop a
monument at the crash site dedicated in 1999 to those who lost their
lives in the accident.The park is located on Mint Springs Road off
Route 684.
Simpson Park: For a smaller
park, Simpson provides numerous athletic sites through its 13-plus
acres featuring a water spray area and a sunning plaza open
May-September. The facility also offers a Little League baseball field,
a multi-purpose field also open to the public, two tennis courts, and a
basketball court. A 32-person picnic shelter offers open grills and
seasonal restrooms. Simpson is located off Route 627/Porter's Road on
Simpson Drive.
Totier Creek: Totier provides a
simple and quiet fishing environment for those hoping to reel in the
catch of the day. Hike the 144 acres but don't try to swim in the 66
acres of water-- it's the water supply for Scottsville. Picnic tables
are scattered throughout the park along with seasonal restrooms.
Walnut Creek: Walnut Creek is
one of the few parks in the area offering a balanced combination of
land, fishing, and athletic activities. The 480 acres include a 34-acre
golf course, completed last year with the help of the Blue Ridge Disc
Golf club. The land also boasts 15 miles of paved trails for biking,
hiking, and running. Swimming is available, along with canoe rental and
two picnic shelters seating 42 (with electricity)-- but only one during
swim season. Four more picnic tables are scattered throughout the park,
and restrooms are also available. Walnut Creek is off old Lynchburg
Road.
Charlotte Y. Humphris Park: Near
Albemarle High School, across the street from Mario's, this used to be
called "Whitewood Park," but was re-christened in honor of this
beloved, late County supervisor.
HookTip
Prefer walking around Charlottesville to driving? Then take a look at the
Rivanna Trails Foundation.
Their goal is to establish a network of footpaths encircling the City
of Charlottesville, generally following the course of the Rivanna River
and its tributaries. To date they've completed approximately 20 miles
of hiking trails.
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Bailey Park: Located at the
corner of Route 250 bypass and Hilcrest Road, the small third of an
acre park contains a bench and tall trees providing shade and a
comfortable picnic setting.
Belmont Park: Not your typical
neighborhood park, Belmont balances a playground and park areas within
the neighborhood. Stonehenge Avenue, Rialto Street, and Druid Avenue
bring together Belmont's 3.1 acres. The park provides a full basketball
court, bleachers, swing set and slides, a courtyard, and large shady
trees that provide protection for outdoor concerts. Belmont also
recently completed seven years of renovation with its new spray ground
now available to the public.
Fifeville Park: Its facilities
sit above the common ground on the street with a basketball court,
shelter, and playground. Fifeville's fenced in .67 acre lies within
Grove, Spring, and King Streets.
Greenbrier Park: This city
refuge contains 28.3 acres along Meadow Creek. Sycamores Groves, a
meadow, and Greenbrier marsh (one of just two natural marshes in the
Virginia Piedmont Region) provide visitors with numerous views. The
park is part of the Rivanna Trails system.
Greenleaf Park: One of the best
city parks to take your younger children, visitors enjoy a playground
area, a summertime spray shower, a picnic shelter with restrooms, and a
half basketball court. Greenleaf's fenced-in 14 acres of grassy
hillside include hardwood and evergreen trees.
Jackson Park: The park's main
attraction is the large equestrian monument of Thomas "Stonewall"
Jackson created by Charles Keck, who played a vital role in the entire
development of Jackson Park. The statue ranks among the three best
equestrian statues in the world. The park also includes many well
maintained flower beds, and is part of the Virginia Civil War Trails.
Jackson hosts the Jefferson Thanksgiving Festival as well, with
Revolutionary era re-enactments and displays. The less-than-half-acre
park is surrounded by Jefferson, Fourth NE, and High Streets, and the
Albemarle County Courthouse.
Jordan Park: On just over three
acres at the south end of Sixth Street, the park borders Moore's Creek.
Facilities including a basketball court, playground, grill, and picnic
tables.
Lee Park: The dominant
equestrian statue of Robert E. Lee was first conceived by Henry M.
Shady and later finished by Leo Lentelli as another gift from Paul
McIntire in 1924,just three years after the Jackson monument. Just over
an acre of remaining park land offers a comfortable setting with
numerous benches, checkers and chess set tables, as well as pretty
flowers and shrubbery. Lee is bordered by Jefferson, First NE, Market,
and Second Streets.
McGuffey Park: On just over an
acre of land, McGuffey sits on its own hill beside the Art Center with
the same name at Second St. NW and Jefferson. McGuffey is due for a
makeover sponsored by UVA's Landscape Architecture School and Friends
of McGuffey Park.
Northeast Park: The park offers
a full basketball court, playground facilities, a grill and picnic
table, as well as a footbridge to Marshall Street. Just shy of five
acres of land, it sits at the corner of Sheridan Ave. and Calhoun St.
Rives Park: Visitors enjoy a
view of Carter Mountain along with access to a basketball court,
softball field, a shelter with four picnic tables, and playground
equipment. The neighborhood park offers over four acres of flat open
space not far from Quarry Park.
Starr Hill Park: The park
provides nearly half an acre of comforting open field. Starr Hill can
be found at the corner of Seventh St. NW and Elsom St.
City Parks Rules & Regulations
Office: 970-3592
City Code requires owners to keep their dogs leashed at all times in
city parks. Owners must also clean up the feces of dogs in their care.
Failure to abide by these laws is a class-four misdemeanor. Owners are,
however, provided with specific fenced-in areas at some parks where
dogs can roam. Picnic Shelters (other than McIntire & Pen Park) are
available at a first-come first-serve basis. All city-owned parks are
open 6am-9pm.
County Park Rules & Regulations
Office: 296-5844
All parks that offer fishing require all fisherman to hold a Virginia
State Fishing License. All lakes offer abundant sunfish, channel
catfish, and largemouth bass. Fishing parks normally open at 7am (6am
during peak fishing seasons). (Includes Chris Greene Lake, Mint Spring
Valley, Beaver, Totier and Walnut Creeks). Parks permitting swimming
are open 10am-8pm Memorial Day to Labor Day. Swimming is prohibited if
lifeguards are not on duty. A park user fee is also charged during the
swim season. Parks providing canoe rental do so for an hourly rate of
$5. Picnic shelters are available at numerous parks for $25-- free
during swim season. U.S. Coast Guard approved boats and crafts are
welcome to the lakes; however, gasoline and fuel oil powered motors are
prohibited. Hunting is strictly prohibited in all County parks.