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City
Parks in Charlottesville
Charlottesville
is blessed with so many parks, large and small, that we can't possibly
cover them all. Some families love the cozy, tucked-away feel of McGuffy,
while others love the neighborhood ambience of Greenleaf. The huge play
structure at Tonsler ranks high with young kids, while older children
give high marks to the nature trail at Pen Park. Go ahead and find your
family's favorite, or better yet, try a new one each week!
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Greenleaf
Park Rose Hill Drive at Greenleaf Lane Charlottesville
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Greenleaf
has become so popular that on a nice day the tiny parking lot can
overflow. The park has shade on those scorching days of August and
is a favorite picnic spot. A new picnic shelter and restroom have
just been built, replacing the aging structure that had served the
park for years. Although the playground is fairly small, it has lots
of interesting features that kids adore. Best of all, pick up the
key to the sprinklers and watch every kid in the park come alive in
the downpour. Bring a swimsuit and towel! |
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McGuffy
Park Corner of High Street and 2nd Street NW Charlottesville
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An
easy walk from the downtown mall or Court Square, McGuffy Park offers
a small, shady playground with picnic tables and a basketball court.
The park is nestled into a corner across from the McGuffy Art Center
and feels like a secret, hidden garden. Drop by if you're on the downtown
mall or before visiting the artists' studios at the McGuffy. If you
are taking a self-guided walking tour of Court Square with kids in
tow, reward them with a trip to McGuffy at the end of your tour. |
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McIntire
Park McIntire Road and 250 Bypass Charlottesville
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Telling
a playdate to "meet us at McIntire Park" is a bit like asking someone
to meet you at the Smithsonian. There is a lot of park to McIntire,
so be specific! Right off the Bypass is a playground and a wading
pool. Both are great for the under-five set. Behind the playground
is the nine-hole McIntire golf course. Most kids won't be able to
play the course, but it makes a good practice area for budding golfers.
A second smaller playground can be found back by the baseball fields.
At the second playground you will find restrooms, a water fountain,
and picnic shelters. This playground has a smooth rubbery surface
that doesn't rub off on clothes or sweaty faces. |
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Meade
Park Corner of Meade Avenue and Chesapeake Street Charlottesville
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This
five-acre neighborhood park is one of the most popular parks in the
city during the summer months, thanks to the Onesty Pool swimming
facilities. Visitors here will find a modified L-shaped pool with
a diving board and a separate fenced toddler pool. A bathhouse with
changing facilities and snackbar are adjacent. Next to the pool is
a playground and picnic shelter. Although the equipment is a bit outdated,
it is brightly painted and a lot of fun for kids under eight. The
park also has a basketball court and multi-purpose playing field.
Long-range plans for the park call for new plantings throughout, construction
of a new playground and children's garden, and a trail connecting
the park to the Rivanna Greenbelt Trail. |
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Pen
Park Park Street Charlottesville
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One
of the larger area parks, Pen is home to Meadowcreek Golf Course,
a big playground (sans shade), picnic shelters and several tennis
courts. What a lot of people don't know is that Pen Park has a great
fitness trail where kids and adults can test their strength and skill.
This same trail also boasts an Interpretive Nature Trail Walk. At
the beginning of the course, a box offers a brochure describing the
sights and sounds of nature at each exercise station. The nature walk
is about 3/4 mile long on a paved trail with some hills. The trail
is not circular, so leave time to double back. |
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Tonsler
Park Cherry Avenue and Ridge Street Charlottesville
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Recently
rebuilt by the Charlottesville community, Tonsler Park boasts the
best play structure in Charlottesville. Castles with moats, tunnels,
swings and towers dominate the landscape. You'll also find four tennis
courts and a new recreation building (open limited hours). Although
the wooden structure is extensive, weary parents can still keep a
vigilant eye from nearby benches. |
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Washington
Park Corner of 9th St. and Preston Avenue Charlottesville
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Extensively
renovated over the past year, Washington Park promises to become a
showpiece in the Charlottesville park system, complete with a new
playground, a wide, grassy area and a brand-new swimming pool. In
the summer, Washington Park is a popular cooling-off spot for area
kids. The pool, especially great for toddlers, has a sloped-in beach
entry with a mushroom waterfall. Look for phase two of the renovations,
including a second playground, to be completed soon. |
As
always, we welcome feedback and queries.
Please call at
(434) 978 1700 or send
us email.
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