Byrd Park
Byrd Park, south end of the Boulevard. The 287-acre park features open parkland, shelters, three lakes (Shields, Swan, and Boat lakes), summer pedal-boat rides, tennis courts, ball fields, and a vita exercise course.
In the video at left, see the sights around Byrd Park, including The Carillon, Dogwood Dell, the lakes and recreational options and learn a little history about the park and its surroundings.
The park is located next to Richmond’s Maymont.
This park made the list of the Best parks in the Richmond area
Phil Riggan / DiscoverRichmond.com
At left, the Christopher Columbus Monument welcomes visitors to Byrd Park from the Boulevard entrance. The monument was the first statue to Columbus in the South. It was a gift to the city from Richmond’s Italian community and was dedicated in 1927.
Byrd Park, south end of the Boulevard. The 287-acre park features open parkland, shelters, three lakes (Shields, Swan, and Boat lakes), summer pedal-boat rides, tennis courts, ball fields, and a vita exercise course.
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Richmond Times-Dispatch Archives
Published: August 25, 2008
Check our photosfor a tour of Boat Lake and surroundings
Check our photosof the Christopher Columbus statue
Check our photosfor a tour of the Carillon and Dogwood Dell
Check our photosfor a tour Swan and Shields lakes
Check our photosfor a tour of Byrd Park‘s many fitness options
Byrd Park features open parkland with many large hardwood trees and is great place to ride a bike, go for a jog, take a walk or see some of Richmond’s history.
The 287-acre park also has three large and scenic lakes.
Boat Lake has an attractive fountain at its center. Many park-goers park here for lunch or fish in the shade. In the summer months, paddle-boat rides are fun entertainment.
There are paved walking paths around Shields and Swan lakes that are popular for joggers and walkers. Fishing, picnicing, and relaxing are also fun, but watch out for the abundant goose and duck population at Shields lake.
As for exercise, the vita course has trails totalling around 1.3 miles and has many fitness stops.
The surfaces of Byrd park’s busy tennis courts are state-of-the-art and offer night play. Two Little League baseball fields are nearby.
The Christopher Columbus Monument was the first statue to Columbus in the South. It was a gift to the city from Richmond’s Italian community and was dedicated in 1927.
The park was originally known as Reservoir Park and the surrounding area was one of Richmond’s first were streetcar suburbs. It was renamed Byrd Park in 1906 and was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register in 2006.
The Carillon pays tribute to Virginians who died in World War I. The 240-foot Georgian bell tower contains 56 bells. It was designed by Boston architect Ralph Adams Cram and was dedicated in 1932. It is open only for special events, such as weddings and war veterans memorials. The grassy mall in front of the monument hosts annual “Arts in the Park” festivals as well as the annual fireworks show.
Just down from The Carillon is Dogwood Dell. The grass and stone amphitheater can hold 3,000 people and is home to many free summer performing arts festivals and concert series.
The park also has a dog park, Barker Field, a social hub for Richmond’s dog lovers.
Byrd Park is located at the south end of the Boulevard. The Carillon is at 1300 Blanton Ave.
Info: 646-5733: Richmond City Recreation and Parks. ci.richmond.va.us
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