Beaverdam Park offers the only public freshwater fishing on the Middle Peninsula. Jon boats & canoes can be rented or bring your boat with electric motor to one of the boat ramps. The 635 acres of water offers great fishing & paddling. Virginia fishing licenses available at the Ranger Station. Take a walk on the beautiful nature trail or enjoy miles of multi-use trail (for hikers, bikers & horseback riders). If you are looking for a new workout stop by the exercise trail. The park has two shelters, a lodge & amphitheater to fill your reunion, party or meeting needs. Programs on owls, snakes, night canoeing and more for youth, adults & families are scheduled throughout the year. Fishing tournaments are held on the 3rd Saturday of May, June & September with an invitational tournament in October.

Features

635 Acre Freshwater Lake
Boat Ramps
Boat Rentals
Fishing
Playgrounds
Picnic Area
Facilities/Rentals
Restrooms
Hiking Trails
Horseback Trails
Mountain Bike Trails
Geocaching
VA Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Parking

Download Trail Map

Park Hours

January, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm
February, 7:30 am to 6 pm
March 1-13, 6:30 am to 7:30 pm
March 14-31, 7 am to 7:30 pm
April, 6:30 am to 8 pm
May-Labor Day, 6 am to 8:30 pm
September, 7 am to 7:30 pm
October, 7 am to 6:45 pm
November, 7 am to 5:30 pm
December, 7:30 am to 5 pm
Beaverdam Park is open 7 days a week
year-round and only closes on Christmas Day.

More info here

James City County Parks and Recreation hosted a community meeting to share renovation and design plans for a new playground structure to replace the existing Kidsburg playground at Mid County Park, 3793 Ironbound Road.

Why: The current 24,000-square-foot playground was constructed in 1994 and does not meet current ADA guidelines nor does it fully meet today’s standards for public-use playgrounds.

Who’s paying: Project funding was appropriated by the James City County Board of Supervisors as part of the Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) budget. Safety: The project will be fully ADA compliant, universal and barrier free. The new proposed 30,000 square-foot playground will meet current accessibility and safety guidelines and standards. Playground Amenities: Kidsburg playground amenities will include a general play area, a ship replica (21-feet wide x 36-feet long) and a swing area. In addition, there will be a separate gated area for children aged 2 to 5. Dependent on funding, a spray pad element is still being considered. A water park was never a consideration for Kidsburg.

Your input: Please take a few moments to review the designs on the following pages. To share your comments and concerns, please complete a comment card available online here or you can email your comments to  parks.rec@jamescitycountyva.gov.  Please forward your comments and concerns no later than August 3.

Next Steps: Construction of the new playground is scheduled for October 2012 with a spring 2013 completion date.

Questions: Contact Nancy Ellis at Nancy.Ellis@jamescitycountyva.gov or call 757-259-5412.

 Fence Pickets: If you purchased a fence picket at Kidsburg, and would like it back, please call 757-592-0495 and leave your name, the name on the picket, your phone number and a message. You can also request your picket online here

The pickets will be available for pick up in fall 2012 when playground renovations are scheduled to begin. A plaque will also be installed at the park to honor its history and those individuals and businesses who supported the park through fence picket purchases and as volunteers

Proposed Highlights for Kidsburg Playground—Age 2-5 Area ●(4) custom enclosed seat swings with log themed uprights ●custom canoe ●4-foot hollow log crawl ●wagon double slide ●log wall slide ●ground level cannon ●firewood climber ●log steppers ●Blacksmith climbing wall ●barrel crawl with anvil climber ●lookout bubble ●telescope ●interactive cannon ●upper and lower bell ●maps ●(2) shade structures ●custom fence w/wood themed posts and safety gate

Proposed Highlights for Kidsburg Playground—Age 5-12 Area ●13,000+ square-feet of play surface using engineered wood fiber and poured in place surfacing ●giant wave climber ●custom made ship 21-feet wide x 36-feet, 8-inches long with interactive bell and cannon sounds ●(4) shade structures ●100-foot zip line with launch platforms ●custom 8-foot high rock climber with slide ●(2) ADA accessible Zero-G chairs ●(5) custom built nature climbers: 3-foot boulder climber, 4-foot stump climber, (2) 5-foot log climbers, 6-foot tree root climber ●(8) belt seat swings ●(2) tire swings ●rope bridge ●single and double vine climbers ●6-foot learning wall climber ●(7) multi-level ADA accessible platform stations with activity boards and slides with transfer platforms on each play structure

The Grand Opening of Woodville Park in Gloucester is to be held this Saturday, June 30th from 10 a.m. to 3p.m.  Activities for the entire family!  Come celebrate the opening of Gloucester’s newest public park.

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO THE GRAND OPENING OF WOODVILLE PARK.  A Parade of Athletes from Baystars, Parks, Recreation & Tourism and Gloucester Youth Football will march into the park!   This colorful show will  kick-off the momentous celebration.  The opening ceremonies will feature a message from the Lanciano family about their mothers dream of this park.

Festivities include: Cake Walks, free Moon Walk and Giant Slide, guided nature walks, gardening talks, football throwing, hitting off the tee and corn hole competitions, music and more.  Freebies!  Feast on hot dog, chips and drink for just $1.

Come enjoy a day a YOUR newest park.  Hope to see you there!

Call the Gloucester VA Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department at 693-2355 for info.

This park will be the site of soccer and football games, gardens, hikes, events and activity.

WOODVILLE PARK GRAND OPENING WEBPAGE

Location – Bray’s Point Road off of Rt 17 (Seawell’s Ordinary Light)

Woodville park is approximately 100 acres in size – that’s 20 times the size of Gloucester Point Beach Park! It is located in Ordinary off of Bray’s Point Road. The park was once part of a plantation or farm called “Woodville.”

This new nature park contains both wetlands and woodlands where athletic facilities, walking trails, gardens and possibly an amphitheater are all planned for the future..

The park land was a gift to Gloucester County by the Lanciano Family.

An athletic field and sand soccer court have now been completed at the park.  A nearly $500,000 entrance and service road for the park was constructed with grant and donated funds. Other roads, parking lots, a second athletic field and habitat pond are under currently construction.

Directions:

From the Peninsula Cross the Coleman Bridge – (Route 17 North) travel through 8 stoplights to Bray’s Point Road Turn right onto Bray’s Point Road and travel about 7-tenths of a mile, Bray’s Point Road bears to the left. Turn left and the park is immediately to your left.

More info here

Site plan for Woodville Park

This 91-acre park is located in the upper end of James City County.  Amenities include a  25 meter pool with two slides, Toddler pool, Snack bar (pizza, hot dogs, drinks),  Changing rooms with showers ,Shade Structure, Playground,  Morning Swim Lessons,  sand volleyball and basketball courts, multiuse trails and a 3.5-mile mountain bike trail, horseshoe pits and picnic shelters.

Admission to the park is free, and there is a nominal charge to swim or rent the shelter.   During its operating season, the pool may be rented after hours.

Park Hours

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Pool hours are from noon – 6 p.m Memorial Day to Labor Day (The pool is open on weekends only Memorial Day-mid-June.)  The pool may be rented for an after-hours party between the hours of 6:30 -8:30 p.m. during the operational season. 

Season passes can be purchased at the James City/Williamsburg Community Center, Satellite Services Office and the pool office. For more information on the County’s Outdoor pools, click here.

180 LEISURE RD.
TOANO, VA 23168
757-566-1451 (SUMMER ONLY)
757-259-5360 (YEAR-ROUND)

Trail Map Upper County Park Trails

Mountain Bike Trails at Upper County Park

The Upper County Park trail is a 3.7-mile loop within the 75-acre Upper County Park in James City County, Virginia. The trail begins near the end of the cul-de-sac at the end of the park entrance road. Look for the mountain bike trail signs. The trail is on the left of the chained-off gravel road that leads back into the woods. Much like other trails in the area the loop contains many quick climbs and descents through ravines that surround the creek and bottomland areas adjacent to the park. The route is somewhat technical with tight turns and off camber sections. There are, however, fast stretches that use the terrain for banked turns. One downhill contains four turns that take you from side to side in a small ravine much like a bobsled course. Although shorter than other nearby trails maintained and constructed by the Eastern Virginia Mountain Association (EVMA), the trail is no less demanding. In fact, aerobically it is one of the more challenging. Many of the climbs come one after the other with few flat areas to recover. This trail requires attention. You will find it hard to take you hands off the bar to grab a water bottle or even your hydration pack hose. The trail sees little use, so expect a few sticks and branches and a narrow tread through the will blueberry (lowbush) which covers much of the forest floor along the trail.
The trail was designed to be ridden clockwise but can be ridden in both directions. In fact, counter clockwise seems to require more climbing and it will take you a bit longer to complete a loop. You can also ride the trail in a figure eight since there is a cross over near the mid-way point. Also, if you are riding clockwise, look for a bailout near the 3-mile point. The bailout drops you in on an old gravel road that makes a loop through the woods starting near the trail entrance. The gravel road was part of the old campground that previously existed at the site. In fact, you will see electrical boxes for the old campsites along sections of the trail.
In the summer, after your ride, plan to cool off in the park pool. While there is no fee for park admission or riding, a fee is charged for use of the pool. Other amenities at the park include children’s playground equipment and an outdoor basketball court. Pavilions are also available for a fee. Next time you ride, take the family. They can enjoy the pool and playgrounds.

Trail Map: Click For Map

Directions:

From I-64 take Exit 227 (Toano) to Route 30 South heading towards Toano/Williamsburg. After about 1/3 mile turn right onto Old Stage Road, just before the gas station and McDonalds’s. After about 1/3 mile, turn right onto Leisure Road. Follow Leisure Road into the park.

Water Country USA | Water Park in Williamsburg Virginia

Get ready for a wave of adventure.Guests are in for the slide of their lives in 2011 at Water Country USA. The mid-Atlantic’s largest water park is adding an epic new drop slide, Vanish Point℠. The 75-foot drop slide will join the 43 acres of pools, children’s play areas, lazy rivers and water rides that make up Water Country USA. The park also includes “Rock ‘n’ Roll Island,” featuring nearly 600 feet of body slides, a 700-foot lazy river and a 9,000-square-foot pool all set to a 1950s and ‘60s surf theme. For guests who want to relax, enjoy one of the park’s 1,500 free lounge chairs or rent one the park’s 16 private cabanas. Check out www.watercountryusa.com for more details or call (800) 343-7946.

Vanish Point: Guests are in for the slide of their lives at Water Country USA’s epic new drop slide, Vanish Point℠. Inspired by the point on a wave where water and gravity form a perfect partnership, this summit supplies two wicked-wet ways to drop out of sight. The crest of this 75-foot tower challenges guests with two wave paths. They can step into a skybox and take a plunge when the floor drops out beneath their feet, or they can get horizontal on a 300-foot speed slide that drops them straight down as soon as they enter. Either way, it’s pure liquid adrenaline. Fans can visit www.facebook.com/watercountryusa for the latest construction information and park updates.

Hours: Visit www.watercountryusa.com for operating days and hours.

The mature forest, ridges, bottoms, and wetlands of this 545- acre York County park are alive with a wide variety of woody and herbaceous plants that provide habitat for deer, raccoons, birds, turtles, snakes, millipedes, and more. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ Birding and Wildlife Trail program has recognized New Quarter Park as one of coastal Virginia’s best sites for wildlife-watching and hiking.

History
Archaeologists have discovered prehistoric sites that reveal this land was home to Woodland Indians. After 1607, explorers from Jamestown crossed through the area to visit Chief Powhatan at Werowocomoco (Gloucester). The land along Queens Creek and the York River was granted to English settlers beginning in the 1630s.

In the early 1700s, Robert “King” Carter named this tract New Quarter, one of many quarters or farms that made up his landholding. He gave it to his grandson, Carter Burwell, who built Carter’s Grove. Slaves lived and toiled here for about 150 years. Nathaniel Burwell, Carter Burwell’s son, and many of his slaves moved west after the American Revolution.

During the Civil War, Union Troops at Fort Monroe launched a campaign to take Richmond, the Confederate Capital. Earthworks were built to slow the advance; Redoubts 12 and 13 are within the Park. After the Civil War, the forest grew while the land was lightly used by tenant farmers. York County acquired the property at no cost through the federal surplus land act program in 1976 on the condition that it be used for recreational purposes. Today the park is enjoyed by thousands of outdoor and recreational enthusiasts.

FACILITIES

• Available first come, first served: Hiking & mountain biking trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, disc golf course, canoe & kayak launch, floating dock/ fishing pier, basketball & volleyball courts, soft ball field, horseshoe pits. • Picnic shelters may be reserved (see fees). • Public restrooms.

Trail  Map

Conservation Park has approximately 1,500 acres of land on the Henrico/Charles City County line with two miles of frontage on the Chickahominy River. Approximately 135 acres are in Henrico consisting of woodlands and part of what is known as the White Oak Swamp. The balance of the land and all land improvements are in Charles City County. Approximately 125 acres of the Park’s land are open, including fields planted for Bob White Quail, power lines, and areas improved with the clubhouse and recreational facilities.

The Park’s recreational facilities for members and guests consist of skeet fields, trap fields, five stand, rifle, pistol and archery ranges. Additionally, there are nature trails, picnic and fishing areas. The Conservation Park Clubhouse is 3,300 s.f. with a 1,600 s.f. covered patio, cooking and dining facilities.

The property of Conservation Park of Virginia, consisting of 1500 acres in Charles City County, Virginia, was acquired in 1990. This property is located approximately two miles west of Roxbury at 5100 Charles City Road. The park has two miles of frontage on the Chickahominy River providing fishing and habitat for ducks and other wildlife.

Approximately 1450 acres of the Conservation Park is managed for wildlife, with emphasis on Bob White Quail and duck. Lessons learned at the Park will help management of scarce species in other areas. The Park is a wildlife sanctuary and hunting is prohibited, except as it becomes necessary to control the deer herd.

The remaining 50 acres of the Park are devoted to recreational facilities. Conservation Park’s ancillary mission is to provide recreational facilities for members and guests. Facilities consist of skeet fields, trap fields, five stand, rifle range, pistol ranges, archery range, picnic areas, nature trails, and a 3,300 s.f. clubhouse with a 1,600 s.f. covered patio. Net income from recreational facilities and dues fund conservation.

Virginia Conservation Park, Inc. is a private organization available to members and guests. Memberships is open to anyone in the area of acceptable character and deportment. The initiation fee is $500; annual membership dues are $200. One membership covers all family members in the same dwelling. The Park is also available to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Lions Club, Ruritan Clubs, 4-H Clubs, the Virginia Game Commission, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, and similar organizations.

Directions

For Membership Application or Park Information:Conservation Park of Virginia, Inc. 5100 Charles City Road Charles City, VA 23030 Kevin Key, Park Manager Laura Key, Membership Secretary & Bookkeeper Phone (804) 966-7313 Fax (804) 966-7098  email:  conservationpark@aol.com

Jamestown 4-H Educational Center, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of youth and adult volunteers through innovative 4-H camping, environmental education, and leadership training.

Founded in 1928, Jamestown 4-H Center became the first fully dedicated 4-H Camp built in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jamestown 4-H Educational Center annually hosts nine full weeks of summer camp, weekend specialty camps, environmental education programs, school field trips, family reunions, church retreats, and conferences. Jamestown 4-H Educational Center is a proudly accredited American Camping Association camp, and is in collaboration with Virginia Cooperative Extension and Character Counts. The 4-H Center is also a proud member of Network Williamsburg and Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance. The 4-H Center is located in Williamsburg, along the James River. We are within walking distance to both Historic Jamestown and the Capital Trail, less than one mile from the Colonial Parkway, less than 5 miles from Colonial Williamsburg, and 20 minutes from Yorktown.

Our campus has 4 cabins  and 2 lodges . Each cabin has 2 large rooms with 14 bunk style beds, a smaller room with 2 single cots, and a bathroom with showers. Each lodge has 6 rooms with 8 bunk style beds, a large common room with 2 single cots, and 2 bathrooms with showers. Private dormitory style rooms are also available, with 2 single cots and a private bathroom, perfect for your special guest or bus driver! The campus also has a large dining hall, which seats up to 200. We also have a large recreation hall, which is perfect for talent shows, services, and large group break out sessions.

History

From 1928 to 1947

In 1928 Jamestown 4-H Educational Center was the first, fully-dedicated 4-H Camp built in the Commonwealth. The first six-acre camping site stood on the shores of the James River one mile north of Jamestown Island. The site, with its rustic wooden structures, was deeded to the 4-H organization by the C&O Railroad for the benefit of 4-H clubs and kindred organizations of the counties of the Commonwealth teaching better farming methods and domestic science. 4-H summer camps took place every summer between 1928 and 1946, with the exception being the World War II years of 1943 and 1944.

The original Jamestown 4-H camp property was later acquired by the National Park Service for its National Monumental Highway (Colonial National Historical Park) that connects Historic Jamestown Island NPS to Yorktown National Battlefield Park NPS. In 1942, the Jamestown 4-H Camp organization purchased a 16-acre parcel of land 1/2 mile up-river from the original site on land previously-owned by the C&O Railroad.

A New Home

Between 1948 and 1950 structures were built of wood frame and concrete blocks. Over the year many other buildings were built and renovated to meet the needs of modern campers..

In 1976, Jamestown 4-H Camp incorporated as Jamestown 4-H Educational Center with a governing body called the Corporate Membership. In 1982, the Corporate Membership made the decision to renovate and expand the existing facility.

The improvements and expansions of the 1980s gave the Center extensive recreational, meeting, and lodging facilities.

Today

From it’s early, agricultural roots, the Center not only continues over an 80-year tradition of fostering 4-H Campers into productive citizens with passions for environmentally-sensitive living practices, but also to help develop skills and interests in all science disciplines. In addition to the 4-H Campers who come to the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center, the Center also caters to private groups and organizations for their particular needs. The Center is fully-dedicated to serving those Extension Agents and 4-Hers from the Northeastern District of Virginia. All programming designed and administered by and accepted practices performed by the Center staff remain consistent with the core values of 4-H. The Center invites you to become apart of this extensive family and connect with our combined American heritage here at Jamestown.

Where we are

Jamestown 4-H Educational Center is located within walking distance to both Historic Jamestown and the Capital Trail, less than one mile from the Colonial Parkway, and less than 5 miles from Colonial Williamsburg, 20 minutes from Yorktown.

We are an exclusive, safe location that hosts educational, developmental team building and corporate events and 9 weeks of summer camp to 22 units in the state.

The 4-H property offers an unobstructed view of the James River, 2 Lodges that each sleep 50, 4 cabins that sleep 30, a Low Ropes Course, swimming pool, newly renovated amphitheater, fishing pier, living shoreline with a beach, dining and rec halls that can be used simultaneously by groups, multiple outdoor activities in a large recreational field typical of summer camps, acres of wooded property shielding us from development and a level of charm one can only experience first hand.

Located adjacent to Charles City County Fire Station #3 this small park includes playground equipment; grills, picnic tables and restrooms.

14330 Willcox Neck Road, Charles City VA

Harrison Park
Harrison Park is a 19-acre community athletic park with a short bike/jogging trail, a picnic pavilion, three small shelters, two tennis courts, a football/soccer field, a basketball court, a playground, and a tot lot.

5201 Harrison Park Road, Charles City VA

Several renovation and construction projects are underway at Mid County Park, all part of the Master Plan to refocus park activities from less team sports to more community recreation and to address aging equipment, safety and parking. Many park amenities will remain such as the basketball, tennis and volleyball courts and the walking trail.

• The baseball fields will be redesigned with landscaping to offer more large open space for family activities such as picnics, kite-flying and ball play opportunities. The light poles and fencing are being removed and the press boxes and dugouts will be eliminated. The light poles will be moved to Jamestown High School to light their baseball and softball fields.

• A new playground will be built to replace the aging Kidsburg and a new Park Office will provide larger restroom facilities and vending areas. The new playground will be a more modern structure; however, many of the theme aspects of the current playground will remain.

• Construction and renovation of the playground and office will be completed in stages and should be finished by spring 2013.

• A plaque will be installed at the park to honor its history and those individuals and groups who supported the park through fence picket purchases and as volunteers and businesses who helped make Kidsburg a community success.

Anyone who purchased a Kidsburg fence picket and would like it back can call 757-592-0495 for information on how they can pick up their picket in the fall.

You can watch for future updates on this website or follow the renovations at the County’s website or by phone, 757-259-5360 or email parks.rec@james-city.va.us

Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area
12510 Eagles Nest Road

The Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area includes 5,217 acres of woodlands, tidal creeks and marshy guts bordering the Chickahominy River and Morris Creek.  The area is managed by the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries primarily for upland wildlife and is a stop on the Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail.  The Wildlife Area is a popular site for hunting during winter months and for fishing, boating and birding in the spring, summer and fall.  Primitive overnight camping is permitted within the Wildlife Area.  The area has a number of hiking trails, but they are not maintained.  Amenities include a boat launch, fishing pier and firing range.  For directions and printable map of the Wildlife Management Area visit  www.dgif.virginia.gov/wmas/detail.asp?pid=1.

The management area gains its name from the Chickahominy River which forms the area’s eastern boundary. To the south, Morris Creek flows through the area and then along its southern boundary. Other smaller tidal creeks and marshy guts cut into the forests to provide additional wetland diversity. The upland, though mainly wooded with mixed hardwood and pine stands, also features cultivated, mowed and “old field” openings. The area’s 5,217 acres are contiguous although there are some interior, private properties. Nearly level, elevations range from about 25 to 50 feet.

Hunting

Hunting opportunities on the Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area include those for deer, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, doves and waterfowl. Agricultural crops beneficial to wildlife are planted annually. Timber is sold to to create small clearings and mowed trails provide linear openings and create “edge” to further enhance existing habitat. White- tailed deer are abundant. Turkeys use the area extensively, and squirrels are plentiful during most years. Open areas and woodland “edges” sustain fair quail and rabbit populations. Ducks are common and use the beaver ponds as well as tidal waters adjacent to the property. Waterfowl is hunted primarily by floating blind, hunters being allowed access on a first come basis. Stationary blinds are not allowed.

Fishing

Morris Creek is a good largemouth stream and also provides excellent fishing for crappie and catfish, including channel, blue and white. Many of the smaller tributaries are also productive. The species mentioned above also occur in the Chickahominy River as it passes the management area. Additionally, the river often provides good fishing for striped bass and yellow perch.

Other Activities

The Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area is excellent for observing and photographing wildlife. Visits to the bluffs along the Chickahominy River, or the interior of the property often yield sightings of many upland and wetland plant and animal species, including ospreys and bald eagles. Nearby, a number of restored plantations are located along the James River and easily accessible from state route 5. Also close by are Lake Harrison, the Federal Fish Cultural Station, Williamsburg and the Scotland-Jamestown Ferry.

Facilities

Parking areas are located along routes 623 and 621 as well as along some of the interior roads. An excellent public boat ramp on Morris Creek gives boating and fishing access to the creek and the Chickahominy and James Rivers. Trails mowed to benefit wildlife also invite hikers. A well developed sighting-in range for rifle and shotgun shooters is a popular feature of this area.

Directions

Physical Address for Driving Directions:
12510 Eagles Nest Rd, Charles City, VA 23030 (map)

The Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area is most readily approached from state route 5 eight miles east of Charles City Courthouse, at Rustic. Here, take route 623 north. The area may also be approached from U.S. Route 60 at Providence Forge by taking State Highway 155 south; then left onto route 614;, left again on 615 and bear right onto 623. Consult the map for greater detail.

Access Permit Goes Into Effect January 1, 2012

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) »

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) will require an Access Permit for visitors to department-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and public fishing lakes effective January 1, 2012, who are age 17 and older, unless they possess a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater fishing, or trapping license, or a current Virginia boat registration.

Daily or Annual Access Permits for WMAs and department-owned public fishing lakes statewide will be available January 1, 2012 for purchase online, by calling 1-866-721-6911 during business hours, or at any license agent.

Daily Access Permits can be consecutive up to five days. More than that—the cost of six daily permits—would be $24, slightly more than the annual fee. At that point, it makes more sense to purchase an Annual Access Permit.

• Cost for the Daily Access Permit is $4.
• Cost for the Annual Access Permit is $23.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) »

• © 2012 Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

The 601-acre Freedom Park is home to significant American history – recognized nationally as the site of the earliest free black settlement dating to 1803-1860, an 18th-century graveyard, the Revolutionary War Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary in 1781 and a 17th century domicile that is revealing much archaeological research of the early colonial period (1680-1730).. Also located in the park are the Williamsburg Botanical Garden, two miles of multiuse trails and more than 20 miles of mountain bike trails.Freedom

JCC Parks & Recreation continues to work diligently to preserve one of the nation’s earliest Free Black Settlements in America, which include three historically accurate recreated cabins that are located in a meadow and are furnished with items authentic to the period (1803-1850).

The park opened In September 2002. It was  named to represent the freedom granted to the slaves of William Ludwell Lee.This 600-acre forested retreat  features approximately two miles of hiking trails and more than 20 miles of mountain bike trails winding through historical sites, forests and along creeks, open meadows, and parking.  The bike trails were designed , built and are maintained by the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association.  Mountain Bike Trail Loop C, has steadily gaining momentum as one of the state’s premier trail systems. Designed with avoidable features for bikers of all abilities, the trail system boasts over 30 technical trail features to challenge even the most experienced riders

Trails are closed to bikes during inclement weather to prevent trail degradation. Riders are encouraged to call 259-4022 to check trails status.

Park Hours

The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.

Members of the   Williamsburg Botanical Garden , in a formal partnership with the County, used their volunteer energy and resources to create, plant, and maintain a garden at the site. The “Ellipse Garden” features more than 800 species of native Virginia vegetation.

The Freedom Park Interpretive Center features exhibits of artifacts recovered during the construction of the park as well as an interactive kiosk that provides visitors a visual tour of the park, its amenities, wildlife and history.  The Center includes a meeting room with capacity for 50, an indoor wood-burning fireplace , an outdoor fireplace area and outdoor access to bathroom facilities when the Interpretive Center is closed.  WI-FI connectivity is  available.

Interpretive Center Hours:

Monday- Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday,  9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday,    9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Meeting Room use includes use of the kitchen and outdoor fireplace area.  Set up may begin up to 30 minutes before the Center opens; break down after an event can be completed up to 30 minutes after closing, if needed.  Staffing fees are determined by the Facility Administrator, dependent on size of event.  To rent space at this facility, complete the Facility Request Form below.

Rental Fees:

Meeting Room:

• $50/hour for each of the first three hours
• $25/hour for fourth and each subsequent hour

Staffing:

• $15/hour for events occurring after regular operating hours

Free Black Settlement

The final of three recreated cabins was completed in 2008 in Freedom Park. On this original tract is a purposefully established community whose inhabitants consisted of Free Blacks. Here, visitors can see three types of dwellings that they occupied between 1804 and 1860. In 1802 William Ludwell Lee bequeathed his slaves their freedom and specified that comfortable homes were to be built for them on the “Hot Waters,” a subsidiary farm of the nearby Green Springs Plantation. Lee died in 1803 and soon after his executor began building houses for the former slaves. This interpretation draws upon historical and archaeological research to convey a sense of what life was like for these men, women and children. It also takes into account the rigors of everyday life and economic hardships that James City County’s Free Blacks experienced nearly 60 years before President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.

Homes of Freedom Park

The Jackson Home
By 1805, William Ludwell Lee’s executor had begun constructing cabins for Lee’s former slaves, who were allowed to live on the “Hot Waters” for ten years, rent- free. One housing type made use of log and timber construction and a wooden chimney. This very modest dwelling was typical housing for slaves, Free Blacks, and poor whites. Such cabins might last only 20 years before falling into despair, leaving behind very little archaeological evidence. This house represents a household occupied by John Jackson, a former Lee slave, his wife Nancy, and two children. John Jackson eventually was able to purchase and develop his own property and his descendants still live in the area.

The Brown House
This small house with its only 288 square feet of living space has a brick chimney, windows that contain glass and stairs leading to an overhead loft— improvements suggesting permanency. It is the type of house that would have been occupied by Anthony Brown, a former Lee slave who spent much of his adult life on the Hot Water tract. Brown was a farmer. He shared a home with his wife Rachel, a washwoman and their several children. The disposable income Anthony earned enabled him to purchase a horse or mule to help with his farming operations. Pictured above is a view of the home with its chicken coop (left) and livestock pen that would have enabled him to maximize his agricultural productivity.

The Lightfoot House
An artisan or worker with marketable skills would have occupied this more comfortable home. This one-room house, which reflects economic success, has refinements such as wooden floors, plastered walls, and an attic. It is covered with clapboards and has a shingled roof and brick chimney. Juba Lightfoot, a bricklayer and plasterer, though not one of Williams Ludwell Lee’s ex-slaves, spent much of his adult life on the Hot Water property. He and his wife Betsy, a laundress, shared their home with several children.

Helpful Links:

• Freedom Park Trail Map
• Freedom Park Background and History
• Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association
• Freedom Park Improvement Plans
• Holiday Closings
• Facility Use Policy
• Facility Request Form

Location   5537 CENTERVILLE ROAD, WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23188