From farmland to fun land: Henrico’s Taylor Farm Park now open
Free Press staff report | 7/18/2024, 6 p.m.
A new public park spanning 99 acres opened Tuesday in Sandston, expanding Henrico County’s recreational offerings. Taylor Farm Park, located at 200 Whiteside Road, features a variety of outdoor amenities and represents a $26 million investment in community infrastructure.
The park, funded through a 2016 voter-approved bond referendum, is the first new park in Henrico County since 2018. It includes attractions such as an interactive play stream, treehouses, zip lines and an “all-wheel” park designed for various wheeled sports.
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At the opening ceremony, Board of Supervisors Chairman Tyrone E. Nelson, representing the Varina District, stated, “Taylor Farm Park has been a dream of the Sandston community for many years.”
Among the park’s features are a spray park with “mist mounds,” nature-based play areas, a skate park and a pump track/flow bowl. A 1-mile asphalt trail connects to surrounding neighborhoods, and the site includes a memorial for public safety workers and military service members.
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The park’s name honors its history. The Taylor family owned the property from 1858 to 2016, and in 2005, it was recognized by the Virginia Century Farm Program for its long-standing agricultural use. The land also was part of the Civil War’s Battle of Seven Pines.
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Taylor Farm Park becomes the 56th property in Henrico County’s parks system, which now covers over 3,300 acres. County data show the park system attracts more than 6 million visitors annually.
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Recreation & Parks Director John Zannino announced grand opening events to mark the park’s debut and encouraged residents to visit Taylor Farm Park and other county parks.
“We are thrilled to add Taylor Farm Park to Henrico County’s world-class parks system, which contributes to our high quality of life and offers a wide variety of active and passive recreational opportunities and experiences for everyone,” he said.