Bryan Park — Attraction in Richmond

Bryan Park located on the boarder of Henrico County and the city of Richmond and is seeing a revitalization. Is it for the best? That depends on whom you ask and what your interest are. Back in the "day", you could drive from one end of the park to the other. But over the years they have closed off traffic to one third of the park. What was once beautiful European groomed and kept gardens, have been neglected and have been designated as "Eco rebuilding" trying to get the native wildlife and plants grow. The once world famous "azalea garden" with the Cross of Christ has also been neglected and has lost it's importance that it once had. The Japanese garden is still like it was 30 years ago. There are several professional sized Soccer, but reserved for leagues only. There are paved walking trails, 1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles, there are nature trails that can be used for mountain biking. Lots of nature, streams, brooks, pounds, lakes for nature lovers. There are some old tennis courts for those who like to chase balls that go out of bound. There is an updated and fun playground for the children. For the adult children, there is a new Frisbee golf course. Kinda bums me out that they put that in, because now you can't walk around the park without feeling like you are in someone's "shot". They do have shelters that you can rent out from the city. They have a nature center. Also, Bryan Park is probably one of the best places on this side of town to go sledding. They have grills and pick-nick tables, and the always go to for children, playing on the rocks and feeding the ducks and geese. Great place for an ALL DAY FREE ADVENTURE,...

I love the open space of this park and the amount of parking available. Children play soccer in the fields. There is a tennis court or two. A dragonfly-butterfly-themed playground is ever fun for adults. It includes swing sets! This is my favorite park in the Richmond area period, end of story. They had a program in which goats of all shapes and sizes were moved about the park to eat up the harmful weeds growing over the trees. These little guys worked fast. They were used to being watched and some small guys would follow me around when i tried to see other goats around the enclosure. There are ponds and rivers and swamps to view with wildlife and nature all around! Lilly pads, frogs, turtles, ducks, and geese! In the back, they maintain a wildlife area with plants specifically planted to bring butterflies into the area- hence the butterfly-themed playground! There is a trail in the back this is good for hiking. You can also find a bike trail which is paved nicely like a road. Obviously i cant stress enough how amazing this park is. This is an asset to the community and we should all work to...

If you have older children who don't need strollers, then this is a 5 star park. Otherwise, I'm giving it 4 stars because you are forced to share the road with bicyclists and cars. The pathways, which are actually roads, are narrow and cars come barreling towards you constantly. This is especially nerve-wracking if you're pushing a baby in the stroller.

However, there is beautiful scenery off the beaten paths, and lots of paths through the grass and fields away from the cars. There is an awesome playground with tons of cool things to play with. See my pictures.

The azalea garden, which is huge, has a 1 mile walking/jogging/car ride path around in a loop. Blooming season is from April through the end of May, weather depending.

This seems like the place to ride your bike, walk your dog, or play frisbee golf. If you have older children that don't need strollers, then this is great. Or just take the young ones to...