These Henrico County Parks Deserve More Love
I’m one of those rare Richmonders who migrated from the suburbs back to the city after becoming a parent in my 30s. And while life in The Fan is a better fit for my family, there’s one thing I really miss about living in Henrico County: the parks. Deep Run Park, Crump Park, and Taylor Farm Park are still some of my favorites, even if they are a bit of a hike from the city center (pun intended).
Deep Run Park
Situated west of Richmond, off of Gaskins Rd, Deep Run is a convenient stop for West Enders — or anyone who’s running those unavoidable Short Pump errands. With more than 164 acres, it feels like a country escape just a quick jaunt from the city.
Featuring miles of paved and unpaved trails winding through the park, Deep Run is a haven for walkers, runners, and mountain bikers. The landscape varies between thickly wooded forest, rolling fields, and a swampy creek bed with a boardwalk, and there are two fishing ponds that are regularly stocked with fish. The variety of habitats makes it ideal for spotting birds and other wildlife.
For younger park-goers, Deep Run’s playgrounds are its main draw, especially the biggest play area that boasts a castle, a dragon, and plenty of swings and picnic tables. Older kids with an adventurous streak love the pump track, and athletes of all ages can enjoy the soccer fields, basketball courts, and even cricket fields.
Location: 9900 Ridgefield Pkwy (Richmond)
Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park
Farther north, in Glen Allen, the Meadow Farm Museum at Crump Park is an expansive park situated on land that was left to Henrico County by a family who settled there before the Civil War. The 1810 farmhouse overlooking the park is only open for tours occasionally, but it’s surrounded by outbuildings housing farm animals like sheep, chickens, and mules.
Also on the grounds, Parson’s Community Center delves into the fascinating history of the site, starting with archaeological evidence of the Native Americans who once lived in the area. The farm was also home to two enslaved men who famously stopped a planned slave uprising focused on the kidnapping of James Monroe and overthrowing the government in Richmond. The community center is named for the family of enslaved workers who lived on the farm from 1809 to 1939.
In addition to the farm and historic sites, the park boasts a huge playground and picnic facilities, a fishing pond, and walking trails.
Location: 3400 Mountain Rd (Glen Allen)
Taylor Farm Park
Taylor Farm Park is the newest addition to the county’s park system, opening in July 2024. The 99-acre complex is located east of the city in Sandston, and it’s well worth the drive — $26 million went into making this park a true destination. The massive state-of-the-art skatepark is one of the biggest on the east coast, and there’s also a huge playground with ziplines and treehouses, and a seasonal spray park.
Location: 200 Whiteside Rd (Sandston)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Erica is a freelance writer who lives in The Fan with her husband and son. A native of Central Virginia, she's lived in Charleston, Boston, and Bordeaux, France, but RVA is her favorite hometown. She writes about topics like travel, cocktails, and parenting for publications including HuffPost, Wine Enthusiast, and Parents.
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