The next phase of Tuckahoe Creek Park is getting ready to move forward, thanks in large part to a local community partner.
The Wilton Companies, a local business with deep roots in Tuckahoe, is donating roughly 21 acres of land just north of Patterson Avenue to expand the park. This property connects to the existing Tuckahoe Creek Park and will allow visitors to enjoy more of the natural beauty of the creek.
“This generous gift of land will allow the county to make Tuckahoe Creek an even better place for Henrico residents to enjoy all that we have to offer,” Tuckahoe District Supervisor Jody K. Rogish said at a Monday press conference recognizing the donation. “Thank you, thank you, thank you for your incredible contribution to our community and your vision that will help us enhance this beautiful space for generations to come.”
The park is already a local treasure along Tuckahoe Creek, featuring a boardwalk prime for bird-watching, sight-seeing and fishing. It was initially made possible by The Wilton Companies, which began this effort by donating about 240 acres between 1980 and 1991. This new land will bring Wilton’s total donation for the park to more than 250 acres, making it the largest donation of land for recreational use in Henrico.
The planned expansion will include an additional 2 miles of boardwalk with a new trailhead, which will be named Wilton Landing, at the former site of the Tuckahoe Village Recreation Association off Westbriar Drive. The new boardwalk will be similar to what residents are already enjoying at Tuckahoe Creek, but with an additional amenity: educational landmarks. The donated land contains remnants of Henrico’s coal mining era and historical railway system. The county will preserve these pieces of history and add signs along the boardwalk for residents to learn about the industrial heritage of the area.
Thanks to an additional donation from Lakewood, a senior living community less than a mile from the proposed trailhead, Henrico’s older residents will also be able to enjoy a dedicated access point to the park.
“These collaborations exemplify what can happen when businesses … come together with government and residents to make our county a better place to live, work and play,” Rogish said. “I can’t wait for all of you to experience the expanded park as we continue to celebrate the rich history and natural beauty of this space.”
Henrico Recreation & Parks will host a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at Lakewood Retirement Community, 1900 Lauderdale Drive. County employees and officials will go review proposed master plan for the new space with interested community members.
