Plum Point Park

Plum Point Park is a 5-acre public green space situated along the Elizabeth River in Norfolk, Virginia. The park offers visitors a tranquil respite from the surrounding urban environment, providing a stark contrast to the noise and industrial activity of nearby shipyards.

Originally developed in the 1960s during the construction of the Midtown Tunnel, the area that would become Plum Point Park was initially used as a dumping ground for sediment and excavation materials. In the 1990s, the West Ghent Civic League proposed transforming the site into a public park. The Virginia Port Authority later provided $1.5 million for renovations and wildlife restoration.

The park serves as both a recreational area for residents and a mitigation site for environmental conservation. In collaboration with the Elizabeth River Project, efforts were made to re-establish an open, natural refuge that doubles as a waterfront green space. The design aims to retain the area's natural characteristics while protecting and enhancing estuarial vegetation and wildlife to buffer against coastal erosion.

Plum Point Park features a perimeter trail that offers harbor and sunset vistas, with benches placed along the path for visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery. The park's location along the Elizabeth River Trail makes it accessible to walkers, runners, and cyclists.

While the park provides a peaceful environment for visitors, some have noted that noise from the nearby shipyard can sometimes be audible, potentially affecting the overall tranquility of the experience.

The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation currently maintains Plum Point Park, aligning with their mission to promote and enhance the Elizabeth River Trail. Their work includes beautification efforts such as plantings that serve multiple purposes, including attracting pollinators, providing habitats, and mitigating stormwater flooding.