Carter Jones Park

Historical Background

Positioned in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, Carter Jones Park (or Fonticello Park as the locals often call it) carries a story that stretches back to the early 1900s. Once part of the Fonticello Springs property, this green haven found its public purpose in 1915 when a 12-acre section was set aside as a private park during the development of the Woodland Heights and Swansboro neighborhoods. What started as a private retreat eventually evolved into what we now know as Carter Jones Park.

Management and Planning

These days, the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities keeps the park running smoothly. It's become something of a backyard for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods.

The park got a new vision in 2019 with a master plan aimed at upgrading amenities to better meet local needs. Recent years have seen the park getting some well-deserved TLC, including a brand new playground. And from what we hear, there's more good stuff on the horizon.

Amenities and Features

If you're looking for something active to do, Carter Jones offers several options. The park offers a nice mix of tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, and a soccer field sitting right next to the skate park.

Speaking of which - in 2013, Richmond's first public skatepark rolled into Carter Jones. Officially named Fonticello Skate Park (though plenty of people just call it Carter Jones Skate Park), this street-style setup with vert obstacles has become a magnet for the local skateboarding community.

Kids won't be bored here either. The recently renovated playground sports bright, modern equipment that keeps children of all ages entertained. With its mulch base and variety of play structures, it's a place where you can relax while the kids play.

Natural Environment

Beyond the active facilities, Carter Jones offers generous green spaces well-suited for spreading out a picnic blanket or just lounging with a good book. Several picnic areas nestle under the shade of mature trees, and you can find tables scattered within the grounds.

The park provides a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll or connecting with nature. Those wide, open grassy fields work perfectly for impromptu games or giving your on-leash dog some exercise. Keep your eyes open and you might spot some of the local wildlife that calls the park home.

Community Involvement

Much of what makes this park special comes from the people who love it. The Friends of Fonticello Park group has championed improvements and worked to position the park as a vital green space for Southside Richmond families. Their dedication has contributed to the park's improvements over the years.

Community spirit runs strong here, with regular events including a Wednesday food sharing program. Right next door, you can find the Fonticello Food Forest, where you can learn about local food systems and identify various fruit trees - a little urban foraging education in the heart of the city.

Facilities

You can find public restrooms that are kept reasonably clean, along with a shelter that's well-suited for gatherings or escaping a sudden summer shower.

While seating can sometimes be scarce during busy periods, the park's open layout gives you plenty of room to bring your own chairs or blankets. One of the park's best features is how its design lets families enjoy multiple amenities in a single visit - you can watch one kid skateboard while another hits the playground, all within eyesight.