Carter Jones Park

Historical Background

Carter Jones Park, also known as Fonticello Park, is a public green space located in Richmond, Virginia. The park has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century when it was part of the Fonticello Springs property. In 1915, as part of the development of the Woodland Heights and Swansboro neighborhoods, a 12-acre section of the property was secured for use as a private park, which later became the public Carter Jones Park.

Management and Planning

The park is currently maintained by the Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Facilities. It serves as a community gathering space and recreational area for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods.

A 2019 master plan was developed to improve the park's amenities and align its programming with community needs. However, implementation of these improvements has been delayed due to various factors, including budget constraints and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amenities and Features

The park features a mix of recreational facilities and natural areas. It includes walking trails, open green spaces suitable for picnics and outdoor activities, and a playground area.

In 2013, the park saw the addition of Richmond's first public skatepark, officially named Fonticello Skate Park but also known as Carter Jones Skate Park.

Community Involvement

While the park has experienced periods of deferred maintenance, community efforts, such as those by the Friends of Fonticello Park group, have advocated for improvements and worked to enhance the park's role as a valuable green space for Southside Richmond families.