Gillies Creek Park

Location and History

Found in Richmond's East End at the crossroads of Stony Run Drive and Williamsburg Road, Gillies Creek Park sprawls across 40 acres of urban greenery.

Established in the early 1990s, this natural retreat represents a recreational hub for nearby neighborhoods while being just a short hop from downtown Richmond.

Unique Attractions

A standout feature of this park is Richmond's only BMX race track, home to Richmond BMX, an affiliate of the National Bicycle League. The track attracts BMX enthusiasts throughout the region for regular races and events. You can catch races typically on Sunday afternoons from mid-March through mid-November, and when the weather's nice, the track is open for anyone wanting to try their wheels.

Right next to the BMX track, there are dirt jumps where mountain bikers and BMX riders practice catching some serious air.

For the disc golf crowd, the park offers an 18-hole disc golf course with a nice mix of open fairways and wooded challenges. The course strikes a good balance for players across skill levels and is known for quick rounds and creative shot opportunities. If you're feeling adventurous, local disc golf enthusiasts often organize glow disc golf events on Friday evenings - a pretty cool way to experience the sport after dark.

Additional Amenities

Beyond BMX and disc golf, Gillies Creek Park doesn't skimp on other recreational options. Several sports fields accommodate everything from baseball and soccer to kickball and flag football. The fields sometimes host night games, making the park a gathering spot for local sports leagues.

The park also features well-maintained horseshoe pits where regular games and tournaments take place, including the Richmond Red, White, & Blue Virginia Horseshoe Pitching Tournament.

If you're looking for a place to walk or jog, you'll appreciate the paved trails winding through the park. The natural setting, including the namesake creek, creates a peaceful backdrop that helps you forget you're still in the city.

Family-Friendly Features

Families will find plenty to enjoy here, especially the clean, well-kept playground area. There are swings and play equipment suitable for kids of different ages.

One of the more unexpected features is a small area with goats that you can observe and sometimes feed - popular with children and anyone who appreciates these quirky animals.

Throughout the park, you can find picnic tables that make for perfect spots to enjoy lunch or a casual get-together with friends and family.

Visitor Information

Gillies Creek Park offers a quiet, laid-back vibe - a pleasant escape within city limits. There's ample parking available when you visit.

As for restrooms, you'll find porta-potties near basket 6 of the disc golf course and by the horseshoe pits.

The park welcomes four-legged friends, offering plenty of open space for dogs to stretch their legs. Just remember to clean up after your pet.

Future Development

The Gillies Creek Park Foundation works hand-in-hand with the City of Richmond on development and maintenance projects.

They plan to connect Gillies Creek Park with other nearby green spaces, creating an urban greenway that would link various Richmond neighborhoods to the riverfront, Tobacco Row, the Virginia Capital Trail, and the restored canal.