As we all know, Richmond has some amazing parks. It also has a few hidden parks, several of them scattered in quiet pockets of the Fan District known mostly to close neighbors.
In 1993, Caffeine Magazine explored some of these hidden gems. Of the five Fan pocket parks we explored, Paradise Park -- between the 100 block of Allen and Vine streets -- was the one we felt had the most possibility:
Finally, there is Paradise Park. Paradise Park would be the perfect location for a caterer to set up. If it were only located near a retail or business zone.
As it is, Paradise is the best petite urban park design stumbled across in Richmond in spite of its lack of easy access. Bricked pathways and large arching trees invite you into the park itself, while low walls and oblong, geometric shapes invite climbing and playful relaxation. It’s free of brush and relatively free of trash. When we visited, the sandbox was even raked clean. During the day, it’s bright and airy, the perfect spot for a picnic lunch, a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon nap. At night, it’s a pleasant spot for a group of friends to goof off.
And while we touted the benefits, we also noted the downside of these small, urban parks:
These nine urban parks are examples of how the city, and private citizens, have managed to transform small corners of the urban landscape into friendly, community space. Unfortunately, some of the parks are also examples of how easily that community space can decay—through litter, poor lighting or inadequate maintenance. Still, their variety—and the variety of their patrons—allows Richmonders to relax for a minute and enjoy the fact that sometimes urban planners can do things right.
A group of Richmonders has come together to ensure that Paradise Park regains its footing as a destination for Fan residents and others interesting in experiencing the small space. The Paradise Park webpage has the park's history:
Paradise Park and its sister, Scuffletown Park, began in 1968 as a citizens' project sponsored by the Fan District Association. This project sought to establish "block core parks" at locations where it was determined that the need for such parks existed. The City of Richmond became involved as a project sponsor in order to enable, through a series of resolutions, solicitation of funds from the Commission on Outdoor Recreation.
The park was designed by architect Carlton Abbott, who presented his design in November 1970.
The park was finally completed in 1975. Almost 30 years later, Paradise Park has come alive again -- on Facebook and in real life. On Saturday, August 8, the Paradise Park "We Made A Mural!" opening will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. with the No BS Brass Band (marching in at 12:30 p.m.). The Visual Arts Center will have a craft table, there will be a giant puppet parade and Art on Wheels will be manning their mobile printing press. Get more details at the Paradise Park Facebook page.
