Address:
515 Monticello Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24501
Exciting developments are happening at the park, and we can’t wait to share them with you! From a brand-new dog park to expanded recreational areas, these improvements are designed to make the park more enjoyable, resilient, and welcoming for everyone.
Dog Park Opening This Fall
A brand-new dog park is set to open in October or November! Spanning over 61,000 square feet—one and a half times larger than the previous space—this new park will provide dogs and their owners with plenty of room to run, play, and connect with other four-legged friends. While the timeline depends on the completion of final fencing work, we’re excited to open the gates as soon as possible.
Additional Features Coming
The enhancements don’t stop with the dog park. Construction is also underway for a four-court, regulation-size volleyball complex, an extended scenic trail, and a peaceful restorative garden. All these new amenities are being built together, with everything expected to be ready by early next year.
Designed with the Community in Mind
We have worked closely with local volleyball coaches and community members to ensure that the courts meet the highest standards. Additionally, the park’s layout has been carefully planned to better withstand flooding, and new stormwater features along the creek will help protect the park in the future.
Restoring and Protecting Nature
Flooding has taken a toll on the park in recent years, damaging fields and even washing away the former dog park. This project allows us to rebuild in a stronger and smarter way. By removing invasive bamboo and planting native wetland vegetation, we’re not only protecting the park from storm damage but also creating a healthier, more natural space for everyone to enjoy.
With these exciting changes on the horizon, the park is about to become a bigger and better place to gather, play, and explore. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to enjoy all the new features coming soon!
This park has a little bit of everything to offer a visitor, including the only off-leash dog area in Lynchburg! The park also includes a connection to the Creekside Trail, which leads to the Blackwater Creek Natural Area, and restrooms. Blackwater Creek Park is also home to the Lynchburg Dog Park.
Help us keep our parks and waterways clean! A responsible pet owner picks up after their pet. At Blackwater Creek Park, there are plenty of waste stations for you to properly dispose of your pet’s waste. Enjoy our parks and keep them clean!
History
Blackwater Creek Park was developed as a part of the Blackwater Creek Natural Area. It is also home to the Creekside Trail, which extends downstream for 5 miles to Hollins Mill Park. A new project is currently underway to extend the trail upstream in the opposite direction, another 1.5 miles to College Lake (on the Lynchburg College campus), where it will terminate for the time being at Neighborhood Entrance on Shirley Road.
Originally envisioned in 1934, the idea of a natural preserve in the heart of Lynchburg was shelved for nearly four decades until it was reintroduced by city Planners in 1971. Concerned citizens banded together in 1973 to form the ‘Friends of Lynchburg Stream Valleys’ and played a crucial role in the support and development of the Natural Area. With a master plan in place, the city purchased the required land and established multiple trails. On May 17, 1979, the Blackwater Creek Natural Area was officially dedicated and has been a component of the National Trail System since January 1981.
Encompassing 288 acres of land, the Blackwater Creek Natural Area is the largest of the city parks. It has many miles of trails, several picnic sites, scenic vistas, and an off-leash dog park. It is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
In April 2007, an eight-member committee comprised of four municipal and four citizen representatives formed the Off-Leash Dog Park Steering Committee to research the feasibility of establishing an off-leash dog park in Lynchburg. The park’s location was within BCNA. Five years later, the Friends of the Lynchburg Dog Park held the official grand opening ceremony on Friday, June 29, 2012.