happyly approved

Chimborazo Park & Playground

3201 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA

Sunrise to sunset.

$

playground, outdoor-adventures, parks

A lovely park managed by the National Park Service in Richmond.

Mount Chimborazo is found in Ecuador, but you get a similar exhilarating view right here in Richmond without the flight.  Unlike its namesake, Chimborazo Park in Richmond’s Church Hill is not volcanic, but it does hold a powerful history. The site once held over 100 buildings as part of a sophisticated hospital system created to help and heal injured confederate soldiers during the Civil War.  Richmond was not only the capital of the Confederacy during that dark time but also a major railroad hub, allowing injured soldiers to be brought to the “hospital on the hill.”

Now Chimborazo Park, part of Richmond National Battlefield Park of the National Park Service, is a beautifully maintained open green hilltop providing a much-needed breath of fresh air for all of its visitors.  With tree-lined paved paths for biking, running, and strolling, along with Civil War Era gazebos, benches, and even a small Lady Liberty, Chimborazo is a great place to let little legs run in circles under the blue sky.

Just about two blocks west of the park is the entrance to Chimborazo Playground. A passion project for the Church Hill neighborhood, the playground was renovated in 2009 and now has a community garden that is maintained through tireless volunteers. Part of the playground’s charm is the stroll on the brick sidewalk you get to have on your way to the entrance.  Church Hill has more historic charm - and less traffic - than many other parts of the city.  After fun on the swings and the slides, stroll down East Broad Street to grab a bite at The Hill Cafe (a Richmond institution in the very best sense), Riverbend Coffee Co., or my personal favorite, the Proper Pie Company.  Or stop at all three - you may need to refuel after all.


 

Features

Good for All Ages Playground Biking Trails Historic Area Gardens Architecture
Thoughtfully captured by:
Eliza Milcarek
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