McIntire Park

McIntire Park in Charlottesville spans about 250 acres of mixed woodland, open fields, and interconnected trails that are popular for running, cycling, and birdwatching. The park features a historic community swimming pool complex, multiple baseball diamonds, and a network of paved and natural-surface paths linking to surrounding neighborhoods. Visitors often spot native trees such as oaks and pines, seasonal wildflowers, and local bird species, making it a practical choice for active recreation and nature observation close to the city.

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Description

I’ve lost count of how many relaxed afternoons I’ve spent at McIntire Park in Charlottesville, but every visit reminds me why locals keep coming back. Tucked just off the US-250 Bypass at 375 US-250 BYP, this is the city’s go-to green space when you want a mix of woods, open lawns, and genuinely useful amenities. You can wander along a shady creek, watch a baseball game, let the kids burn energy on the playground, or roll over to the skate park—all within the same outing.

The park is larger than it first appears, and it actually has two distinct sides—east and west—spread out around Meadow Creek and the John W. Warner Parkway corridor. If you’ve got time, it’s fun to explore both. The west side has the ballfields, playground, picnic shelters, and easy parking, while the east side leans into trails, meadows, and the creek corridor that ties into the Rivanna Trail network. I like to start where the skate park hums with energy, then drop down to the water to trade the sound of wheels for birdsong.

Meadow Creek feels like the park’s spine. On warm days you’ll hear the splash of water over stones and spot dragonflies hovering above the surface. The walking paths here are flat and friendly, with short “out-and-back” options for a quick stretch or slightly longer loops if you want a brisk walk. After a rain, the creek swells and the air smells like wet leaves—beautiful, but wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy along the natural sections. On drier days, the firm gravel and paved segments make it an easy stroll for families and folks with strollers.

McIntire Park also wears its community side proudly. The baseball and softball fields host youth leagues and pickup practices most evenings in spring and early summer. If you’ve got kids, the playground is a solid anchor point: slides, swings, and enough climbing elements to keep them happily occupied while you set up at a nearby picnic table. When I’m meeting friends, we aim for one of the shelters with built-in barbecue grills and space to spread out. Restrooms are conveniently placed near the high-traffic areas, so you’re not stuck making a long trek mid-picnic.

Longtime residents will tell you about the little 9-hole course that used to sit here—McIntire’s golf legacy shows up in older maps and neighborhood stories. That chapter has closed, and the park continues to evolve with newer features, including a modern concrete skate park that draws a steady crowd of skaters and scooter riders. On any given afternoon you can watch beginners practice carving on gentler lines while more advanced skaters dial in tricks on the bowls and rails.

Another thing I appreciate: the park is accessible by design. There’s an accessible entrance, accessible parking, and accessible restrooms, along with paved paths connecting major facilities. If you’re visiting with a wheelchair or a stroller, you’ll find the main routes and shelter areas straightforward to navigate.

And yes, this is a dog-friendly Charlottesville park—leashes required. Early mornings along Meadow Creek are when I see the most happy tails and hear the rhythmic clip of runners’ footfalls. Keep an eye out for great blue herons, red-winged blackbirds, and the occasional deer stepping out for a cautious drink at the water’s edge. You’re minutes from downtown Charlottesville, but the creek and tree canopy will convince you otherwise.

Key Features

• Trails along Meadow Creek with connections to the broader Rivanna Trail corridor
• Concrete skateboarding area with bowls, rails, and smooth lines for a range of skill levels
• Baseball and softball fields used by local leagues and casual players
• Playground with slides, swings, and climbing elements; kid-friendly walking routes nearby
• Picnic shelters and standalone picnic tables ideal for gatherings and kids’ birthday parties
• Barbecue grills located near shelters (charcoal-friendly—bring your own fuel and cleanup supplies)
• Public restrooms placed near major activity areas
• Open lawns for casual frisbee, stretching, and spread-out picnics
• Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms; paved paths linking the core amenities
• Dog-friendly policy (leash required); easy access to shady routes and water-adjacent walks

Best Time to Visit

McIntire Park works year-round, but the sweet spot depends on what you’re after. Spring is lovely—fresh leaves overhead and mild temperatures make the creek-side walks comfortable. You’ll also find the baseball fields bustling and the picnic shelters in demand on weekends. If you want one, reserve ahead through the city.

Summer mornings and evening golden hours are my picks. Midday can get hot in the open sections, but the wooded paths along Meadow Creek stay a few degrees cooler. Bring bug spray; anywhere close to a stream in Virginia means you’ll thank yourself later. On hot days, the skate park draws a steady breeze, and the playground’s nearby shade pockets become prime real estate.

Fall might be the most photogenic season in this Charlottesville park. The tree canopy turns a patchwork of copper and gold, and the creek reflects it back. It’s a fantastic time for a family photo session—arrive an hour before sunset to catch warm light over the meadowy sections. Trails are usually in great condition then, too.

Winter is quiet and underrated. You’ll have long sight lines through the trees, the creeks run clear, and you can move between features quickly without dodging crowds. If you want to clock a brisk loop or let the dog log some miles, winter mornings can be a gift—just bundle up and stick to the paved or gravel sections if freeze-thaw has softened the dirt.

How to Get There

The park’s official address is 375 US-250 BYP, Charlottesville, VA 22901, and most GPS apps dial it in correctly. By car, the US-250 Bypass is your main artery. Look for the McIntire Road/John W. Warner Parkway area and follow signs for park facilities. There are multiple parking lots; if one is full on a game day, another is usually available a short drive away. I often aim for the lots near the skate park or the ballfields, depending on what I’m doing.

On a bike, the John W. Warner Parkway is your friend, with bike lanes that connect downtown Charlottesville to the park. Once inside, you can roll between features on paved park roads and paths—just keep your speed reasonable around the playground and shelter areas. For runners and walkers, the Rivanna Trail linkage and Meadow Creek paths make it easy to stitch together a few scenic miles without ever leaving the park’s orbit.

Public transit is an option via Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT), with routes that typically serve the McIntire Park/John W. Warner Parkway corridor and the nearby YMCA. If you’re relying on the bus, check the latest routing and schedule before you go and plan a short walk from the stop into the heart of the park.

Tips for Visiting

• Pick your side: The park spans east and west areas. The west side is home to the playground, many picnic spots, restrooms, and ballfields; the east side leans into trails and the creek corridor. If you want both, allow time to move between them.
• Arrive early on weekends: Youth baseball and softball can fill the main parking areas quickly in spring and early summer. I usually aim for a morning arrival if we’re setting up a picnic or planning a longer walk.
• Mind the weather: After heavy rain, the natural-surface creek paths can be slick. If the ground is saturated, stick to paved or gravel sections to protect the trails and your shoes.
• Bring the basics: Pack water, sun protection, and bug spray in warm months. Water fountains can be seasonal; I treat them as a bonus and always bring my own bottle.
• Plan a picnic: The shelters have tables and barbecue grills. Charcoal works well here—just remember to fully extinguish coals and clean the grill area so the next group has a good experience.
• Skate park etiquette: Helmets are a smart idea, and you’ll make friends fast by taking turns on features. There’s usually a courteous flow; watch a few runs to learn the rhythm before you drop in.
• Kid-friendly hikes: For little legs, start from the main parking area and follow the creek path for a short out-and-back. It’s flat, shaded, and peppered with “I spy” moments for birds, turtles, and wildflowers.
• Accessibility notes: Major facilities have accessible parking and restrooms, and the paved paths between the shelters and playground are smooth. Some creek-adjacent segments include mild slopes or uneven roots—worth knowing if you’re planning a specific route.
• Leash and leave no trace: Dogs are welcome on leash. Bring bags and pack out trash; the park is well-loved and stays clean when everyone does their part.
• Golden-hour photos: The meadowy stretches near the creek catch late light beautifully, and fall color is especially strong here. If you’re shooting family portraits, arrive a bit before sunset to scout a spot.
• Reserve for groups: If you’re hosting a kids’ birthday or a team cookout, consider reserving a shelter through the city to lock in shade, tables, and grill access during busy seasons.
• Combine with nearby plans: The park sits close to downtown Charlottesville and the University area, so it’s an easy add-on to a day of exploring—start with a trail stroll, then head to dinner.

Whether you’re in Charlottesville for a few days or you live down the road, McIntire Park is an easy, rewarding stop. It’s one of those rare city parks where you can feel like you’re “away,” even while you watch a local game, hear wheels on concrete at the skate park, and wander a creek-side trail—often within the same hour. Bring a picnic, lace up for a walk, or just sit under the trees and watch the day unfold.