This park is HUGE! Do you like picnics, disc golf, farmer's markets, soccer practice, hikes, nature or the outdoors? This is the place for you! This 262-acre park is in Richmond's Northside. Most locals come here for the Saturday RVA Big Market. I highly recommend checking the market out and making a day out of it. You can hike a trail while you're there too. There are a lot of picnic benches in the area and grills you can use for cookouts. My friend once rented one of their picnic shelters for her birthday and it was loads of fun. You can rent those spaces online. Although I don't play disc golf, they have disc golf baskets all through the park. Everytime I see them I always consider trying a new hobby. There are parking lots scattered around the park. On weekends it can be a little hard to find parking, but you'll find a spot. You can get a map of the park online. This park is well known and liked by most locals. It's a 5 star spot for me. read more

It's still an amazing space for walking and just getting outside. The Farmer's Market is a great attraction there. Unfortunately I remember the azaleas very differently as a child as many others do as well. If memory serves correctly, there was a much more manicured azalea garden with a beautiful white azalea cross configuration in the middle of an ocean of bright pink azaleas. Unfortunately, I don't know of too many azaleas that last 50 years! read more

When I lived here before, this was a beautiful park. However, it appears to have fallen into disrepair. The grass is high everywhere, there are trees down that appear to have been down for quite some time, damage fence rails, etc. It still has a walking trail in the back left area and a farmers market on some weekends. read more

I'm glad to live so close to Bryan Park. It's a versatile, well-kept space and is home to the RVA Big Market on Saturday mornings, not to mention sporting practices and other special events. The walking paths are nice and it's easy to trek a few miles. It's fun that the path weaves next to I95 at one point too. There are lots of options for parking as well, which is always a plus. read more

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We love visiting the park to both walk and ride our bikes on the various trails, both paved and unpaved. Lots of parking throughout the park. You will find multiple sheer areas for events, soccer fields, childrens playyard and disc golf .......a little something for everyone. RVA Big Market is here on Saturdays too! read more

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Bryan Park is one of the oldest parks in RVA. The rich history dates back to the 1800's. Named after the founder of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Joseph Bryan, this sprawling park provides a perfect venue for a scenic Sunday drive. The stately stone gateway entrance into the park is impressive. More natural and rustic than most of Richmond's parks, you won't find neatly manicured gardens or impeccable grounds. This park is more of a family oriented with many sports fields for soccer, disc golf and frisbee. There are some cool hiking trails and nature paths. The playground is small and needs a facelift. The equipment has seen its day. (On our recent outing there, we noticed bags of trash and debris on the grounds... we "litter-ally" saw a family leave their garbage under a tree...c'mon people, pick up after yourselves... smh.) Several ponds add to the scenic landscape for fishing enthusiasts. Bird lovers will enjoy the birdwatching tours offered by the Audubon Society. I've come here for picnics, walks and festivals over the years. And while it's always been pleasant, it's a rather plain park. One feature that does stand out though, is the gorgeous azalea garden dotted with tons of colorful bushes. It's a sight to see if you catch them in bloom in April/early May. Massive oaks provide cool shade on sunny days! The park hosts a farmers market and an annual Vegetarian Festival, along with some other park events and bicycle paths. For a few years, back in the '90's, Bryan Park was rather unkempt and neglected, but an organization called Friends of Bryan Park took the park under its wing and has been trying to maintain its upkeep. To the delight of neighbors living in the Lakeside/Bellevue area, the park has seen some improvements, although some areas have still be left to grow wild. If you are near the Northside, just by the "Bryan Park Interchange" where I-95, I-64 & I-195 converge, take a quick drive through the park to catch a glimpse of unspoiled nature. read more

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I came here on Easter Sunday for the 1st time since I was a teenager. I was glad to see that Brian park is still as nostalgic nostalgic as it was then. Sitting there, eating lunch, watching the waterfall reminded me of times I came here with my mom after school, enjoying enjoying nature. Children and their families running around the the rental shelters, made me smile. I'm glad this ghem is still around for everyone to enjoy. read more

What a beautiful place to be on a sunny day. I came to this park to enjoy a socially distant picnic with my little family under one of there many shady trees. To my surprise I was greeted by a few groups of Frisbee Golfers. I was not aware that RVA had such a huge Frisbee golf following, it made the people watching aspect of this park a lot of fun. Bryan park has little areas for everyone. There are tennis courts, soccer fields, community grills, playgrounds,a beautiful lake and on select days there's a farmers market. The only gripe I have with this park is the narrow roads to drive on. They are pretty tiny and challenging to navigate if there are two SUV's driving in different directions. Other than that this park is gorgeous and a nice place to soak up a little sunshine and serenity! read more

Joseph Bryan Park - View by the pond in Bryan park. - Parks Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Big ol' park with plenty of walking and biking trails and a disc golf course. Places to fish, have cookouts, as well as just sit and chill. I think they're still hosting a farmer's market, as well. read more

I had a great time at this park with my God son. The good: 1. They had a lot of different play things at their play ground for kids of all ages, we spent the bulk of our time here and both children had fun until one of them had to potty 2. There was ample space (and set up) for several types of out-of-doors activity from soccer to golf to swing sets. If you do out-of-doors stuff then you would really enjoy this 3. It was free and it wasn't crowded with people The other bits: 1. The place was overburdened with signs. It reminded me of oldies radio: signs, sings, everywhere a sign. It visually cluttered an otherwise beautiful landscape AND inconsiderate people are going to be rude, sign or no 2. Because of the time of year there was no potty so we had to leave earlier than anticipated because someone didn't evacuate their bladder before leaving the house, remarkably it wasn't me this time because seriously I am 106 read more

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Pretty, but seems very run down. I know funds are probably short but I wish they would fix up the historic buildings, many of which look abandoned. read more

Living near the West End (and Richmond in general), there aren't too many open green places to visit and run around in. Given that this weekend was amazingly nice out, despite it still being winter, we decided to check out Joseph Bryan Park. And it was glorious! There are all sorts of fun things here from tennis courts, soccer fields (seriously, they have a whole soccer complex with like 6 full size fields), walking trails, biking trails, foresty areas, picnic areas, frisbee golf courses, fishing, an azalea garden, and more. According to their website, there is a 260 acre area to explore and enjoy. We basically walked around the entire perimeter of the place and looked at all the park has to offer. Being that it is still winter, the azalea gardens and landscaping wasn't in bloom (more or less still semi-dead and green-brown), but it's immediately apparent that it'd be a really beautiful place in the Spring. Heck, even in the winter it was still pretty enough. The people visiting the place really breath life into it as well. From children to dogs to families grilling out to groups of dudes playing frisbee golf, the place is really brought alive with people having a good time. That said, there are also nice places to just sit down and relax or read a book. The reason I'm not giving it 5 stars, and maybe I'll update this come the spring and summer months, is that it's a little unclear exactly where you can and can't go. Sure you physically can go anywhere, but we ended up walking down a path at the beginning that ended with us against a stream with no way to cross it (other than a sketchy 20 foot log or a super long jump). Granted, we just turned around and continued our stroll and ultimately were just out to walk, but I know forced backtracking isn't normally an ideal feature. Oh, and certain parts of the park are pretty close to the highway or other driving / parking areas. It's fenced in by the highway and admittedly that part is primarily hiking, so it's not really a danger to kids or dogs. We're definitely going to be returning here and can't wait to return in the spring and see the azalea gardens and the general greenness that should come along with it! The addition of sporting things like tennis courts, soccer fields, and frisbee golf also make it a great place you could plan to visit with some friends too. While it's not the greatest park I've ever been to and not as grand as Maymont for example, it is a great thing to have within a 15 minute drive and definitely worth checking out. read more

One of my favorite places on the Northside! I feel a bit spoiled that I can now walk to this gem... but I'll totally take it! From Azalea Gardens to bike paths to gorgeous greenery and perfect picnic areas, this place is a sanctuary for the nature lover. And frisbee golf? Yep, this park really has it all. I haven't taken advantage of the frisbee gold myself yet, but it's definitely on my to-do list this summer. Every time I visit and see people playing, they always look like they're having a blast. Pack a picnic, take a leisurely stroll, or explore the grounds via bike. Any way you cut it, beautiful Bryan Park has a lot to offer! read more

Average park, Unleashed dogs, few dog poops, a bit of Karens.

Great near best neighborhood park with many trails and soccer field's and so much more,

This one is both tough and easy! So what exactly does that mean? Easy until you are introduced to the water holes! Very nice park with wide open fairways! The course is great for all level of golfers. Very popular park on the weekends.... conditions are typically good. Longer part 3's and part 4's throughout! Give it a try next time your by. The park is sure not to disappoint. read more

Frisbee golf anyone? Bryan Park is not only home to soccer fields for the local kids, but boasts a full Frisbee golf course, shelters/tables/bbqs for picnics, a small pond, and it's even home to a Tuesday afternoon farmers market, run by Market Umbrella. AND, as if that weren't enough, in April and May you can check out the azalea gardens, which is a separate part of the park devoted exclusively to azaleas. Locals like to walk their dogs here, and the only complaint I have is that too many of them unleash their dogs, which is a major hassle for responsible dog owners like myself who really do not want your unleashed canine companion starting a tussle with my leashed pooch. It's an unfair fight when one is leashed and the other is not! So to give you the run down on the amenities... My brother in law is an avid Frisbee Golfer and tells me the Bryan Park course is great- challenging yet fun. There are teams that show up there on the weekends, if you are an enthusiast you probably want to make friends with these folks. The shelters are tucked away but most of them are accessible by car, so if you have a family reunion or graduation party, you can rent them out for cheap- check out the park site for details- http://www.friendsofbryanpark.org/ The BBQ areas are not all car-accessible, but they are lovely and definitely walk-able. They are mostly in the non-wooded area, which keeps debris to a minimum. They are close to one of the little streams that cuts through the lower end of the park... Be sure to clean up after your party when you are done- since there aren't a ton of trees, trash really sticks out... The sports fields and farmers market area are definitely car-accessible, and the fields are usually filled with local kids sports teams (not sure if they are school or county-run) on afternoons and weekends- looks like soccer and baseball/softball mostly. Signs will point you in the right direction, and there are plenty of trash cans... looks like you'll have to bring your own chair though if you want to watch the games- I didn't see any bleachers. The farmers market itself has about 20 vendors, a good mix of fresh produce, plants, meats and various other local crafts. I particularly enjoy the water ice- it's from New Jersey, and us northerners need a taste of home every once in a while.\ Bryan Park is a local treasure of sorts- it's a great community park, and well worth a trip whether you are into sports, flora, or food! read more

Bryan Park is another one of those hidden jewels that many Richmonders are probably not familiar with. Located in North Richmond and adjacent to the Lakeside neighborhood, this park is a great place to bring a picnic, cook out in the built in grills, or to gather in one of the old stone picnic huts scattered about. There are ponds, streams, and the azalea gardens are legendary. Many local teams use the sports fields for soccer and a multitude of other sports. There is Frisbee golf as well. This park is larger then most would expect at about 260 acres and is most unusual in that it was designed to have a large forested area. The park offers Audubon Bird Walks on first Sundays of each month at sunrise and the Azalea garden is open to cars from April 1 to May 15th. read more

City parks are a wonderful thing, especially when they have such a history and are so available to the public. I've only been to Bryan Park a few times (why did I think it was called Bryant Park??) but it's a great example of a city park with trails, open fields, water, lots of trees and places to bring family and friends to enjoy a day. I was there on a late Sunday afternoon where I saw fellow dog-walkers, soccer players and disc golf players, but I'm sure on a warmer day it's full of people enjoying it's beauty. In my walking, I found parts of it to be a little noisy with highway traffic, but not enough to avoid the park. read more

If you play ultimate frisbee you'll love this park. There are those goal thingies everywhere. I don't even know how the game is played so I can't help you there. Sports fields, ponds, cement paths and little dirt paths that go through the woods, this is a nicely maintained path. Woods and hills mostly, but some flat grassy areas as well. The far corner of the park runs right along one of the interstates but there's a fence so Fido or Little Timmy won't run out into traffic. A critically fumbled football might make it over that way though...were you to be throwing a football on a walking/running/biking path....so perhaps practice your unicycle juggling routine on the other side of the park. Anyway. Dogs are allowed on leashes and there can be quite a few owners walking their little buddies around on weekends. If your dog is extremely aggressive I wouldn't go here, but if he's just a little dog sensitive there's room enough on the paved paths (but not the wooded trails) to stay out of the way of other dogs. Make sure to bring your own poop bags. There aren't any poop bags there, but there are trash cans at most of the intersections of paths so you don't have to carry the poop home with you. read more

First, the bad news - they had just fertilized the fields, so it smelled like barnyard. Luckily, I spent many a wonderful childhood summer "back on the farm" so it added to the temporary charm! The good news is that I went to watch some soccer games and even though it was rainy, I still enjoyed the visit. As a previous reviewer said it's not as manicured as Maymont, but that only adds to the charm of Joseph Bryan Park. While I didn't explore the grounds fully, the parts I drove through and viewed around the soccer fields made me want to come back some more. read more

I absolutely love this park, and it helps that I live in the neighborhood too! This park can be accessed 365 days out of the year and is open until sunset. There are so many cool amenities that come with the park, such as: soccer fields, disc golf course, a playground, volleyball courts, tennis courts, picnic benches, etc. If you ever feel like doing anything outdoors, Bryan Park probably has something for you to do! There are also some cool walking trails and pathways for you, and your furry friend. The park also offers some classes on nature, bird watching, etc. You just have to check the calendar online to see what they offer. read more

I guess because of its less-desirable location north of the city, I've never spent much time in this park besides running the half-marathon through it. read more

I absolutely LOVE going to this park. My husband and I walk our dog down the beautiful paths, even saw a red tailed fox run by one day. Try to go every chance I get. People you see there are very friendly, walking dogs, couples walking, running, biking, disc golf, soccer fields. A gem in Richmond for all to enjoy!! read more

I love this park. I discovered it last week and I've already been back three times on nice days. Where Maymont Park is perfectly manicured green hills and gardens Joseph Bryan Park is wooded expanses of bike and walking trails. I absolutely love it. read more

Little bit for everybody during every season. If it's winter, go sleigh riding down one of the many hills. Spring, go look at all the azaleas in bloom on the backside of the park. Summer, fish one of the many lakes or streams or just go rock hopping and sunbathe. Fall drive thru the winding little roads and check out the fall colors of the trees. Great little park with gazebos for getting together with the family. read more

Nice clean park. They also have disc golf.

Love that I live close and can walk this park daily. It's quiet, peaceful and it is such a joy to be outside!!! This park is a treasure!

I was impressed with the amount of small trails and paths to explore around the park, more signage would be helpful because I ended up in the middle of a frisbee golf game by mistake, definitely worth spending an afternoon exploring in or walking your dog like I did. read more

Awesome park for biking riding. There's a combo of paved and off road trails. Lots of soccer games and disc golf set-ups. I felt safe riding around on my own, there was a good balance of individuals and families. It's pretty hilly so if you wanted to run through the park that's probably helpful to know. I feel fortunate to live so close to this gem! read more

For several years, there seems to be an ongoing relaxation of the leash requirement for dogs at Bryan Park. When we try to walk our dogs, the loose dogs often charge at ours (sometimes in aggression, sometimes because they want to play), making it very difficult to control our dogs. The dog owners often act as if their unrestrained pets are a completely normal situation, and we're the ones causing a problem. The situation has gotten so bad that we've stopped going and no longer volunteer at the park. read more

Glen Todd and I designed this course. We have been playing for over 30 years. This course was designed decades ago as a natural object course. The baskets just make it better. It is a beautiful park with rolling hills, several shots over and around water. It is one of the longer courses in Virginia with one hole over 700 feet. There is a random doubles tournament every Saturday at 11 and they welcome new and experienced players. The local disc golfers are polite and would make great new friends. If you are new to Richmond, this would be a great way to meet new people. There are at least 2 tee pads on each hole. On top of every basket is a mark pointing to the next tee. The only thing that could make this course better is concrete tee pads. We have been told that the city will be adding these in the future, but the people involved in parks and recreation would rather support football, soccer, baseball..etc...The only reason this course has survived is because of the local support of fellow disc golfers. This course is played by golfers with their families, golfers with baby strollers, boy scouts, families. It is a wonderful safe park to enjoy. Please support this course by calling or emailing City of Richmond, Parks and Recreation. They are going to eliminate much of the course when the concrete tee pads are installed. They don't like seeing our type around. They have offered us land in the back of the park that is unplayable. They don't support those of us that are humanistic and enjoy nature. We don't wear polo shirts or have name brand clothes. We are the hard working survivors of the world. Love you all, Rick Swyers read more