Park access coming to Tuckahoe Creek on Henrico’s western border

County expects to begin construction on a number of neighborhood access points, boardwalks this fall.

July 14, 2014; 12:58 PM • by Trevor Dickerson

If you’ve ventured into Goochland County by way of Patterson Avenue, you’ve no doubt seen the marshy wetlands surrounding the Tuckahoe Creek–the stream that forms the western border of Henrico County.

The Henrico Department of Recreation and Parks has announced plans to construct public access points to the area beginning this fall.

The park access will offer visitors the chance to observe a completely untouched wetland habitat that waterfowl, otters and beavers frequent, among other wildlife, from raised boardwalks.

In a statement, the county said the mission of the park is to “provide public access and a unique experience through the wetland floodplain, increasing the public’s knowledge on the local habitat and wildlife, and also providing an access point for canoe and kayak enthusiasts.”

Theoretically, kayakers and canoers could launch their equipment from the park and paddle downstream to the James River and Kanawha Canal all the way to Brown’s Island–and even continue on to the Chesapeake Bay, should they be so ambitious.

Access points to the 240 acre parcel of land will be provided along Gayton Station Boulevard, Ridgefield Parkway, Old Coach Lane, Westshire Lane, Havenwood Drive and several other neighborhoods, according to Richmond.com.

Photo: Phil Riggan/Richmond.com