Spring has sprung and we are ready for it! While we sneeze through this week’s pollen, though, it is hard not to immediately think of warm days outside, yard sprinklers, ice pops and more. Of course, we’re also already planning the ways we’re going to get wet and stay cool this summer. And while floating down the Rivanna River is great, we’re excited to get back to Chris Greene Lake Park this year and hope that, after a summer closed due to the pandemic, the swim area will be available again this year.
In general, we really enjoy Chris Greene Lake park. A county park located somewhat near the airport, it’s a 239-acre area surrounding Chris Greene Lake. And there is a lot to do here: a dog park (that has beach access for the dogs! happy fur-babies!), picnic benches, picnic shelters, a shaded playground, a boat launch, a fishing pier, and even canoe and kayak rentals when seasons and pandemic align just right.
We’ve also fished at the Lake with our Scouts troop, albeit without much success. We blame the bait, of course. (If you fish, remember that fishing is subject to local laws and regulations regarding licenses.)
We’ve also had a lot of family fun on some short hikes and walks in this park, too. Thankfully, none of the trails are too long (although if you combine them you can walk a total of three miles), making them achievable for a quick afternoon outing for us.
Although watch out! They can be very wet trails after rain and, due to their proximity to the lake and general low-level in elevation, can remain wet for awhile. We took hiking boots due to mud during one visit (alas, our dog did not have hiking boots).
Also, while the playground and public areas are ADA and stroller accessible, the trails are not. So you’ll want a carrier to tackle those.
On our last visit we enjoyed the Running Cedar Loop at 0.7 miles, with a bit of elevation change but also beautiful views of the water.
But a truly unique feature of this park is the swimming and beach area! Think ’80s summer camp. There is a floater to swim off of, lifeguards, concession stands, sand volleyball and a great area for toddlers.
There is a fee to swim and use the beach (in the past it’s been $5.00). There aren’t many public beach areas in our neck of the woods, so it’s fun to see this as an option! It was a lazy way for us to hang out in the sun while our kids practiced dives off the pier.
This isn’t going to be a pristine Atlantic ocean beach, of course. Grass tufts sometimes stick their heads out of the sand raked in and the water is Virginia lake water. But it certainly does the job when summer gets hot and we are appreciative that it’s there.
Visit Chris Greene Lake Park:
7478 Chris Greene Lake Road
Charlottesville, VA
Raising Charlottesville is a website dedicated to highlighting fun & local activities for families living in the Charlottesville, VA area.