The Art, Architecture, and Fun of Paradise Park

Throughout the summer I’ve been interning for the Enrichmond Foundation. My goal this week was to discover and promote our smaller parks. So, I chose to visit Paradise Park and was in awe at first glimpse. It certainly made my day a little brighter and I’m pleased to share some of it’s history with you!

Paradise Park is one of Richmond’s smaller parks, also known as a “pocket park.” It is tucked away in one of the alleyways of the Fan District. The idea for Paradise Park came about in the 1970’s, and it was designed by an architect named Carlton Abbott. Soon after the park was finished, the space was coined “Geometry Park” by  kids who visited and played in it’s structures. Interestingly, this prized pocket park was also awarded by The Department of Recreation and Parks with a distinction for Urban Design. Yet, as popular as this design was in the 70’s, over the years the Fan neighborhood evolved and families moved away the park suffered neglect….until the “Friends of Paradise Park” formed. In this new age, the park has been adopted by the Friends group who care passionately for this neighborhood treasure. The all-volunteer group cleans the park to make it more inviting, celebrates it’s existence through park events, and recently organized a project where beautiful murals were painted by artists and residents of the city. Isn’t that cool? Their goal is to raise awareness and appreciation for this public space that can be utilized and enjoyed by anyone.

– Morgan Rabalais

Videos about Paradise Park:

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2009/aug/06/para06_20090805-213404-ar-35000/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wou6a2etxOg

Paradise Park is located between Grove and Floyd Avenue and Vine and Allen Street. Hope you can visit it some day!