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Charlottesville's Largest City Park · Charlottesville, VA
Published in partnership with Pen Park
Book online anytime
| Mon | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sat | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Sun | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Pen Park is Charlottesville's largest city park at 280 acres, located off East Rio Road on Pen Park Road. The land has retained its name for over 200 years, and the City of Charlottesville acquired the final parcels by 1979 to create what locals call the 'gem' of the city park system. The park's name is so significant that Park Street in Charlottesville takes its name from this historic green space. With frontage along the Rivanna River and diverse recreational facilities, Pen Park serves as a central gathering place for outdoor recreation, family activities, and community events across the region.
The park offers an exceptional range of amenities for visitors of all ages and interests. Meadowcreek Golf Course, an 18-hole course with clubhouse and pro shop, anchors the property and draws golfers throughout the year. Beyond golf, the park features baseball fields, tennis courts, multiple playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and a pollinator garden habitat. An outdoor physical fitness course with 10 exercise stations winds through the natural setting, connecting to a 1.5-mile trail along the Rivanna River that offers scenic views and wildlife watching opportunities. Dogs are welcome on-leash throughout the park (except on the golf course), and waste bag dispensers are provided at the Fitness Trail entrance.
Looking ahead, Pen Park is home to an exciting partnership between the City of Charlottesville and Bennett's Village, Inc. The collaboration will bring a three-acre all-abilities play space to the park, designed to provide inclusive recreation for children and families of all abilities. Planned features include fully-accessible play structures, a tree house, a sensory garden, a cableway, a water play area, a restroom pavilion, and native landscaping. This addition will further cement Pen Park's reputation as a destination that welcomes everyone in the Charlottesville community, from athletes and nature lovers to families seeking inclusive outdoor experiences.
Pen Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, providing sunrise-to-evening access for joggers, walkers, picnickers, and sports enthusiasts. Free parking is available throughout the park, and restrooms are accessible during operating hours. With its combination of natural beauty along the Rivanna River, diverse recreational facilities, and commitment to inclusive design, Pen Park stands out as Charlottesville's most comprehensive public park — a place where residents and visitors can golf, hike, play, exercise, and connect with nature all in one location.
Best for: Golfers seeking a full 18-hole course, families with children looking for playgrounds and open space, fitness enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor trails and exercise stations, dog owners wanting on-leash walking areas, picnickers and event hosts needing pavilion space, nature lovers interested in riverside trails and wildlife watching, baseball and tennis players, and families of all abilities preparing for the Bennett's Village inclusive play space
Service area: Charlottesville, VA and surrounding Albemarle County
Why choose Pen Park: Pen Park is Charlottesville's largest city park at 280 acres — more than double the size of most other city parks — and the only one with an 18-hole golf course, extensive Rivanna River trails, and a 10-station outdoor fitness course. Its upcoming three-acre all-abilities play space (Bennett's Village) will be a first-of-its-kind inclusive facility in the region, setting it apart from traditional playgrounds.
Charlottesville's Largest City Park: At 280 acres, Pen Park is the largest municipal park in Charlottesville, offering more space and more diverse amenities than any other city park — from an 18-hole golf course to riverside trails.
Historic 200-Year-Old Landmark: The land has been known as Pen Park for over 200 years, and the park is so significant that Charlottesville's Park Street takes its name from this historic green space.
Rivanna River Access and Trails: The park features 1.5 miles of trails along the Rivanna River, accessible via a 10-station outdoor fitness trail that winds through natural woodlands — offering scenic views and wildlife watching.
Future Home of All-Abilities Play Space: Through a partnership with Bennett's Village, Inc., Pen Park will soon feature a three-acre inclusive play area with fully-accessible structures, sensory gardens, and water play — designed for children and families of all abilities.
| Service | Details | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rivanna River Trails | 1.5 miles of scenic riverside trails and 10-station outdoor fitness course through natural woodlands. | |
| Meadowcreek Golf Course | 18-hole golf course at Pen Park offering year-round play with clubhouse and pro shop. | |
| Outdoor Fitness Course | A 10-station outdoor fitness trail winding through Pen Park's natural wooded setting toward the Rivanna River. |
What makes Pen Park stand out from other parks in Charlottesville?
Pen Park is Charlottesville's largest city park at 280 acres and is often called the 'gem' of the city park system. It's the only city park with an 18-hole golf course (Meadowcreek Golf Course), and it offers unique amenities like a 10-station outdoor fitness trail, 1.5 miles of Rivanna River trails, baseball fields, tennis courts, and picnic pavilions. The park also has over 200 years of history and will soon be home to Bennett's Village, a three-acre all-abilities play space designed for inclusive recreation.
Is there a fee to visit or park at Pen Park?
No, Pen Park is a free public park with free parking. Visitors can access trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, tennis courts, baseball fields, and the fitness course at no charge. The only fee-based activity is the Meadowcreek Golf Course, which has its own pricing for rounds, cart rentals, and pro shop services.
Are dogs allowed at Pen Park?
Yes, dogs are welcome at Pen Park but must remain on-leash at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the Meadowcreek Golf Course. City code requires dog owners to clean up after their pets, and a dispenser with plastic waste bags is available at the start of the Fitness Trail for convenience.
What activities can I do at Pen Park?
Pen Park offers a wide range of activities: golf at the 18-hole Meadowcreek Golf Course, hiking and jogging on 1.5 miles of Rivanna River trails, outdoor fitness at 10 exercise stations, baseball, tennis, picnicking in pavilions, playground time for kids, and wildlife watching along the river. The park is also developing a three-acre all-abilities play space that will include accessible play structures, a sensory garden, a tree house, a cableway, and water play.
Can I reserve picnic pavilions or facilities at Pen Park?
Yes, Pen Park has picnic pavilions available for reservation. For details on availability, pricing, and how to book pavilions or other facilities (like baseball fields), contact the City of Charlottesville Parks & Recreation Department at (434) 970-3589 or visit the city's Parks & Recreation website for reservation information.
Who is Pen Park best for?
Pen Park is ideal for golfers (thanks to Meadowcreek Golf Course), families with children (playgrounds, open space, and the upcoming all-abilities play area), fitness enthusiasts (trails, outdoor fitness course), dog owners looking for on-leash walking areas, picnickers and outdoor event hosts (pavilions), and nature lovers who enjoy riverside trails and wildlife. The park's size and diversity make it suitable for everyone from casual visitors to serious athletes.
What is Bennett's Village, and when will it be completed?
Bennett's Village is a three-acre all-abilities play space being developed at Pen Park through a partnership between the City of Charlottesville and Bennett's Village, Inc. It will feature fully-accessible play structures, a tree house, a sensory garden, a cableway, a water play area, a restroom pavilion, and native landscaping — all designed to provide inclusive recreation for children and families of all abilities. The project is in development; for the latest timeline and updates, visit the Bennett's Village website or contact the City of Charlottesville Parks & Recreation Department.
Are there restrooms and water access at Pen Park?
Yes, Pen Park has restrooms available during park hours (6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily). The park also features water access, including views and trails along the Rivanna River. Visitors should bring their own drinking water for hikes and outdoor activities, though the golf course clubhouse may have additional amenities.
“Pen Park is a must-visit when you’re in Charlottesville! This spacious, family-friendly park offers shaded walking trails, a fantastic playground (with separate areas for little ones and older kids), tennis courts, and picnic spots perfect for a quick lunch. It’s clean, welcoming, and gives you a true taste of local outdoor life—ideal for visitors wanting a relaxing, low-key stop. Don’t miss it!”
— Anandraj Kulkarni, Google Review
“I came here for the farmers market on Wednesday. The vendors were all extremely friendly. There was a great selection to look at and choose from. They had Mexican Tacos, a drink truck, goat cheese, sourdough bread and lots of produce of course! The great thing was they had a huge tree and a bunch of smaller one to help keep it cool. I am new to the state and it was great to find such a great market in the middle of the week!”
— Vicki Beilke, Google Review
“Came in to town for party. This park was great for old and young kids as there is separate toddler equipment and bigger kid equipment. There was lots of red dirt under the toddler area so my kids gotta kind of dirty but that's kids for you. They are building a treehouse that looks like it will be awesome when it's done. Lots of shade and there was a little music area.”
— Samantha Carpenter, Google Review
“My children like this park, but they advertised for so long about building an accessible playground, and it’s not. A family with a wheelchair bound child was there and asked if where we were was the accessible park, I told them I think so. The disappointment on the little boys face broke my heart. There is one swing for him. That’s it. Everything else has to be climbed. There is nothing else for a physically impaired kid to play with besides the “instruments”. The new treehouse is beautiful, but I think the work and funds were misplaced.”
— Rachel Vento, Google Review
“Very well kept park. There's a big playground, a tree house, a baseball field, lots of walking trails, something for everyone.”
— Richard Robertson, Google Review
Book online: Get Directions →
Phone: (434) 970-3589
Address: 1300 Pen Park Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901 (Get directions)
Website: charlottesville.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Pen-Park-26
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