Exploring Richmond's Maymont Park & City Center
Hosted by TIDEWATER
Details
Join us in exploring every corner of Richmond's Maymont Park. By the time lunchtime approaches and appetites set in, we'll vote on one of a number of lunch destinations. Richmond has established itself as a Foodie's paradise--with no shortage of restaurants, taverns, bistros, cafés, delis, diners and grills. Afterwards--a relaxing stroll through both the historic and trendy parts of town before heading home.
Regarding Maymont Park, the following is a contribution from one Ariele Foster to a website for PROJECT FOR PUBLIC SPACES (https://www.pps.org/places/maymont-park):
A 100-acre former Victorian estate with an opulent mansion, gardens, beautiful landscapes and outbuildings, a Nature Center, Native Virginia Wildlife Exhibits, a Children's Farm and a Carriage Collection.
This place is gorgeous! Strolling around Maymont is part of a perfect day for families, lovers, friends, or individuals. They have beautiful animals, including bison, bobcats and eagles. The Japanese gardens and Italian gardens are breath-taking and a fun waterfall (good for climbing around) functions in the summertime.
Access & Linkages
Maymont Park is accessible to those who drive, bike or bus. Actually, it is a short walk from a popular shopping area, too (Carytown). To circulate about requires a good deal of walking - but of course that depends on how far you want to walk. Paths are paved, with some packed gravel.
Comfort & Image
Yes, it feels safe. It is clean and well-maintained.
Uses & Activities
There are all kinds and ages of people who regularly use the space - year-round. Some may prefer some sections more than others. It could be difficult to explore for those with walking difficulties and no wheelchair.
Sociability
I would meet friends or coworkers here, host a picnic and definitely show this place to town visitors.
History & Background
Maymont, a 100-acre Victorian-era estate, was originally the home of Major and Mrs. James Henry Dooley, one of Richmond's most prominent families. The Dooleys had extensively landscaped the grounds and built a large Victorian house filled with an impressive collection of furnishings and decorative arts when the entire estate was left intact to the city of Richmond upon the death of Mrs. Dooley in 1925. Maymont was opened to the public as a park and museum in 1925, and quickly became a major civic attraction, hosting events such as a Christmas celebration when the house and grounds are decorated as they would have been in 1893, replete with carolers and carriage rides. The original park included formal gardens, an arboretum, the Dooley's home, and a carriage house, stone barn, and other outbuildings. In 1942, William B. Thalhimer, the CEO of a family-owned department store, created an exhibit of Virginia wildlife habitats, a mini-zoo of sorts, at Maymont. In 1959, more permanent and improved wildlife and outdoor habitat exhibits were funded by the Thalhimer-Virginia Wildlife Foundation, and in 1962, a local horticultural society converted a stone barn on the property into a nature center. In 1982, a children's farm was built exhibiting domestic animals. A new 26,000 square foot nature and visitors' center opened to the public in November, 1999. (excerpted from "Public Parks, Private Partners" 2000, Project for Public Spaces, which features an extensive case study on Maymont.)
Additional links for reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maymont
https://www.facebook.com/maymont/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60893-d258006-Reviews-Maymont-Richmond_Virginia.html