Taylor Farm — a family-owned farm for more than 150 years, with a legacy that predates the Civil War — has been transformed into a community destination in Henrico County.
On Tuesday, county officials cut the ribbon to open Taylor Farm Park, a 99-acre complex off Williamsburg Road in Sandston.
The $26 million project is the first standalone park to open in the Varina District since Dorey Park opened in 1982. The project was part of over $400 million in public infrastructure improvements approved in the county’s 2016 bond referendum.
Board of Supervisors Chairman and Varina District representative Tyrone Nelson said that the park is “not only the finest in Henrico but also the finest in the region and in the commonwealth.”
“It's a place where kids and their imaginations will be able to run wild and where families and friends will be able to create memories that will last a lifetime,” Nelson said.
In addition to its traditional play space, Taylor Farm Park houses an array of additional amenities. Park visitors can get wet at the spray park, climb into treehouses and ride zip lines.
There’s also an “all-wheel” park with a 17,000-square-foot skate park, a 12,000-square-foot pump track and flow bowl, a flat skate area and a BMX dirt skills course — as well as a mile-long trail loop that connects the park to surrounding neighborhoods and a stage area for concerts and movies.
But perhaps the park's most decorated feature is a memorial dedicated to public safety workers and military veterans.
Sgt. Curtis Bowman, a veteran and chaplain for American Legion Post 242, told VPM News it's what will keep him coming back to Taylor Farm Park.
“I love the park, but this right here, this really means a lot to me,” Bowman said, pointing to the white pillars at the park’s center. “I will be visiting this again, you can count on that.”
When members of the Taylor family sold the property, which had been family-owned since 1858, to Henrico in 2016, Sallie Cochran — the great-granddaughter of Taylor Farm’s original owner — said she wanted the farm to remain part of the community.
Cochran said the thought of new memories being made the idea of departing with the property all the more worthwhile.
“Thank you for all the input that everybody in the county and otherwise added to this wonderful park,” Cochran said Tuesday. “I know you're really going to enjoy it, we're going to enjoy it and we thank you for taking care of the farm.”
The grand opening will continue with planned activities throughout the week, including fitness classes, live music, movies and concerts.
