Henrico County’s Three Lakes Park is set to undergo a transformation with work underway to turn the space into a multipurpose recreation destination.
The $4.6 million project includes $2.3 million from Henrico’s 2016 bond referendum, and additional funds from the county’s Division of Recreation & Parks for trail and nature center enhancements.
John Zannino, recreation and parks director, celebrated the project’s groundbreaking alongside the county’s Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
“Although Three Lakes is well loved by many, it is time for some much needed improvements, improvements to trails,” Zannino said. “And maybe a new toilet or two.”
The county purchased the land the park sits on in the late 1980s. The three lakes at its center are actually old borrow pits — large dug-outs made decades earlier during the construction of Interstate 64.
Henrico filled the pits to form the three lakes and added a network of walking trails, fishing spots and an indoor community space. The park’s upgrades will deliver lighting, seating and trail improvements — as well as outdoor classroom and interactive educational spaces, Zannino explained.
The parks director said visitors will be able to explore the life cycle of a frog in a series of play areas.
The project also will bring new features to the nature center’s main atrium, including exhibits of Virginia’s native wildlife, an interactive sandbox and a movement-activated projector showing educational programing designed by the county’s manager of zoology, Jim Weinpress.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Fairfield Supervisor Roscoe Cooper — vice chair of the county board — thanked the community for its support of the park.
“Three Lakes historically attracts many families and individuals alike because of its many features,” Cooper said. “The renovations will also provide necessary maintenance, offer accessibility and, overall, make the park even more of a great place for families and visitors of all ages.”
The trail network has already been improved with one mile of newly paved trailway. A new restroom building by the playground is expected to open later this year.
Richmond’s Riggs Ward Design is planning a second phase of improvements that will include renovations to the rest of the nature center's exhibits. The project is expected to be completed by December.