Set along the scenic Rappahannock River, in Fredericksburg, Virginia the new four-acre Fredericksburg Riverfront Park has become a lively focal point within this historic downtown community. The park is the centerpiece of the city's long-planned "Face the River" initiative, aimed at reclaiming the downtown riverfront and creating new public amenities to draw residents and tourists to the area.

The multi-dimensional design of the park, led by Alexandria, Virginia-based Landscape Architecture firm, Rhodeside & Harwell, was designed with focus on waterfront revitalization, pedestrian connections, active play areas, and spaces for community events. The park offers excellent views of the river and easy access to the waterfront, with a timber step stairway leading to a large wooden overlook and upgraded dock infrastructure for kayaking and canoeing. Its prominent location provides a distinctive link between the river and the city's busy downtown district.

Historic Cobblestones
The site contained the buried foundations of long-demolished residential and commercial structures dating back to the late 1700s, as well as an historic icehouse. An existing parking lot and a non-historic building were cleared as archaeologists carefully documented the history of the site, including the presence of the foundations and other remnants. Some of the historic elements were subsequently used within the design, such as Aquia sandstone that was incorporated into the newly added benches. Cobblestones collected by the city from nearby historic streets were subsequently repurposed into the paved areas along the promenade.

Treelined Meadow
The Landscape Architect added a riverfront meadow, native plantings, and more than 100 trees, including Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea). Along the riverfront and dock, the banks were stabilized and revegetated, and a cut-out along the river-once used as a natural amphitheater-was filled, re-graded, and re-seeded as part of the meadow. An arching promenade divides the park into an upper plateau with designed gardens and a meadow that slopes to the river, with grasses, sedges, and other native plantings such as Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Blue Star Flower (Amsonia tabemaemontana). Clusters of canopy shade trees, including a variety of oaks such as Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) and river birches, were added near pathways and gathering and play areas.

Natural Play Along the River
Due to its proximity to the river, the park was designed to withstand frequent flooding, with durable elements securely anchored in place. The park's unique play areas feature wood timber construction, including a log walk and log scramble that complements the natural setting. An interactive water feature is made of granite pavers and natural boulders with water jet nozzles that mimic the bubbling of the Rappahannock River's fall line nearby. Hand selected boulders for seating and climbing reflect the site's natural beauty. Log benches created by a local craftsman were scattered throughout the park for stylized seating.

 

Festive, sail-like shade structures add dimension and whimsy, while interpretive signage throughout the park provides information about the history of the site. Numerous benches, walkways, and public art displays allow for reflection and passive enjoyment. As the city continues to pursue trail development, the park will eventually provide links to the nearby Motts Run Reservoir and Dixon Park. Connections to the downtown district are delineated, with access from nearby streets continuing through the park via pathways and the selective removal of trees blocking views of the river.

Colonial Preservation
The educational signage includes information about the land's prehistoric Native American activity and Colonial and Civil War significance through to its emergence as a community hub in the 20th century. The series of archaeological investigations had also revealed an extensive Native American presence, and the design team was careful to minimize disruption to areas with significant findings, so a portion of a historic mound was preserved, and an interpretive panel was added.

"Mother Otter"
The park is also a destination for the city's popular Main Street Otter-ly Amazing Trail, created through a partnership between the downtown business community and the local government to promote the river ecosystem and the arts community through an interactive art experience. Mother Otter was designed by local artist and owner of Print Jazz, Pete Morelewicz, to get locals and tourists to explore the city. The Bronze sculptures of otters are scattered throughout the downtown district including, "Mother Otter" which is set within the park.

Smart Park
The forward-thinking design also reflects the emergence of technology as a vital component in modern community place-making. Considered the city's first smart park, Riverfront Park was created with assistance and partial funding from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation's Smart Communities initiatives. Smart technology has already been implemented within the park, including solar-powered lighting, free public Wi-Fi, flood sensors, and security cameras, with more additions to come. The park's light posts also feature USB ports and power outlets.

Continued Growth Along the River
Fredericksburg Riverfront Park is located across from the city's parking garage and two blocks from the city's visitor center, which provides ample free parking, and proximal restrooms. Future phases, aided by a $1.2 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, will allow the city to add a performance stage and restrooms on-site at the southeast entry of the park by the parking lot. The park was designed with this accommodation in mind, with a concrete pad and canopy structure planned for the stage and plumbing and electrical connections already in place. A large performance lawn is located directly across from the location of the future stage.

The design of the park was completed in 2017 following the visionary work by the Fredericksburg City Council's Riverfront Park Task Force. Construction began in 2019, and then the park was dedicated in May 2022.

TEAM LIST:
RHI
Kimley Horn
Kohnen-Starkey
Larry Weaner Landscape Associates
Dovetail Cultural Resource Group
Lynch & Associates
Pine & Swallow
Theatre Consultants Collaborative