PARADISE CREEK NATURE PARK​

An oasis of nature in an urban setting. An on-going revitalization & education project, thanks to YOU.

Stroll along the forested trails and restored wetlands at Paradise Creek Nature Park and it’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of a working industrial harbor. Created by the Elizabeth River Project thanks to donors like you, this 40-acre oasis is a living, on-going demonstration engaging all ages in what it means to restore healthy shores on the Elizabeth River. With your help, we’ll continue revitalization of the forest with native species. Members like you also make possible our popular education and volunteer programs, inspiring the City of Portsmouth to keep operating the site as the city’s 3rd largest public park.

What’s at the Park?

  • Restored Wetlands For Paddling And Nature-Watching 
  • 2 Miles Of Handicap-Accessible Trails
  • Fred W. Beazley River Academy 
  • Wetland Learning Lab
  • Earthworks Mound
  • Picnic Pavilion
  • Urban Tree, Butterfly & Fitness Trails
  • Kayak Launch Close To Parking
  • Educational Displays
  • Free River-Friendly Parking
  • Boardwalk And Wetland Footbridge
  • Wildflower Meadow
  • Picnic Tables 
  • River-themed playground with original mural

Welcome to Paradise

40 Acre
Public Park
11 Acres
restored wetlands
2 miles
of trails

“Portsmouth’s Paradise Creek Nature Park has gained a reputation for being one of the most dynamic spaces in Hampton Roads since it opened to the public in 2012 in an area of heavy industry and historic pollution.”

DAVID MACAULAY

THE VIRGINIA PILOT

Park & Trail Map

Open Year Round

March - October
6:30am - 7:30pm
November - February
7 am - 5:30pm
Park Location
1009 Victory Boulevard, Portsmouth, VA

The Fred W. Beazley River Academy

Paradise Creek Nature Park is more than just a beautiful natural oasis in the heart of the city. It’s also home to some of the Elizabeth River Project’s most intensive environmental education programs, including our Youth Conservation Internships.

A place for learning and connecting with the river

The newly expanded, river-friendly Fred W. Beazley River Academy boasts an additional 2,000 sq. ft. of educational programming space, including a new 50-seat lecture hall and a large covered outdoor pavilion. The River Academy gives visitors a chance to connect with nature, learn about the park’s incredible restoration and develop a lifelong love for the river.

A very special thanks go out to all the donors who made the River Academy’s expansion possible!

Gardens at the Park

Youth Water Monitoring Results

Entry Data

Name(Required)
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Time(Required)
:

Sample Data

Bacteria

Observations

Drop files here or
Accepted file types: jpg, png, heic, tiff, Max. file size: 50 MB.
    Add any field observation photos here