The Garden is open on Wednesday nights this summer (June-August) until 8 p.m. with the Waterway splash pad open late (weather dependent).
NEW HOURS: Waterway is now open Wednesdays AND Thursdays in August until 8 pm! Please check website for Waterway hours throughout the week and to make sure not pre-empted by a Groovin’ concert.
FOOD AND DRINK
- Available for purchase.
- Outside food is not allowed to be brought into the Garden.
ABOUT WATERWAY
Our Youth and Family Engagement team was instrumental in the planning, making the feature a much richer experience with ties to education. The changes allow us to use the space for year-round programming related to themes of waterways and watersheds, resulting in the name change to “Waterway.”
Nature was the driving theme when selecting the Waterway elements. The new layout and features were designed for an experience typically associated with those under age 10 and consists of two sections:
- One section features a shallow streambed for the youngest users to sit and manipulate the flowing water. This feature provides a space for them away from older, more active children.
- The other section contains sprays and jets, allowing for interactive play. Children can work together to cover nozzles to create a larger “gusher” effect.
Waterway is universally accessible and inclusive for guests of all abilities. Caregivers will be glad to hear there are more places for rest along the perimeter, thanks to a seat wall. We’ve added an entry point, allowing for easier access to restrooms. Plantings in the area will reflect vegetation one would find near a woodland stream.
Even the pump house has a new look. National Art Honor Society students from the Center for the Arts at Henrico High School painted murals on the side of the building. Ally Lubold, Class of 2023, led the design process. She was inspired by the James River, seen in the murals depicting aquatic life, recognizable landmarks, and the biodiversity of wildlife.
WATERWAY GUIDELINES
Children must be supervised.
Los niños deben ser supervisados.
Swimwear/swim diapers and footwear required.
Se requiere traje de baño/pañales de natación y calzado.
No running, pushing or shoving.
No correr o empujar.
Thunder or lightning will close the Waterway for 30 minutes.
Waterway cerrará por 30 minutos en caso de truenos o relámpagos.
No glass.
No vidrio.
Park strollers out of walkways.
Estacione los cochecitos fuera de los pasillos.
Use at your own risk.
Úselo bajo su propio riesgo.
Must be 70 degrees or higher to open.
Debe estar a 70 grados o más.
ADMISSION
Admission to this event is regular Garden admission. Members enjoy free admission; not a member? Consider joining.
Admission to the Garden includes Women’s Work: The Lee Park Collection and Flourish: 40 Years and Growing, a horticulture exhibit that consists of 4 main displays in the Central Garden, Flagler Garden, the Children’s Garden, and Flagler Garden. For our 40th anniversary, we are celebrating our Horticulturists, who are our main artists.
