Loss of Belle Isle Parking

For years there have been two main spots to park if exploring Belle Isle from the downtown side. The paved upper lot, and the lower gravel lot beneath the elevated railroad tracks. That has recently changed. CSX which owns the property beneath the trestles has blocked off access, thus eliminating approximately half the available parking.

The paved lot is still accessible but parking is no longer allowed in the gravel lot as you see here in an old Google Maps screenshot.

We reached out to Park Superintendent Bryce Wilk about the situation and there no comment from the PRCF department as this is private property in regards to the CSX lot.

Hopefully the problem is resolved before next spring when parking is at a premium. It’s a shame that while the James River Park system is the most visited destination in the city steps are being taken to decrease the public’s access to the area. The 22nd Street Parking lot on the Southbank has parking for 50 cars but unfortunately is only open from May 1 to Labor Day. So until something changes, you might have to walk a little further to explore Belle Isle.

Nice set of stairs giving you access to an area you’re forbidden to enter under penalty of law.