Facilities

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History

Freedom Park has a rich historical background dating back to the 1650s. This park is the site of an 18th Century cemetery, the Revolutionary War Battle of Spencer’s Ordinary (1781) and a 17th Century domicile which is revealing much archaeological research of the early colonial period (1680-1730). Freedom Park was also home to one of the nation's earliest Free Black Settlements in America from 1803-1850. Three historically accurate recreated cabins are located in the park, and are furnished with items authentic to the period.

Trails

This 600-acre forested retreat also features approximately 2 miles of multiuse trails, including a 1-mile ADA accessible paved trail, and more than 20 miles of mountain bike trails winding through historical sites, forests and along creeks and open meadows. The bike trails are designed, built, and maintained by the Eastern Virginia Mountain Bike Association. Trails are closed to bikes during inclement weather to prevent trail degradation. Riders are encouraged to call 757-259-4022 to check trails status.

Botanical Garden

The Williamsburg Botanical Garden is also located at Freedom Park. Members of the Garden developed and maintain the area which features more than 800 species of native vegetation. The Garden also offers monthly educational programs, and special events throughout the year.

GoApe

Freedom Park is home to the GoApe Treetop Adventure Course and Treetop Junior Course. The Treetop Adventure course allows participants to explore the park from an otherwise unobtainable vantage point while navigating through the treetops using zip lines, obstacles and Tarzan swings. The park also features the Treetop Junior Course, a smaller zip line circuit that can be enjoyed by the younger adventurers. For more information and fees please visit goape.com or call 1-800-971-8271.

Interpretive Center

The Freedom Park Interpretive Center features exhibits of artifacts recovered during the construction of the park as well as an interactive kiosk that provides visitors a visual tour of the park, its amenities, wildlife and history. The center includes:

• Indoor and outdoor wood-burning fireplaces
• Meeting room and kitchen
• Outdoor access to restroom facilities when the Interpretive Center is closed
• Raised brick patio
• Wi-fi connectivity

Outdoor Classroom

Check out the park's newest amenity, the Freedom Park outdoor classroom! It features 10 locally sourced white oak benches that will seat approximately 40 people as well as a kiosk featuring a tri-fold whiteboard. To reserve the classroom, click the link below under Related Documents

• The classroom may be reserved daily from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., or until the park closes
• A one-hour minimum is required for all reservations
• Use of the white-board kiosk is allowed only for reservations
• A Park Instructor or Historical Interpreter may be requested for your group reservation at an additional rate of $20/hour. Staff will only be provided should availability allow

Rentals

Picnic shelters and meeting room space are available to rent. View our full list of Rental Fees.

Shelter Information

Tents

 Single free-standing canopies, tents and other types of portable shade structures up to 16’x16’ are permitted only on the Interpretive Center patio and must be anchored with weights or water barrels per manufacturer’s recommendations, with tie downs marked in a noticeable manner. Larger tents may be put up on the patio as part of a facility rental, and require additional fees.     

Related Documents

• Annual Instructional Class Park Use Permit (PDF)
• Freedom Park Trail Map (PDF)
• Indoor Facility Request Form (PDF)
• Mobile Food Vending Park Use Permit (PDF)
• Outdoor Classroom Reservation Form (PDF)
• Public Facilities Rules & Regulations (PDF)
• Shelter Reservation Form (PDF)

Dog Rules

Freedom Park is a dog-friendly park. Dogs must be under complete and immediate control of owners at all times and must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Owners are responsible for removing dog waste. Litter bags are available and guests should use only what they need while using the trail.

Upcoming Programs

For the complete list of our upcoming programs, check out the Destination Recreation Activity Brochure. Register for any Parks & Recreation program. All programs take place at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center (5537 Centerville Road) unless otherwise listed. 

Freedom Park Field Lab | ages 6+

Think of this as a field trip for your school, friends or home-school group! This hands-on experience allows kids the opportunity to enhance classroom learning in a natural environment. Each program includes instructors and volunteers to help guide learning in the topics listed below. Reservation requests must be made at least two weeks in advance and depend on staff availability. Program fee is $6 per youth participant (groups of at least five are required) and includes access to the Freedom Park Classroom; large groups of 25 or more will be provided a Freedom Park shelter rental included with their fees. Equipment, materials and fun are provided. Contact [email protected] or Freedom Park at 757-259-4022 to reserve a Field Lab trip.

Animals Life | ages 6-8
Habitats | ages 7-9
Watersheds | ages 8-10

Private Free Black Settlement Tour | ages 12+

Tour one of the first Free Black Settlements in the United State right here in Freedom Park. Come hear historical facts, information about the land and tour the settlement’s dwellings that historically accurate of the early 1800s. Private tours must be made in advance and are based upon staff availability. There is a $20 staffing fee required for each group and the tour takes about 45 minutes. Contact [email protected] or phone 757-259-4022 to set up a private tour for your group.

Celebrate Trails Day | Marathon on the Trails (all ages)

Ongoing through April 26, $5. Celebrate Trails Day, held annually on the fourth Saturday of April, encourages Americans to enjoy trails all over the nation. James City County Parks & Recreation invites you to run, walk or bike a marathon distance of 26.2 miles on our local trails by April 26. Register online by April 1 for just $5 to receive a medal, recommended trail routes and full event details. Various parks, facilities, trails and trail surfaces will be recommended to complete this challenge; or you can also forge your own path to reach your 26.2-mile goal on your own trails or blueways! For questions, contact [email protected] or call Freedom Park at 757-259-4022. Visit https://bit.ly/4ajK3wT to register.

Intro to Native Plants (ages 18+)

February 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Interested in adding native plants to your landscape? Fall is a great time to plant perennials and winter is when you can sow seeds. Come learn about some of the wonderful plants that are native to our area and look at small gardens that have been both planted and seeded. These gardens naturally increase the activity of pollinators in your yard. Registration recommended, but not required. Visit https://bit.ly/4ajK3wT to register.

Free Black Settlement Tours (ages 12+)

February 22, 1:30-3 p.m. Tour one of the first Free Black Settlements in the United State right here in Freedom Park. Come hear historical facts, information about the land and tour the settlement’s dwellings that historically accurate of the early 1800s. Meet at the Free Black Settlement area within the park. Tours take approximately 20 minutes. Registration is not required. Weather permitting.

Full Moon Hikes (all ages)

Come explore the PARK AFTER DARK during the full moon! Freedom Park closes at sunset; however, Multiuse Trail 3 only reopens for this self-guided hike on select nights. After sunset, visitors may use Multiuse Trail 3 only, all other areas of the park are closed. The full moon hikes use an out-and-back one-mile, paved ADA-compliant trail winding through wooded forest and the Colby Swamp. Users must depart Multiuse Trail 3 by closing time. No registration required. Weather permitting. 

March 14, 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Worm Moon
April 12, 7:45-8:45 p.m. | Pink Moon

Forest Explorers Friday | Animals in our Parks (all ages)

March 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join us in the Freedom Park Outdoor Classroom to learn about the different animals that call Freedom Park home. View and touch animal skulls, pelts and more in this hands-on program. Program will be held inside the Interpretive Center in the case of inclement weather. No registration required.

Spring into Conservation | April 12, 9 a.m.-noon

Spring into Conservation is a free, public, educational event organized and cohosted by Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District and James City County Parks & Recreation. Local conservation organizations will host tables and share information about what you and your family can do to best care for our environment — starting in your own home. The event is for people of all ages, so we will have giveaways, crafts and children's activities as well. 

Forest Explorers Friday | Build a Birdhouse (all ages)

April 18, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Spring migration and mating season are well underway in April! Create a hand-built birdhouse that can be placed in your yard to create a habitat for a spring brood of baby Eastern Bluebirds. Supplies are available for 15 families. One house per family; first-come, first-served.

County Park Tour (ages 16+)

March 21, 3:30-6:30 p.m. Have you been able to visit all the parks that James City County Parks & Recreation has to offer? Join us on select dates to tour the green spaces and park amenities that make JCC so special. We will tour many of our major parks and discuss future park plans. Transportation is provided. Plan accordingly to board and unload a 14-passenger bus and walk short distances to tour park amenities. Registration required. Weather permitting. Visit https://bit.ly/4ajK3wT to register.

Birding & Brunch (ages 18+)

April 5, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Learn about spring migration of many songbirds and begin to identify them by sound and sight. You’ll be amazed how much you can learn from one of Williamsburg’s local birding experts. After the bird walk, enjoy brunch items including baked goods, fruits, hot items and juice. Registration required ($14). Weather permitting. Visit https://bit.ly/4ajK3wT to register.