Jim Barnett Park | Fredericksburg

Information

Landmark: Jim Barnett Park
City: Fredericksburg
Country: USA Virginia
Continent: North America

Jim Barnett Park, Fredericksburg, USA Virginia, North America

Jim Barnett Park is a municipal park located in Fredericksburg, Virginia, USA.

This 55-acre public space offers a variety of recreational facilities and natural areas.

Visual Characteristics

The park features a large, outdoor swimming pool with concrete decking. Adjacent to the pool are several multi-purpose sports fields with grass surfaces. A network of paved walking paths traverses the park, connecting different activity zones. The park includes mature deciduous trees providing canopy cover over significant portions of the grounds. A small lake, approximately 3 acres in size, is situated in the western section, with a concrete dam structure.

Location & Access Logistics

Jim Barnett Park is situated at 1071 caroline street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. It is approximately 1.5 miles south of the Fredericksburg central business district. Access is directly from Caroline Street (US Route 1). Ample paved parking is available within the park grounds, with designated areas for vehicles and buses. Public transport options include the Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FRED) bus service; Route 2, which stops at the park entrance on Caroline Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park was established in 1967 on land formerly owned by the Barnett family. The lake was created as part of the park's development. The ecological classification is primarily temperate deciduous forest, with the lake serving as a man-made aquatic habitat.

Key Highlights & Activities

Swimming is available at the War Memorial Pool during operational hours. Basketball courts and tennis courts are accessible for public use. Fishing is permitted in the lake, with a valid Virginia fishing license required. The park contains a disc golf course. Walking and jogging are facilitated by the paved trail system.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located near the pool complex and the main pavilion. Shaded picnic areas with tables and grills are available throughout the park. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the park. No on-site food vendors are present, but vending machines are located at the pool facility. A playground area is situated near the western entrance.

Best Time to Visit

For swimming, the pool is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with specific daily hours. For photography of the lake and surrounding foliage, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal conditions, particularly in spring and autumn. The park is accessible year-round for walking and general recreation.

Facts & Legends

The War Memorial Pool was constructed in memory of local residents who served in World War II. A local anecdote suggests that the lake was once a natural spring, though geological surveys indicate it is entirely man-made.