Dutch Gap Park Expansion Prompts Henricus Park Closure
TL;DR: Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation will close Henricus Historical Park starting November 9 to accommodate bridge construction over an oxbow as part of the Dutch Gap Park expansion onto the former River's Bend golf course property.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation
- What: Bridge construction to connect Dutch Gap Park with former River's Bend golf course property; Henricus Historical Park closure for facility maintenance and repairs
- When: Construction begins November 2026; park closure through at least 2027
- Where: Dutch Gap Conservation Area / Henricus Historical Park, Chester, Virginia
The story
Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation announced that Henricus Historical Park will close beginning November 9, 2026, to accommodate the first phase of the Dutch Gap Park expansion. The closure follows the park's annual Hops in the Park event and will span 2 to 3 years.
The initial work involves bridge construction over an oxbow that separates the Dutch Gap Conservation Area from the former River's Bend golf course property, which the county has acquired as part of its expansion plans. During the closure period, Henricus Historical Park will undergo maintenance and repairs to its replica buildings, fencing, and grounds. The park's farm animals—goats, pigs, chickens, and cats—will be relocated to partner organizations.
The county plans to resume special programs at Henricus in spring 2027, with self-guided tours resuming later in 2027. Full operations will resume once the Dutch Gap Parkway project is completed. History education programs will continue at alternative county historic sites and through onsite school programs during the closure. The Dutch Gap Conservation Area's nature trails, bluff, and dock will remain accessible to the public, though parking will be significantly limited during construction.
Henricus Historical Park is a living-history museum that interprets the 1611 Citie of Henricus, the second successful English settlement in Virginia. It sits on the banks of the James River within the 810-acre Dutch Gap Conservation Area.
Key players
- Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation: Project administrator conducting the expansion and facility improvements
Key dates
- 2026-11-09: Henricus Historical Park closes to the public
- 2027-04: Special programs resume at Henricus (planned)
- 2027-06: Self-guided tours resume at Henricus (planned)
Why it matters: Residents and visitors who use Henricus Historical Park for programming and recreation should plan alternative activities during the extended closure. The expansion of Dutch Gap Park will eventually increase recreational access to the county's waterfront when complete.
Places
Development timeline
- 2026-11-09Henricus Historical Park closure begins: Park closes following annual Hops in the Park event to accommodate Dutch Gap expansion work [source]
- 2026-11Bridge construction over oxbow begins: First phase of Dutch Gap Park expansion connects current park to former River's Bend golf course property [source]
- 2027-04Special programs resume (planned): Henricus Historical Park special programs expected to resume in spring 2027 [source]
- 2027-06Self-guided tours resume (planned): Self-guided tours at Henricus expected to resume later in 2027 [source]
Related links
- Henricus Historical Park facility information
- Dutch Gap Conservation Area
- Parks and Recreation current projects
Read the original at Chesterfield Parks & Recreation →
Sources
- Henricus Historical Park Closure Announcement
- Henricus Historical Park facility information
- Dutch Gap Conservation Area
- Parks and Recreation current projects