Byrd Park + The Carrilon + Maymont // City of Richmond
Locals consider Byrd Park to be comprised of a pocket of neighborhoods; The Carillon, Maymont, the Fan South of Cary and Carytown South.
This geographical gem traces its beginnings to 1888 when the city purchased a massive chunk of farmland just west of the reservoir. Within a few short years, Byrd Park had become an amusement destination for area residents with its own stop along the electric streetcar line.
Byrd Park’s lovely three lakes opened to the public in 1915 for swimming and paddleboats. This grand public space by city planners who saw the need for public spaces that served the residents in their pursuit of happiness. The city fathers had the vision to see that these beautiful, family-friendly spaces could foster surrounding development which would easily offset the costs. The majority of the homes in the area were built in the period form 1900-1920.
In the 1920s, the City of Richmond donated the land where the World War I Memorial Carillon stands. This majestic tower is today host to seasonal concert series and the nationally acclaimed Christmas pageant, “The Nativity,” held annually on December 23rd. There is also in the Spring, “Arts in the Park” which draws thousands annually to the Carillon grounds.
Undoubtedly the most impressive street in Byrd Park is Westover Road, a four block stretch fronting Shields Lake. Westover Road is lined with estate homes ranging architecturally in style from the grand Belle Epoque to Mediterranean, Georgian, French Country and yes, even Southwestern.
