Bisset Park | Radford

Bisset Park is the largest and most prominent municipal park in Radford, Virginia, sprawling over approximately 57 acres of picturesque land along the banks of the New River. This park is a vital recreational and cultural hub for Radford residents and visitors, offering a diverse array of natural features, athletic facilities, community event spaces, and historic significance-all set against the scenic backdrop of the New River Valley.

Location and Natural Setting

Bisset Park is centrally located in Radford, with the main entrance accessible from Berkley Williams Drive. Its positioning along the New River provides stunning riverfront views and direct access to the water, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. The park’s expansive green space, mature trees, and proximity to the river contribute to a peaceful, natural environment ideal for relaxation, picnicking, and active recreation.

The New River itself is one of the oldest rivers in North America, flowing northward through several states, and Bisset Park capitalizes on this unique natural feature by integrating water-based recreation and trails that highlight the river’s beauty.

Recreational Amenities

1. Water Activities
Bisset Park offers direct access to the New River, with a designated launch area where visitors can rent canoes and inner tubes. This feature is centered around Shelter 3, making it convenient for day users to enjoy paddling, floating, or tubing on the calm river waters during the warmer months. The river access enhances the park’s appeal as a water recreation destination within the city limits.

2. Riverway Trail
A key highlight is the Riverway Trail, a 3.5-mile paved bikeway and walkway that begins at Bisset Park and extends eastward along the New River, continuing through Wildwood Park. This trail is popular for walking, jogging, running, biking, and casual strolls. It offers scenic views of the river, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts. The trail is also wheelchair accessible, encouraging inclusive use by people of all abilities.

3. Athletic Facilities
Bisset Park supports various organized sports and casual athletic activities with multiple well-maintained fields and courts:

Soccer Fields: There are dedicated fields for midget and junior soccer leagues, as well as a football field used by local teams.

Tennis and Pickleball Courts: Resurfaced tennis courts and newly added pickleball courts provide space for racquet sports, accommodating players of different skill levels.

Basketball Court: Recently added to enhance recreational options.

Skatepark: A modern skatepark area caters to skateboarders and inline skaters, promoting youth engagement and physical activity.

Sand Volleyball Court: Offers a space for recreational volleyball games, suitable for groups and casual competition.

4. Playgrounds and Picnic Areas
Families with children can enjoy multiple playgrounds equipped with modern play structures designed for safety and fun. Picnic shelters (three in total) and a gazebo are available for reservation, making the park an ideal venue for gatherings, parties, reunions, and community events. The gazebo, set in a scenic location near the river, is frequently used for weddings, small concerts, and other special occasions.

Historical and Archaeological Significance

Bisset Park is not only a recreational asset but also a site of considerable historical importance. Archaeological excavations conducted in the 1970s uncovered the Trigg Site within the park’s boundaries, revealing a Native American village occupied intermittently from the Archaic period (circa 8000 BC) through the Historic period (up to around 1780 AD). Artifacts such as pottery shards, stone tools, and other cultural remains found during these excavations provide valuable insight into the prehistoric and early historic occupation of the New River Valley. This discovery underscores the park’s role as a living testament to the region’s deep indigenous history.

Additionally, near the park’s western edge stands a Civil War Trails marker commemorating the Battle of New River Bridge, a notable skirmish during the American Civil War. Visitors can view the remains of a burned bridge foundation from the riverbank, linking the park to the nation’s historic past.

Community Events and Social Role

Bisset Park serves as a focal point for Radford’s community life, hosting numerous public events that bring together residents for celebration, entertainment, and cultural enrichment. One of the most prominent events is the annual Spirit of America Festival held on July 4th. This festival features live music performances, food vendors, craft booths, children’s activities, and fireworks, drawing large crowds to the park. Past performances have included well-known artists such as Edwin McCain, attracting regional attention and enhancing the festival’s reputation.

Seasonal activities, outdoor concerts, charity runs, and local sports tournaments also take place in the park, reinforcing its status as a versatile venue for community engagement and recreation.

Park Management and Accessibility

The City of Radford maintains Bisset Park through its Parks and Recreation Department, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and upkeep of the facilities and grounds. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, and most amenities are free to the public, though picnic shelters and the gazebo require advance reservations and nominal fees.

Parking areas are distributed conveniently near major facilities, including picnic shelters and athletic fields. Restrooms and drinking fountains are available on-site, enhancing visitor comfort. The park is designed to be accessible to individuals with disabilities, with paved paths and amenities that comply with accessibility standards.

Environmental and Restoration Efforts

Bisset Park has experienced natural challenges, including flooding events such as the significant inundation caused by Tropical Storm Helene in late 2024. Floodwaters damaged picnic shelters, athletic fields, and the gazebo, prompting a concerted restoration effort by the city. These efforts focus on rebuilding infrastructure while incorporating flood resilience and sustainability measures to protect the park’s assets against future weather events.

The park’s management emphasizes environmental stewardship, integrating sustainable landscaping, native plantings, and conservation practices to preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of the New River corridor.

Summary

Bisset Park stands as a multi-faceted asset to Radford, Virginia-offering expansive outdoor recreation, significant historical context, and vibrant community engagement. Its combination of river access, trails, sports facilities, picnic and event spaces, and archaeological heritage makes it an invaluable resource that enhances the quality of life for Radford’s residents and provides a welcoming destination for visitors. The park embodies a harmonious blend of nature, history, and active living within a small city setting, reflecting Radford’s commitment to preserving natural beauty while fostering community well-being.