Town Point Park | Norfolk

Town Point Park is a dynamic and picturesque seven-acre waterfront park located in downtown Norfolk, Virginia, along the Elizabeth River. Positioned directly beside Nauticus, the maritime science center, and the historic battleship USS Wisconsin, the park is both a tranquil urban oasis and a centerpiece for Norfolk’s vibrant cultural life. It is designed as a flexible public space that accommodates everything from solo strolls to massive citywide festivals, all while celebrating the city's deep naval history, maritime identity, and civic pride.

🌿 Landscape and Setting

Town Point Park features a contemporary, open-lawn design, with carefully manicured landscaping and sculpted riverfront walkways. It embraces Norfolk’s harbor city character, offering broad views of the Elizabeth River, where ferries, container ships, and sailboats drift past. The landscaping incorporates:

Grassy knolls perfect for picnicking or sunbathing

Tree-lined walkways with over 180 newly planted trees providing shade and symmetry

Native shrubs and perennials contributing to seasonal color and ecological sustainability

Stone benches and shaded seating areas for leisure and contemplation

LED lighting and fountains that create a serene atmosphere at night

Its flat and open layout makes it equally inviting for children at play, couples on evening strolls, or groups gathering for concerts and festivals.

🧭 Location and Connectivity

Address: 113 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510

Located between Nauticus and Waterside District, the park sits within walking distance of:

MacArthur Memorial

Norfolk's cruise ship terminal

The Tide light rail system

Main Street and Granby Street dining and shopping

It connects directly to the Elizabeth River Trail, a 10.5-mile urban bike and pedestrian pathway that threads through Norfolk’s waterfront neighborhoods.

🎗 Monuments and Memorials

The park pays tribute to Norfolk’s military and naval heritage through multiple commemorative installations:

Armed Forces Memorial

A powerful riverside plaza featuring 20 bronze-engraved letters written by U.S. service members who died in wars from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War.

The letters are embedded in bronze “pages” lying scattered across the plaza, fluttering as if caught by the wind, evoking both grief and remembrance.

The Homecoming Statue

A bronze sculpture of a sailor returning home to embrace his daughter, symbolizing the emotional reunions experienced by naval families.

A beloved photographic landmark, especially for military families and cruise passengers.

Historic Anchors and Artifacts

Includes the anchor of the USS Antietam, vintage cannons, and other maritime artifacts.

Mermaid statues, part of the citywide “Mermaids on Parade” public art project, reinforce Norfolk’s nautical mythology.

💧 Water Features and Interactive Spaces

The park contains two major water features designed to engage both children and adults:

TowneBank Fountain Park

A playful interactive splash pad composed of 28 programmable water jets shooting streams up to 12 feet high.

Illuminated at night with multi-color LED lights, making it a lively space even after sunset.

Reflective Fountain Plaza

A quieter space for relaxation, featuring flowing water across low pools and artistically designed bronze inlays.

This section emphasizes calm reflection and beauty, contrasting the more playful features nearby.

🎉 Events and Cultural Programming

Town Point Park is Norfolk’s premier outdoor venue for free public festivals and events. Managed by Norfolk Festevents, the park's calendar includes more than 25 annual festivals, concerts, and community gatherings:

Major Events:

Harborfest: One of the largest, longest-running maritime festivals in the country, featuring tall ships, live concerts, fireworks, and boat parades.

Bayou Boogaloo: A New Orleans-style festival with Cajun food, jazz and zydeco music, and dancing.

Fourth of July Great American Picnic: Includes food trucks, live music, and a massive fireworks display over the river.

Wine and Jazz Festival: Highlights regional wines and nationally recognized jazz artists.

Virginia Children’s Festival: Offers dozens of hands-on activities, performances, and crafts for kids of all ages.

Other Events:

Seasonal movie nights, food truck rallies, international cultural festivals, and holiday markets

The park’s large flat lawn is ideal for yoga sessions, open-air theater, or community dance nights

🚶 Accessibility and Amenities

Town Point Park was designed with universal accessibility and visitor comfort in mind:

Wheelchair-accessible pathways connect all key areas

Modern public restrooms located discreetly within the park

Plentiful benches, bistro tables, and grassy seating zones

Free public Wi-Fi provided during events

Trash, compost, and recycling bins throughout

Pet policy: Only service animals are allowed inside the park during events

Parking is available at nearby:

Waterside District Garage

Town Point Garage

MacArthur Center Garage (with validated event parking)

Public transit access includes:

Light rail via MacArthur Square Station

Downtown trolley stops and pedestrian-friendly crosswalks

The Elizabeth River Ferry docks just outside the park

🛳 Nearby Attractions

Nauticus & USS Wisconsin: Nautical museum and historic battleship open for public tours

Waterside District: Dining, bars, and entertainment in a redeveloped waterfront complex

Downtown Norfolk: Home to the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Slover Library, and boutique shopping

🔆 Visitor Experience

Town Point Park is beloved for its ability to balance quiet elegance with festive energy. Locals and visitors alike praise its:

Cleanliness and professional upkeep

Open layout ideal for small gatherings or major events

Stunning sunsets over the river, often accompanied by light shows or boat parades

Cultural resonance with Norfolk’s naval identity and community history

Even on non-event days, the park offers a peaceful retreat in the city-where joggers, office workers, tourists, and families all find space to breathe and connect.

✅ Summary

Town Point Park is a signature public space that captures the soul of Norfolk-a waterfront city with deep military roots, artistic energy, and strong community spirit. Whether hosting a festival with thousands or offering a quiet morning view of the river, the park is a thoughtfully designed, environmentally sustainable, and culturally rich venue that remains essential to the identity of downtown Norfolk.