Town Point Park, Norfolk

Town Point Park, originally the site of the colonial-era Half Moone fort built to defend against Dutch raids in 1667-and later a temporary British fort in 1781 during the Revolutionary War-it has long commanded views of the harbor and historic Norfolk. The area also witnessed the devastating New Year’s Day bombardment of 1776 and another destructive fire in 1804. Once dominated by deteriorating warehouses and old wharves, the site was transformed in 1983 into a public park, developed in tandem with the Waterside Festival Marketplace.

Today, it offers around 7 acres of lush greenery and scenic vistas along the Elizabeth River-often locally referred to as the “People’s Park.” Its landscape features over 180 newly planted trees-including Regal Elm, Darlington Oak, and Princeton Ginkgo-alongside ornamental grasses, shrubs, perennials, and artful touches like a decorative fence illustrating “Norfolk Memories”, plus a pair of fountains-one interactive, the other ideal for tossing coins.

Town Point Park is home to the Armed Forces Memorial on its southwest riverfront. This memorial displays twenty letters written by U.S. service members, spanning from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War, engraved on bronze plates arranged to appear as if carried by the wind. The park also links to the larger network of walking and biking paths that make up Norfolk’s Elizabeth River Trail.

On many weekends, it becomes a venue for festivals, concerts, and community events, several of which are offered free to the public. Over the years it has hosted well-known gatherings such as Harborfest, Bayou Boogaloo, Independence Day programs, jazz concerts, and wine festivals. A permanent stage equipped with modern sound features provides support for these activities. The park is also the site of the Norfolk NATO Festival, which includes the Parade of Nations.