Tonsler Park

If you're looking for the place where the heart of the local community beats, be sure to visit Tonsler Park. This vibrant public park, located in the historic Fifeville neighborhood of Charlottesville, USA, is a favorite recreation spot for both locals and visitors alike.

Spanning approximately 3.5 hectares, the park is renowned for its rich history and modern infrastructure. Founded on the site of a former brickyard, it now offers visitors scenic elevation changes and well-maintained green spaces, making it an excellent example of urban landscape design.

The facility is named after Benjamin Tonsler, a legendary local educator, and continues his legacy today as a center for learning and active recreation. It harmoniously combines sports facilities, family leisure areas, and cozy spots for nature contemplation.

For details on hosting events or booking facilities, you can contact the park administration directly. Below are the current contact details for planning your visit.

Please note that staff office hours may change on public holidays, so it is recommended to check information in advance.

Everyone will find something to their liking in this park, from energetic sports competitions to peaceful relaxation in the shade of the trees. A major summer draw is the modern splash pad—a water play area that offers cooling fun for children. A renovated playground with various attractions is also open for young visitors.

Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the lighted basketball courts, which remain popular even in the evening, as well as the tennis courts and baseball field. If you prefer intellectual games in the fresh air, there is a giant chessboard, which has become a symbol of the park.

For a more leisurely pastime, the park features cozy picnic areas with shelters and a pollinator garden, where you can observe butterflies and rare plants. The local amphitheater often hosts community events and concerts, bringing the residents of Charlottesville together in a shared cultural space.

The journey to Tonsler Park from the city center won't take much time. If you are traveling by car, the drive along Cherry Avenue from the center takes just 5–10 minutes; convenient free parking is provided on-site, making it an excellent choice for family outings.

For those who prefer public transport, Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT) buses are available. Stops are located in the immediate vicinity of the park entrance, allowing for easy access from various parts of the city. The park is also within walking distance for residents of the Fifeville neighborhood and close to the University of Virginia campus.

Travelers arriving via Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) will need about 20–25 minutes by taxi or rental car to reach this inviting urban space.

The park is named after Benjamin Tonsler, a prominent African American educator and community leader. Born into slavery, he was able to gain an education at Hampton University and served as the principal of Jefferson School for 30 years, secretly preparing his students for college during an era of strict restrictions.

The area where children play today has an industrial past: in 1946, the city acquired this plot on the site of an old colonial brickyard. At that time, during the period of segregation, it was one of the few recreational spaces available to the city's African American population.

The park took on its modern appearance gradually. In 1976, due to changes in the road network, its area expanded significantly, and major renovations in the 2010s transformed it into a high-tech recreation zone. Today, Tonsler Park is not just a green space, but an important monument to the development of the Fifeville neighborhood and the resilience of the local community.

One hour is sufficient for a standard tour of the park and a leisurely stroll along its paths. This is enough time to appreciate the landscape and take a look at the pollinator garden.

However, if you are planning a visit with children during the summer or want to have a family picnic, you should budget between 2 to 3 hours. Active games on the sports fields or relaxing by the water can easily take up half a day, turning the visit into a full afternoon of outdoor leisure.

Typically, Tonsler Park is open to visitors on weekdays from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The park is closed on Sundays.

Since the operating hours of specific facilities, such as the recreation center or splash pad, may change depending on the season and weather conditions, we strongly recommend checking the information on the city's official website before your trip.

Charlottesville is rich in historical and cultural sites, many of which are just a few minutes' drive from the park. Exploring the surrounding area will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of Virginia and learn more about the heritage of the Founding Fathers.

Proximity to the University of Virginia and famous estates makes this area an ideal starting point for a full day of sightseeing. Below are the nearest points of interest: