America’s first New World industrial site, the 1619-1622 ironworks on Falling Creek, took another baby step last Saturday with the unveiling and dedication of six new interpretive signs. They described the industrial history that once existed at Falling Creek. A project and proposed park, that has been the passion of the members of the Falling Creek Foundation Board and the Jefferson Davis Association since the late 80s, is now beginning to materialize with the ardent support of the county, federal and state grants and a whole host of individuals who believe in the project.
Big plans are on the drawing board and construction for phase one of the park facilities that include new parking, paths and walkways, lawn and creek side picnic areas, overlooks along with the interpretive signage should be completed by the end of the year, according to Stuart W. Connock, Jr., Chief of Parks in the planning and construction division for Chesterfield County.
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- Renee Richardson with the Yapatoko drummers
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- Talus and Baden enjoy period games
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- The Press Gang performed throughout the day.
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- The Falling Creek Foundation board members with county representatives. From left, Phil Cunningham, Lyle Browning, Chesterfield Board Chairman Steve Elswick, George Schanzenbacher, Norma Corbin, Margaret Davis, Michael Golden, Latisha Jenkins, Stuart Connock and Bryan Walker.
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- Henricus Militia Muster
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- Proposed Falling Creek Park
“We will be open for walkers and bikers by the end of the year – weather permitting,” said Connock.
The completion of phase one will open 14.6 acres of the park with .65 miles of trail. Both sides of the creek will have walking trails with a swinging bridge, planned for the future, to connect the ironworks site with the grist mill site on the north side of the creek. Another 82.9 acres, called the Falling Creek Linear Park will open up 89.9 acres for additional park and bike trails which will connect with the Gates Mill Park which includes 12.3 acres.
The county has plans on the table and will soon announce the purchase of an additional 110 acres on the riverfront which will connect Drewry’s Bluff, site of Confederate Fort Darling during the American Civil War and named for a local landowner, Confederate Captain Augustus H. Drewry.
Residents could see a boat launch at the 110 acre park. Connock said they are in talks with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to allow a boat launch which would be included in their long-term plans of Falling Creek Ironworks Park.
Platform speakers for the dedication included Michael S. Golden, director, Chesterfield County Department of Parks and Recreation; The Honorable Steve A. Elswick, chairman, Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors; Carl Schlaudt, revitalization manager, Chesterfield County and Lyle Browning, archaeologist, Falling Creek Ironworks Foundation.
Falling Creek Ironworks Park is located where Falling Creek passes under Route 1/301, a half-mile south of Chippenham Parkway.
