Henrico officials break ground on Tuckahoe Park upgrades

Henrico and community officials gathered at Tuckahoe Park, the home of Tuckahoe Little League, Sept. 9 to break ground on upgrades to the park that will include a new playground, more restrooms and other amenities.

Henrico purchased the park in 2007. The upgrade plans were based on feedback from residents asking for more trails, connectivity and more parks in Tuckahoe, according to officials.

"This is one of the most substantial investments in community amenities since the county purchased it almost 20 years ago," Tuckahoe District Supervisor Jody Rogish said. "Tuckahoe Park will be more accessible and fun for Little League families, neighbors and all visitors."

Upgrades are being funded through the county's voter-approved 2016 bond referendum and will include renovations to existing features and construction of new amenities. Two parking lots will be paved and restrooms will be redone. Additional restrooms and a parking lot will be built, as will new storm drainage systems and a playground.

Recreation & Parks Director John Zannino said prioritizing residents' feedback with a focus on comfort and accessibility was key to the plans.

"I think recreation is one of the key, essential services that the county can provide," he said. "Because we've seen time and time again that the ability to get out, enjoy nature, to recreate, to exercise is a key part of a healthy life and a vibrant community."

The ceremony kicked off construction ahead of fall ball season. The park and athletic fields will remain open throughout construction.

Separate upgrades to the baseball and softball fields and batting cages already are partially complete.

Original plans for upgrading the complex called for a $16-million restructuring of the field layout and the construction of a new entrance to the park from John Rolfe Parkway. That funding is what was presented to voters during the 2016 bond referendum.

But at some point after the passage of the referendum, officials concluded that they couldn't use general obligation bond funding for enhancements to the Little League complex, since Tuckahoe Little League and Tuckahoe Sports, Incorporated retain exclusive rights to use of the fields during the Little League season (meaning that the complex was not entirely "public.")

“There was concern that we could jeopardize the tax-exempt status of the bonds if it was used for what could be described as private activity at the park,” Henrico County Attorney Andrew Newby told the Citizen in 2024. “It's good policy, in my opinion, not to use tax-exempt bonds if there's private activity associated with it.”

County officials scaled back the improvement plans for the complex and used other funding – estimated at about $7 million – to plan the Little League upgrades.

The new amenities and enhancements celebrated this week will be open to the public during park hours once completed.