I had this park on my list of places to visit and so glad I found it. Not cheap since I had to pay a couple of tolls to get there but worth the journey. Several trails to choose from but all in a loop around the water. Excellent signage for plants and the history of the establishment of the area. Promising to know that so many individuals and businesses care about our waterways and the animals. The wood plant is noisy but knowing that the businesses are working in harmony with nature makes it less distracting. I almost missed the “earth mound” and the higher elevation for the improved view. Impressed that someone was there on Christmas digging up invasive plants. Thanks for your efforts! Definitely want to return to use the kayak ramp in the spring.

I attended a presentation called Invasive Plants at Paradise Creek Nature Park. We met in the main building for an overview, then hit the trails for first hand looks at invasive plants and work that is being done to save and establish native plants on the property. The presentation was very interesting and I learned things about native/non native plants. The staff is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and constantly working. They are quick to share information about the park and the beginning transition from a city dump with everything from oyster shells to rusted out cars. The 40 acres are a work in progress which will probably be continuous. The park is urban and industrial. Industrial businesses surround the park at the marshlands of Paradise Creek and continues into Elizabeth River. It appears things could be easily be quite a mess but the neighboring industries have been included in the park partnership to clean up and keep areas and waterways clean. There are several short, connecting trails, some wooded, marsh, and water. A good selection of presentations and guided tours are offered, many at no cost. There is a kayak launch, you can bring your own kayak, or let them provide all gear and take their guided tour. Staff and volunteers are working on a community garden of native edibles, mostly berries at present. Neighbors will be welcome to pick and enjoy. Individual pieces of the park are very good but as a whole, it's excellent. If you are into nature, enjoy birding, kayaking, plants, walk a nice short trail, or talk to some really dedicated people about the ongoing park restoration, stop by Paradise.

Spend the morning exploring the trails. It's about two miles or so of trails with spectacular vistas. A fantastic example of of restored urban wetland park. Highly recommend.

I realize that the directed parking won’t always be there. Still there is free parking. But is was accompanied by superb planning and execution by the Elizabeth River Project. The modest trails seemed to have many native plants and were beautifully complemented by sculpture art.The elevation changes on the trails were modest and likely wheelchair accessible. The kayak and canoe access is a real bonus because the waterway success in creating a clean waterway conducive to exciting variety of birds.The provisions for educating youth on the site is a great opportunity for making nature appealing to both young and old.