Lafayette Park

I’ve been visiting Lafayette Park (LP) since I moved to Hampton Roads five years ago. I can’t believe I’ve never reviewed LP – in fact, no one has reviewed it. It is located on Granby Street, next to the Virginia Zoo (when you turn into the zoo entrance, you will see the park on the left). There is an additional entrance by Broadway Street and Lavallette Avenue. Here is some info:
LP is a large park (32.3-acres), including lots of green space with grassy fields, old beautiful trees, and nice shade which is a plus during the hot summer sun. In addition, they have picnic tables, a baseball field, tennis courts, and basketball courts. There are three picnic shelters, which can be reserved. Finally, LP has a fairly large playground with a mix of old and new equipment. They have the usual swings and slides, as well as some interesting innovative items; it lets the kids use their creative minds. The playground is meant for kids from toddlers to tweens.
LP isn’t the cleanest park, but I have never been inside the restrooms – I will have to check them out next time. I have heard that sometimes the homeless population can be seen at LP during the early morning and evening; I have never seen any during the day. However, my boys always have fun playing at LP, and we have enjoyed this park after a visit to the zoo.