With 279 acres, Riverview Farm Park is a beautiful area is located on the James and Warwick Rivers in central Newport News.  It is on record to remain a public treasure, off-limits to residential and commercial development. The park includes designated nature trails along the waterfront.

Michael Poplawski, Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism in Newport News, and Dr. Robin van Tine, York River Group leadership, provided an update on Riverview Farm Park to the Sierra Club York River Group in a virtual meeting held on March 15, 2023.

The park was not always reserved for public use.  At one time, the waterfront land previously used by the City Prison Farm was being considered for residential and commercial development.  Fortunately, citizens banded together to Save Riverview Farm, and after many years of uncertainty the land was finally designated as park land by the Newport News city council.

The park sits alongside a Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) facility.  HRSD has partnered with supporters of the park, and is helping to provide many amenities in return for the constructions of wells used as part of their SWIFT Project, whose goal is to sustainably replenish groundwater on the peninsula for generations to come.  As part of the partnership agreement, HRSD is adding new restrooms, funding for a dog park, new trails, and many other amenities for the public to enjoy.

Although HRSD's well project will take several years to complete, Riverview Farm Park is already a waterfront gem on the Virginia peninsula, available for all to enjoy.  From here, it will only get better!