Market Street Park

Market Street Park is an urban park in downtown Charlottesville bounded by Jefferson Street, First Street N.E., Market Street, and Second Street N.E. The rectangular grounds feature concrete walkways, perimeter benches, xeriscape plantings, and ornamental trees including dogwoods and a weeping cherry.

Paul Goodloe McIntire donated the land in 1917 to establish Charlottesville's first public park for community use. This founding created a central gathering space during a period when the city was growing and needed shared public areas.

This space hosts the Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival, Pride Celebration, and Dogwood Festival throughout the year. The rectangular plaza serves as a gathering spot where locals gather for music, food, and community activities.

Concrete walkways, benches, and trash receptacles make the park easy to navigate and comfortable for visitors to spend time. The rectangular layout is straightforward to move through, with plenty of seating options distributed throughout.

The park features a distinctive weeping cherry tree that visitors often notice as a focal point. This single tree adds a memorable touch to what is otherwise a simple urban plaza.

Location: Charlottesville

Inception: 1917

Website: http://charlottesville.org/?navid=354

GPS coordinates: 38.03180,-78.48063

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:59