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PARADISE CREEK NATURE PARK​

An oasis of nature in an urban setting. An on-going revitalization & education project, thanks to YOU.

Stroll along the forested trails and restored wetlands at Paradise Creek Nature Park and it’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of a working industrial harbor. Created by the Elizabeth River Project thanks to donors like you, this 40-acre oasis is a living, on-going demonstration engaging all ages in what it means to restore healthy shores on the Elizabeth River. With your help, we’ll continue revitalization of the forest with native species. Members like you also make possible our popular education and volunteer programs, inspiring the City of Portsmouth to keep operating the site as the city’s 3rd largest public park.

What’s at the Park?

  • Restored Wetlands For Paddling And Nature-Watching 
  • 2 Miles Of Handicap-Accessible Trails
  • Fred W. Beazley River Academy 
  • Wetland Learning Lab
  • Earthworks Mound
  • Picnic Pavilion
  • Urban Tree, Butterfly & Fitness Trails
  • Kayak Launch Close To Parking
  • Educational Displays
  • Free River-Friendly Parking
  • Boardwalk And Wetland Footbridge
  • Wildflower Meadow
  • Picnic Tables 
  • River-themed playground with original mural
Volunteer Programs
Public Programs
Youth Conservation Internships
Nature Explorers
Park Field Trips

Welcome to Paradise

40 Acre
Public Park
11 Acres
restored wetlands
2 miles
of trails

“Portsmouth’s Paradise Creek Nature Park has gained a reputation for being one of the most dynamic spaces in Hampton Roads since it opened to the public in 2012 in an area of heavy industry and historic pollution.”

DAVID MACAULAY

THE VIRGINIA PILOT

Park & Trail Map

Open Year Round

March - October
6:30am - 7:30pm
November - February
7 am - 5:30pm
Park Location
1009 Victory Boulevard, Portsmouth, VA

The Fred W. Beazley River Academy

Paradise Creek Nature Park is more than just a beautiful natural oasis in the heart of the city. It’s also home to some of the Elizabeth River Project’s most intensive environmental education programs, including our Youth Conservation Internships.

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A place for learning and connecting with the river

The newly expanded, river-friendly Fred W. Beazley River Academy boasts an additional 2,000 sq. ft. of educational programming space, including a new 50-seat lecture hall and a large covered outdoor pavilion. The River Academy gives visitors a chance to connect with nature, learn about the park’s incredible restoration and develop a lifelong love for the river.

A very special thanks go out to all the donors who made the River Academy’s expansion possible!

Gardens at the Park

Ryan Resilience Lab Event Request

Thank you for your interest in the Elizabeth River Project’s Ryan Resilience Lab. We’re delighted that our site is in high demand. As the Ryan Resilience Lab is operated by a small non-profit with a big environmental mission, please help us make sure your event is a great fit.

Our priority is to host groups with relevance to our mission: to restore the Elizabeth River through equitable collaboration with diverse communities, governments, and businesses. When space and staff support are available, we are happy to host such groups free of charge, but do request that you consider an organizational membership and allow us to offer the opportunity for individual memberships.

Please fill this form out at least 30 days in advance of the event.

Our maximum for indoor seated events is 85 theater style and 45 classroom style. For standing receptions, the maximum is 100 indoors or 125 indoor-outdoor.
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Start Time(Required)
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Set Up Preferences(Required)
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Audio/Visual Needs(Required)
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If given the go-ahead for our event, sponsor organization agrees to these Ryan Lab policies:

Yes, we will offer attendees the option to tour the Ryan Lab(Required)
Yes, Elizabeth River Project can make a 3-5 minute announcement at the start of the event regarding mission and ways to get involved(Required)
Yes, we will consider an organizational membership with Elizabeth River Project to support its mission of restoring the Elizabeth River(Required)
Yes, we agree to sustainable/responsible event practices(Required)

Additionally, sponsor organization agrees to these administrative/liability requirements:

  • ERP maintains insurance for its activities at the Ryan Lab. Sponsoring organizations should ensure that they have appropriate insurance coverage as well.
  • Weapons are prohibited.
  • Open flames generally are prohibited (special permission only).
  • Outdoor guests will be required to exit the Learning Park during thunder, lightning, high winds or any circumstance deemed hazardous by ERP.
  • Waiver of Claims: Sponsoring organizations agree to release, waive all claims, discharge, and covenant not to sue Elizabeth River Project, its officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from liability from any and all claims resulting in personal injury, accidents or illnesses and property loss arising from, but not limited to, participation in the event and related tours, due to the negligence of sponsor, sponsor's employees, or event participants.
  • Notice of Claims: Sponsor agrees to provide immediate notice to ERP if any participant either files, or threatens to file, a claim arising from or related to the event, so that ERP can notify its insurance carriers.
  • COVID Statement: Participants will monitor their own health prior to reporting to any Elizabeth River Project event/activity. If any signs or symptoms of infection are present, the individual must not report to the event.
  • Photo Release: Photos of the event may be shared as part of grant reporting or posted on Elizabeth River Project website/social media unless otherwise specified by the sponsor organization.
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Youth Water Monitoring Results

Entry Data

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Sample Data

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Observations

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