Project Update

You may have noticed new colored ribbons tied around certain trees in Charlotte Y. Humphris Park. These ribbons are survey tags placed by our project team. They help us document every tree in the project area, including its species, size, location, and overall health. This careful inventory is a normal part of the design process and allows us to plan improvements while protecting as many trees as possible.

 Why is this happening? Will trees be removed?

From the very beginning, this project has been guided by the goal of environmental stewardship. We value the large forest areas within Humphris Park and the many benefits they provide: shade, wildlife habitat, cleaner air, and a peaceful place for people to enjoy nature.

 After studying the site closely, we chose a project location along the outer edge of the park. This lets us add new amenities while avoiding disturbance to the interior forest. The project area makes up less than 10% of the park, which means over 90% of the forest will remain untouched.

 Balancing Recreation and Stewardship

Our approach reflects the mission of Albemarle County Parks & Recreation: to provide great parks and trails while also being strong environmental stewards. Improving access to recreation, especially in walkable neighborhoods, is an important need in our growing community, and we work carefully to balance that with protection of natural resources.

 Humphris Park is one of the few County parks located inside Albemarle’s Development Area, which makes it especially important for nearby residents. Our analysis shows:

• More than 5,000 residents live within a half‑mile walk of the park.
• Neighborhoods near the park have a high concentration of children under age 10, including one area in the 94th percentile statewide for young children.
• In 2020, about 600 children under age 10 lived within a half‑mile of the park, roughly 1 in every 20 children in Albemarle County.

 These numbers highlight why this park is such a valuable place to invest in new, accessible, family‑friendly recreation opportunities.

 About the Project

Albemarle County is planning improvements to Humphris Park during 2025–2026, with construction scheduled for 2026–2027. The project will:

• Add new recreational amenities and trail-related improvements
• Improve access for all park visitors, including better bike and pedestrian connections
• Design and build with environmental protection as a top priority

Learn more - Charlotte Humphris Park | Engage Albemarle

Tentative paving project the week of April 6th. 

This 25-acre park offers 1.5 miles of paved trails with a small shelter and seating. Formerly Whitewood Park, it was renamed in 2005 to honor Charlotte Yancey Humphris, a former Board of Supervisors member and Chairwoman, who was a widely respected advocate for rural preservation.

Park is open daily 7:00am-Dark. 

Amenities Details

• 1.5 miles of paved trails - View the trail map (PDF)