Board approves purchase of battlefield parcels to expand New Market Park

The Henrico County Board of Supervisors on March 10 approved a resolution authorizing the acquisition of parcels near 2550 and 2570 Kingsland Road from the American Battlefield Trust for conservation and potential use as an expanded New Market Park.

Anthony, presenting the board paper, said the properties are under conservation with the American Battlefield Trust and that the acquisition will increase New Market Park by roughly 55 acres, creating a conserved gateway from Route 5 to the James River. Steve Yap, a county staff member who worked on the effort, described the property’s historic significance, including the march route of U.S. Colored Troops to their engagement in September 1864.

"This property now will be part of our New Market Park," Yap said. "It will increase that park from about 220 acres to roughly 275 acres and it will give us a historic and conserved gateway from Route 5 to the James River." The board approved the resolution by voice vote.

Ending: Staff and board members suggested producing public outreach materials, including a short video, to share the conservation story and the property's historical context with residents.