Belle Isle is an island park that features a variety of natural beauty that people find attractive and enjoyable. This isle is located in Virginia and receives visitors from around Virginia. This is because of the beautiful features including tidal wetlands and the upland forest as well as extensive farmland. The Isle is relatively big, covering as large as 892 acres of land.
Who was there?
Belle Isle is one Virginia’s most popular parks, according to statistics conducted by the people that frequently visit the space (Magnini, 2016). Apparently, the park is visited by people from all age groups. Basing on my observation, the park offers a variety of fun activities such as bicycle skills area, fishing, sunbathing among other leisure activities.
From my visit to the park, I realized that the most people present were relatively younger people and adults who wanted to enjoy the serene beauty of the island. Adults often bring their kids at the park, have fun daily and eventually go home after enjoying the beauty of nature, whereas the youth engage in different fun activities including camping, swimming, fishing and bicycle skills exhibition. Some other groups of people visit the park for meditation,
due to the beauty of nature that the park portrays.
How they used the space
Belle Isle is an 892- acre island. It is seven miles away from the shoreline on the Rappahannock River Necks. As mentioned earlier, it is one of the most visited parks in the United States of America. This is a relatively big space that allows different individuals to have their needs catered. The Isle contains several features that will enable different people to have fun. For instance, the park provides access to Deep creeks and Mulberry (Ewing, 2011). These places within the park allow its visitors to explore and experience fun. Moreover, other features included in the park are overnight lodging at different quality lodges within the park, bicycle sports, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and playgrounds. Moreover, the park is equipped with educational programs and a place that is suitable for weddings.
Who wasn’t there?
From my observation, the least number of visitors to the park was the older people. Apparently, the youth find it boring to visit places of nature on a daily basis. Therefore, they are attracted to the sports and fun activities offered in the Isle. Old people, on the other hand, have less fun to engage in at the park. This explains why they are the least of the visitors at the park.
Rules
The park is open to everyone from dawn to dusk. The park provides access to the River for swimming. However, swimming is not allowed for personal safety. The water is considered unsuitable for swimming due to the presence of rapids and rocks that could pose a threat to the visitors. However, visitors are allowed to watch professionals navigate the rapids.
Who manages it?
Belle Isle park is owned by the state of Virginia and managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. It is among the parks registered by the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The park was created in the last two decades as a state park that would serve the people in the neighborhood. Accessibility was among the leading factors considered in establishing the park.
References
Ewing, Sharon B. Virginia State Parks. Arcadia Publishing, 2011.
Magnini, Vincent P., and Muzaffer Uysal. "Virginia State Parks Economic Impact Report." (2016).
