Marvel at the architectural ingenuity that went into transforming trash from a landfill into a hilly park flanked by lakes.
Mount Trashmore Park is a scenic and serene urban site that was converted from an abandoned landfill. The 165-acre (67-hectare) park, which contains several sports areas, two vast lakes and many walking paths, is an excellent model of landfill reuse. Consider the environmental and aesthetic benefits to the region in these picturesque surroundings.
Bring your children to Kids Cove Playground, which comprises three separate zones on a rubber surface. Watch the kids clamber over its frames, walkways and slides. The playground area contains many benches and picnic areas providing full view of the climbing structures.
Work out at one of the outdoor fitness stations dotted around the Perimeter Trail of Lake Trashmore. Bring your skateboard to the Skate Park, which has a large wooden bowl suitable for skaters and BMX bikers. Participate in games and activities on the basketball or volleyball courts.
Among the walks in the park are the 2-mile (3-kilometer) Perimeter Trail around the lake, the 1.5-mile (2.3-kilometer) Lake Trail and the 1.3-mile (2.1-kilometer) Mountain Trail. Enjoy the excellent views of Lake Trashmore and Lake Windsor, which flank the sides of the park.
Gaze up at the man-made mountain after which the park was named. This fascinating hill is more than 60 feet (18 meters) tall and was crafted by compacting layers of trash. Walk up smaller Encore Hill to enjoy a vista of the park.
Note that the park is free to enter and opens from early morning until late afternoon. In summer, it stays open until late, roughly until sunset.
Mount Trashmore Park is about 11 miles (17 kilometers) west of the coast in Virginia Beach. It is just south of a major expressway and can be reached via several buses. Make sure to see other attractions in the region, such as the Pembroke Mall Virginia Beach, Bow Creek Golf Course and the Virginia Beach Amusement Park on the coast.
