Ballou Park History

Ballou Park History. Interpretative Nature Trail. , Welcome to Ballou Park, one of the oldest municipal parks in Virginia! Characterized by towering oak trees and grassy hillsides, the park was obtained by three separate transactions over a period of 30 years. The first, made in 1886 by F.M Hamlin acting as trustee for L.A. Yates and W.L. Law, conveyed 50 acres of land along what is now West Main Street to the City for $100.00. This acquisition gave Danville. the distinction of having one of the first and largest municipal parks in Virginia and marked the beginning of the park movement of the American Victorian era. In 1887 Thomas J. and May M. Talbott gave Danville the acre and a half on which the reservoir now sits. In 1921, Riverside and Dan River Cotton Mills Inc. presented approximately 45 acres of adjacent land to expand the park., In 1873 C.A. Ballou arrived in Danville and he served the City in various capacities including Chief Engineer. He also proposed a 6 million gallon water source to be located here. After the reservoir was constructed, it was referred to as Reservoir Park., The Dan River deed contained a provision stating its purpose: to enlarge the park. It also stated that the property was to be used only as a park or it would revert to the company. In more recent years, Virginia Outdoor Fund monies have been utilized for park renovations. This funding includes the stipulation that the park properties be used for outdoor recreation purposes, thus insuring Ballou Park is enjoyed by local residents and visitors for generations to come., (captions) , Ballou Park , Photo from Art Work of Danville, Virginia (1903)., Entrance to Ballou Park, Danville, Virginia , Photo from Chamber of Commerce (1920s).