Goochland County Closes Parks to Clear Snow and Ice from Parking Lots

Selected Goochland County parks were temporarily closed after recent winter storms created hazardous parking lots and entryways, county officials said. The move aims to give grounds crews safe, unobstructed access to clear melting and refreezing snow and ice that officials say worsened at facilities that had not yet been cleared.

Goochland County Parks & Recreation posted the notice on February 5, 2026. "As the snow and ice begin to melt and refreeze, County facilities that had not yet been cleared are experiencing worsening entryway and parking lot conditions." The county added, "To ensure safe and efficient clearing, Parks and Recreation has temporarily closed the following facilities:" and named Tucker Park, Hidden Rock Park, Matthews Park and Leakes Mill Park among the affected locations. The notice does not list an exact reopening date. "The Grounds crew will continue to clear these areas and restore access as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding as we ensure these properties are safe for public use."

The county message emphasizes closures for parking lots and entrances rather than detailing the status of trails, playgrounds, athletic fields or restrooms. That distinction matters for residents who use parks for short visits, dog walking or youth sports drop-offs: vehicles will not be able to safely enter the named sites until crews finish clearing and treating icy surfaces. The posting does not specify timelines, crew sizes, equipment or de-icing materials, leaving the schedule for reopening open-ended.

For residents seeking updates or confirmation about other possible closures, Goochland County Parks & Recreation can be reached at 1800 Sandy Hook Road, P.O. Box 10, Goochland, VA 23063. Phone lines are 804-556-5800 and fax is 804-556-4617. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays. The county’s official website and its social media channels carry the notice and may publish further updates; the site also offers an option to create an account for notification subscriptions.

Local officials framed the action as a public-safety step to reduce slip-and-fall risks and vehicle incidents tied to freeze-thaw cycles. For residents, the immediate impact is limited access to parking at the four explicitly named parks and potentially longer trips to alternative parks or open spaces. Because the county did not confirm whether additional parks were affected, residents planning visits should check the county’s official announcements or call Parks & Recreation before driving to any park.

The closures underscore how quickly winter conditions can re-create hazards even after initial clearing. Expect follow-up notices from Parks & Recreation as crews finish work; until then, avoid parking lots at Tucker Park, Hidden Rock Park, Matthews Park and Leakes Mill Park and use county contact channels for the latest reopening information.