Press Release from Coalition To Save McIntire Park

Today APVA/Preservation Virginia the oldest statewide historic preservation organization in the United States added Charlottesville's McIntire Park to its list of "Virginia's Most Endangered Historic Sites." APVA/Preservation Virginia recognized what people throughout Charlottesville are now realizing--McIntire Park is about to lose its character and identity--becoming little more than real estate useful for cheap conversion into a highway right of way and into a building parcel for private development.

In 1926 Paul Goodloe McIntire gave land for McIntire and Washington parks to the citizens of Charlottesville to use 'in perpetuity' as parks and playgrounds. This donation was given to us in trust by a man who ranks second only to Thomas Jefferson as a builder and a benefactor of this city. Now the legacy of McIntire Park is being defiled and forgotten. The historic nine-hole golf course designed in 1932 by the renowned Scottish golf-course designer Fred Findlay is in danger of losing more than a third of its golf holes to the Meadowcreek Parkway. The 70-year-old wading pool that has seen four generations of families enjoy outdoor fun is also in peril. In the space of one year the park, which is a social hub of our city, will lose almost 40% of its open space.

The Coalition to Save McIntire Park hopes that the placement of McIntire Park on "Virginia's Most Endangered Historic Sites" list will prompt local residents to join the coalition to 'Save McIntire Park'. Rallies for the Coalition and organizing picnics will be held in the Park on June 17, July 22, August 12, and September 19/20.