Historic Norfolk Park Reopening After 2-Year Closure

Barraud Park to welcome visitors again this summer following $4.5M renovation project

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:15am

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Barraud Park in Norfolk, Virginia, which has been closed since October 2023 for a major $4.5 million renovation project, is expected to reopen to the public this summer. The project, originally slated to take 24-26 months, faced delays but is now on track for a July 1, 2026 reopening date according to city officials.

Why it matters

Barraud Park is a historic and beloved community gathering space in Norfolk. Its closure for over 2 years has been a significant loss for the Lindenwood/Cottage Heights/Barraud Park neighborhood. The upcoming reopening will restore this important green space and recreational amenity for local residents.

The details

The renovation project at Barraud Park includes the addition of a new playground, fitness area, sidewalks and paths, basketball and tennis courts, horseshoe pits, and improved water and sewer infrastructure. Further work planned for the offseason will add a multi-use court, game table plaza, skate park, and renovated restrooms. The $4.5 million in funding for the project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act.

  • Barraud Park closed in October 2023 for the renovation project.
  • The project was originally expected to take 24-26 months to complete.
  • In October 2024, the mayor asked for parts of the park to reopen during construction, but it has remained fully closed.
  • Construction crews began work earlier this month in January 2026.
  • The park is now expected to fully reopen to the public by July 1, 2026.

The players

Kelly Straub

A spokesperson for the city of Norfolk.

Kenny Alexander

The mayor of Norfolk who asked for parts of the park to reopen during construction in 2024.

Shavon Smith

The president of the Lindenwood/Cottage Heights/Barraud Park Civic League, a longtime resident who has fond memories of the park.

Irene Pitchford

A lifelong neighborhood resident and advocate for Barraud Park who passed away earlier this month, before the completion of the renovations.

E.T. Gresham Co.

The contractor issued a notice to proceed with the renovation project in December 2025.

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What they’re saying

“The park is a landmark.”

— Shavon Smith, Lindenwood/Cottage Heights/Barraud Park Civic League president

“The contractor has stated that they can complete all necessary improvements to ensure the park opens to the public safely by July 1, 2026.”

— Kelly Straub, Norfolk city spokesperson

What’s next

After the park reopens in July 2026, further work will be completed in the offseason to add a multi-use court, game table plaza, skate park, and renovated restrooms.

The takeaway

The reopening of Barraud Park after over 2 years of closure will restore an important community gathering space and recreational amenity for the Lindenwood/Cottage Heights neighborhood in Norfolk. The $4.5 million renovation project, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, will revitalize this historic park and provide new features for residents to enjoy.