Belle Isle: a significant park for RVA

In Richmond, one of the more important parks to the public -- perhaps one of the "jewels" -- is Belle Isle. During the summer and in nice weather, you can witness hundreds of people enjoying the vast area and wide range of nature types available on Belle Isle. 

The sketch below has a version of a top-view map of the area, highlighting the 'dry rocks' area (a frequent spot for picnickers and music enthusiasts with JBL speakers), the quarry pond (a location for the Passages summer rock climbing camp), and a star indicating a spot from which you can view Hollywood Rapid. 

The illustration of Hollywood Rapid shows the rush of water down a drop, and then spilling out into the rocks below the drop. Hollywood is one of the more adrenaline-filled rapids of the James River Falls, a key point for whitewater rafters and kayakers alike. In high water conditions, it is crucial to scout out the rapid for any strainers and logs prior to paddling through Hollywood.

Belle Isle contains extensive walking and biking trails. The rocky areas on the river-facing side of the island offer opportunities for sunbathing and wading (carefully; in the eddies of the river), and the old hydroelectric plant (drawn on the map) and the nail shed (not included) offer structures for history or architecture enthusiasts.