July 5, 2010
Discovering Swan Lake’s Island
12 Comments »
Future site of Survivor Season 13?
Now that the Mayor has cleared the way for boaters to set sail (or row/paddle) out onto Byrd Park’s lakes (besides Fountain Lake), one of the most mysterious features in the whole city, let alone the park, is about to get a closer look, ready or not. The island in the middle of Swan Lake has long been no man’s land for years. Now, the unknown becomes knowable (unless parks and rec decides to ban humans from setting foot on the island).
More speculation, fantastical thinking, and pics, after the jump.
Who will be first to join the turtle tribal council?
The beach on this island looks like it’s untouched by man. But, is that the case? Could there be treasure buried on this island by Civil War era pirates? Seriously though… when was the island built and for what purpose? Have people ever been permitted upon it? Any locals who grew up nearby want to chime in?
Geese holding a noisy Sunday service. Holy goose power?
Since the geese and ducks consider this island their personal stomping grounds and sacred space, should humans tread lightly or not at all? Or will the increased presence of people thin out the concentration of foul mess-making fowl?
Cue spooky music and Twilight Zone naration.
One of Richmond’s only remaining unexplored territories, as foreboding as it may appear, is set to become a beachhead for boaters. Let’s watch closely to see how this story unfolds.
I’ve been on the James many times, and whenever geese are plentiful, so is the poop. I’ve wondered about the island myself, but never thought I needed to explore it. I’ll let the geese keep this one to themselves and do my exploring on the James. I am tempted to go paddle boating on Fountain Lake though….
I would like to see it banned from man – Can’t there be untouched habitats from us for the wild anywhere? I am curious to read stories about the island though!
I sympathize with the idea of leaving the floating mound of goose poop untouched by man. But, I also have an inner child who just had to turn over every rock in the creek, hoping to find a new kind of salamander. I don’t personally have any plans to visit the island, but I don’t know what I’d do if my neighbor pulled out a rowboat and invited me to go exploring.
I’m thinking we send an expedition to do some recon (probably a night expedition). Stake the Byrd Park flag on the island (do we have a flag?, civic league topic for sure). Then build a clubhouse and commence secret society meetings
I agree in principle with Patricia about having habitats untouched by man. However it’d be a real stretch to apply that to the Swan Lake island even today. The entire Swan Lake is artificial in the first place, and the geese population has more or less evolved to depend entirely on trash and handouts from humans.
Not to mention, I find it hard to believe that in 80+ years of existence no one has ever swum or boated out to the island. I’m kind of wondering if we’ll find Jimmy Hoffa buried there :) .
Ha! This is great – definitely a good reason to buy a Kayak… or 2.
Since posting this, I’ve brought the topic up here and there. I’m showing my youthful and cultural ignorance here, but it seems that the lakes had entirely different policies prior to integration and white flight. At least for a stretch, when Byrd Park neighborhood was predominately black, you could still swim in at least one of the lakes and play on Swan Lake’s island. I’d like to get more of that story. Can any of you readers share some insights?
Since posting this, I’ve brought the topic up here and there. I’m showing my youthful and cultural ignorance here, but it seems that the lakes had entirely different policies prior to integration and white flight. At least for a stretch, when Byrd Park neighborhood was predominately black, you could still swim in at least one of the lakes and play on Swan Lake’s island. Some folks in the neighborhood were around for that. I’d like to get more of the story. Can any of you readers share some insights? How long has it been since people were allowed on the island?
From Richmond Then and Now
“WILLIAM BYRD PARK, entrance S. end of Boulevard, is a 300 acre recreation area with roads through peaceful groves and around three artificial lakes, … It has bathing, tennis, and other athletic facilities.
“Swimming: Shields Lake, Byrd Park, S. end of Boulevard at Idlewood Ave., open summer months, free”
Here’s kind of a cool photo.
Reference is
Virginia, A Guide to the Old Dominion
Published 1940
Please note that signs will be posted shortly as the Park’s Department does not want anyone on the island. It will not only disturb the few spots free of humans (except for the annual egg collection), it is probably not great for your health either. Lot of animal waste and nests of mother birds that might not take to kindly to your visit.
JR Pope, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Foundations made this announcement at the Park Advisory Board meeting in July.
PS Jason and all swimmer were in Shields Lake, Swan Lake actually had water sking shows at one time with motor boats…can you imagine that in such a small lake.
[...] concerning our planned voyage to uncover the mysteries of the island in the middle of Swan Lake. From Michael Paul Dodson, a recent Byrd Park Civic League [...]
If they don’t want anyone on the island, I’m extremely curious as to where and how they will “post signs.” If these signs are anything like the large posted, Thin Ice signs installed around the lakes this past winter and removed this spring, it should be interesting. Maybe they can use the proverbial “sky hook” to hang them on so they don’t have to bore big holes in the island.