Recreation

Park Facilities, Activities and Hours of Operation

ACTIVITIES

  • On Historic Trails. Legends Park and Nature Sanctuary is a great place to go for a run or take a leisurely stroll along the many trails and pathways that wrap around Willcox Lake. From the Willcox Overlook Trailhead you can take the all-access trail following the “Dimmock Line,” an original section of Petersburg’s Confederate defense lines leading to the Bath House Overlook for one of the park’s best views of Willcox Lake. The Willcox Watershed Conservancy is working in partnership with the City of Petersburg to restore and reopen many of the park’s original trails.

  • A wonderful place for birding with old growth forests, bogs, meadows, and edge ecosystems, the park is easily accessible from road and trail systems. Explore the area of the park that was designated as a bird sanctuary as part of the historic WPA project or stroll the wooded trails watching for pileated woodpeckers swooping through the trees or bald eagles soaring over Willcox Lake.

  • Willcox Lake is a great place to put in a kayak or canoe to enjoy fishing and paddling.

  • Enjoy a lunchtime stroll on the Overlook Trail with splendid views of Willcox Lake.

  • The pavilion and playground area are perfect spots for family and friends to enjoy being together.

FACILITIES

  • The park’s picnic pavilion can be rented for gatherings or events. Please check with the City of Petersburg’s Parks and Leisure Services Department on availability and fees.

  • Located adjacent to the pavilion

  • Restrooms are located near the pavilion and playground

  • The entrance to the lake is located on Defense Rd with parking available. Motorized boats are not permitted on Willcox Lake.

  • Named after William Cooper, appointed as Petersburg’s Director of Recreation in 1970 and the first African American to be named a department head in the city’s history. The field is located at the end of the park’s main entrance road.

Open Daily, Dawn to Dusk