Veterans Park Virginia: Locations, Amenities & Benefits

Veterans Parks in Virginia: Complete Guide for Military Families

If you’re searching for Veterans Park Virginia, you’ll find multiple memorial and recreational spaces across the Commonwealth. Virginia is home to several distinct Veterans Parks and memorial grounds, each offering unique amenities, eligibility requirements, and purposes. These range from the 86-acre Veterans Park at Balls Bluff in Leesburg (currently under development with river access and walking trails)  to the 19-acre Veterans Park in Williamsburg featuring playgrounds, dog parks, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument . Whether you’re looking for recreational facilities, memorial spaces honoring those who served, or VA burial benefits at state veterans cemeteries, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Quick Facts

What Is a Veterans Park in Virginia?

A Veterans Park in Virginia is a public space dedicated to honoring military veterans through memorials, recreational facilities, or both. There are two primary categories: memorial parks (focus on honoring service and sacrifice) and recreational parks (provide amenities for veterans, military families, and the public). Some parks combine both functions.

Virginia has multiple Veterans Parks across the state, including:

• Veterans Park at Balls Bluff (Leesburg) – 86-acre passive recreation park with Potomac River access, walking trails, and a boat ramp; Phase I scheduled for completion in 2026 and Phase II in 2029 

• Veterans Park (Williamsburg) – 19-acre active recreation park featuring the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument, a 30,000-square-foot playground (Kidsburg), off-leash dog areas, walking trails, and sports courts 

• Veterans Memorial Regional Park (Prince William County) – Regional park with recreational center, pool, sports fields, courts, playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic pavilions 

• South Hill Veterans Memorial Park – Memorial-focused park with plaques commemorating all wars 

• Wine Street Memorial Park (Culpeper) – Neighborhood park with memorial pads, inscribed brick pavers, and a bronze statue titled “Homage” honoring veterans 

• Never Forget Garden at Veterans Park (James City County) – Living tribute garden within Veterans Park near Williamsburg 

These parks are open to all visitors but hold special significance for veterans, active duty service members, National Guard, reservists, military families, surviving spouses, and caregivers.

Who Qualifies to Use Veterans Parks?

Veterans Parks are public spaces open to everyone, with no eligibility restrictions for general access. However, understanding how these parks specifically serve the veteran community matters.

General Public Access

All Veterans Parks in Virginia are open to the general public. You do not need to be a veteran or military family member to visit, walk the trails, use playgrounds, or enjoy recreational amenities.

Veterans-Specific Features

Many parks include memorial elements honoring veterans from specific conflicts:

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument at Williamsburg’s Veterans Park donated by a local resident in 1993 

• “Homage” bronze statue at Culpeper’s Wine Street Memorial Park, created by the sculptor who worked on the National D-Day Memorial 

• Commemorative plaques and brick pavers at South Hill Veterans Memorial Park 

• Living tribute gardens at James City County’s Never Forget Garden 

Why This Matters for Veterans

These parks provide spaces for reflection, community connection, and recognition of service. For veterans dealing with service-connected conditions or adjusting to civilian life, parks offer therapeutic benefits through outdoor recreation, social connection, and peaceful memorial environments.

What Veterans Should Do Next

• Visit a park near you to explore amenities and memorials

• Check local park websites for hours, accessibility information, and upcoming veteran-focused events

• Consider volunteering at park events or memorial maintenance programs

• Contact local parks departments to inquire about veteran recognition programs or memorial brick purchasing opportunities

Amenities and Features at Virginia Veterans Parks

Veterans Park at Balls Bluff (Leesburg)

This 86-acre park is currently under construction and will feature:

Timeline: Phase I expected completion Spring 2026; Phase II expected Fall 2029 . As of July 2026, construction is ongoing with base asphalt paving nearing completion . The site is an active construction zone and closed to the public for safety reasons .

Contact: Project Manager Rizwan Ishaq at 703-737-7055 or VeteransPark@leesburgva.gov 

Veterans Park (Williamsburg)

A 19-acre active recreational park with:

• Kidsburg Playground: 30,000-square-foot lighted playground with separate areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12, ship replica, swing areas, and 2 zip lines 

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument: Donated in 1993 by local resident David Hooker 

• Off-Leash Dog Area: Two fenced areas (one for small dogs under 30 lbs, one for all dogs); no water station, bring your own 

• Walking Trail: 0.6-mile paved ADA accessible multi-use trail 

• Sports Facilities: Sand volleyball courts, lighted basketball courts, pickleball courts 

• Indoor Multipurpose Room: Available for rent 

• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi throughout the park 

• Open Space: Large open areas for general recreation 

Location: Monticello Avenue entrance with parking lot near dog area 

Veterans Memorial Regional Park (Prince William County)

A comprehensive regional recreation facility offering:

• Recreation center

• Swimming pool

• Baseball/softball, soccer, and football fields

• Tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts

• Horseshoe pits

• Skateboard park

• Walking trails

• Picnic pavilions

• Concession stand

• Recycling center

• Public parking and restrooms 

Wine Street Memorial Park (Culpeper)

Neighborhood park with:

• Central memorial pad with inscribed brick pavers

• “Homage” bronze statue by Jim Brothers (same sculptor as National D-Day Memorial) 

• Memorial benches

• Playground

• Picnic area

• Free admission and parking

• Handicap accessible

• Public restrooms 

Virginia State Veterans Cemeteries: Burial Benefits

While Veterans Parks focus on recreation and memorials, Virginia also operates state veterans cemeteries providing burial benefits for eligible veterans and their families.

Virginia State Veterans Cemeteries

1. Virginia Veterans Cemetery – Amelia, Virginia 

2. Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery – Suffolk, Virginia 

3. Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery – Dublin, Virginia 

Eligibility for Veterans Cemetery Burial

You qualify if you are:

• A member of the U.S. armed forces who died on active duty

• A veteran who retired from military service with an honorable discharge

• A veteran who served and received an honorable discharge 

National Guard and Reservists who completed Active Duty for Training and received an honorable discharge, or who are currently serving in good standing, also qualify .

Family Member Eligibility

The following family members may be eligible for burial in a Virginia state veterans cemetery:

• Legal spouse (widow or widower)

• Unmarried minor children under age 21

• Unmarried adult children who became permanently incapable of self-support due to physical or mental disability before age 21 

Fees

How to Apply for Cemetery Burial

1. Apply before death (recommended for expediency) 

2. Download the Pre-Application Form from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website

3. Call for assistance: 855-4VA-VETS (855-482-8387) 

4. Submit required documentation:

   • DD214 (or equivalent military service documentation)

   • Copy of marriage certificate (if applicable)

   • Documentation of dependent eligibility status 

Virginia National Cemeteries

In addition to state cemeteries, Virginia has 16 national cemeteries, including:

• Arlington National Cemetery (operated by U.S. Army)

• Culpeper National Cemetery (open to new burials)

• National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico (open to new burials)

• Danville National Cemetery (cremated remains only) 

99% of Virginia’s veterans are considered “served” by the National Cemetery Administration, meaning they live within 75 miles of an operational cemetery .

How to Apply for VA Benefits Related to Veterans Parks and Cemeteries

For Cemetery Benefits

1. Contact the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) – DVS operates the state veterans cemeteries and assists with claims filing 

2. Submit a pre-application – This determines your eligibility for interment 

3. Gather documentation: DD214 (or equivalent), marriage certificate, and dependent documentation

4. Call for assistance: 855-4VA-VETS (855-482-8387) 

For General VA Benefits

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services assists veterans with claims related to:

• Disability compensation

• VA pensions

• Survivor benefits

• Appeals 

DVS has more than 50 locations across Virginia and traces its history to 1928 .

Eligibility for most federal and state benefits requires discharge under other than dishonorable conditions. This includes veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force, and commissioned officers of the Public Health Service, Environmental Services Administration, and NOAA .

National Guard and Reservists may qualify for certain benefits (such as home loan guarantees and education) if they meet time-in-service and other criteria .

Virginia War Memorial: A Living Tribute

The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond welcomes 100,000 visitors annually and pays tribute to the 12,000 Virginia veterans who lost their lives during WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf, and Global War on Terrorism .

Recent Improvements

In 2025, the Tuckahoe Garden Club received a $15,000 Founders Fund Finalist grant to relandscape the Memorial grounds. New plantings include:

• 87 trees

• 375 shrubs

• 553 perennials

• Hundreds of groundcover specimens 

Additional upgrades include:

• Updated irrigation system

• Memorial benches

• Plant identification signage

• New sound system playing TAPS every evening

• Native Virginia plant species 

Common Questions About Veterans Parks in Virginia

1. What is the difference between a Veterans Park and a Veterans Cemetery?

A Veterans Park is a recreational or memorial space where veterans and the public can gather, reflect, and enjoy outdoor amenities. A Veterans Cemetery is a burial ground specifically for veterans and their eligible family members, offering no-cost burial services for veterans with honorable discharges.

2. Is Veterans Park at Balls Bluff open to the public?

No. As of 2026, Veterans Park at Balls Bluff is an active construction zone and is closed to the public due to safety risks. No Trespassing signs are posted. Phase I is expected to complete in Spring 2026, but the site remains restricted during construction .

3. What VA forms do I need for veterans cemetery burial?

You need the Pre-Application Form (available from DVS) plus your DD214 (or equivalent military documentation). If you’re applying for a spouse or dependent, include a marriage certificate and documentation of dependent eligibility status .

4. Can National Guard and Reservists use Virginia veterans cemeteries?

Yes. National Guard and Reservists who completed Active Duty for Training and received an honorable discharge, or who are currently serving in good standing, are eligible. Their spouses and minor/disabled children also qualify .

5. Do I need to reserve a burial plot at a Virginia veterans cemetery?

No. Sites are assigned in order of use on the day of burial. You cannot reserve a specific site in advance .

6. Are there dog parks at Virginia Veterans Parks?

Yes. Veterans Park in Williamsburg has two fenced off-leash dog areas – one for small dogs (under 30 lbs) and one for all dogs. Bring your own water as there is no water station .

7. What recreational activities are available at Veterans Memorial Regional Park?

The park offers a recreation center, pool, baseball/softball, soccer and football fields, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, skateboard park, walking trails, and picnic pavilions .

8. Where can I find a Vietnam War memorial in Virginia?

Veterans Park in Williamsburg is home to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument, donated by local resident David Hooker in 1993. The monument honors residents who gave their lives in the Vietnam War .

9. What is the cost for a spouse to be buried in a Virginia veterans cemetery?

Spouses and eligible dependents pay a small fee, currently $300. Veterans receive all burial services (grave site, opening/closing, headstone, perpetual care) at no cost .

10. How can I contact the Virginia Department of Veterans Services?

Call 855-4VA-VETS (855-482-8387) for cemetery-related questions. DVS has over 50 locations across Virginia and assists with claims for disability compensation, pensions, survivor benefits, and appeals .

Key Takeaways

• Veterans Parks in Virginia serve two primary purposes: recreational spaces for all visitors and memorial spaces honoring military service and sacrifice 

• Virginia has at least seven distinct Veterans Parks, ranging from the 86-acre Leesburg park (under development) to the 19-acre Williamsburg park with its Vietnam Veterans Memorial Monument 

• State veterans cemeteries in Amelia, Suffolk, and Dublin provide no-cost burial for veterans with honorable discharges; spouses pay a small fee (currently $300) 

• National Guard and Reservists are eligible for state cemetery burial if they completed Active Duty for Training with an honorable discharge or are currently serving in good standing 

• Application for cemetery burial requires the Pre-Application Form and DD214; early application before death is recommended for expediency 

• The Virginia Department of Veterans Services operates more than 50 locations statewide and assists with claims for disability, pensions, survivor benefits, and appeals 

• 99% of Virginia’s veterans live within 75 miles of an operational national or state veterans cemetery 

• The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond has recently been relandscaped with over 87 native trees and 375 shrubs as a living tribute 

• Veterans Park at Balls Bluff Phase I is expected to complete in Spring 2026, with Phase II in Fall 2029; the site remains an active construction zone and is closed to public access 

Official Resources