Help Support the Mariners' Museum Park

Help Support

What goes into keeping 550-acres of park and lake open for the public? A lot of hard work. Five miles of trail and bridges must be kept clear of debris and maintained for thousands of walkers and runners who use the Noland Trail each year, despite generous support of the Noland Foundation and family. The Museum grounds crew works year round to cultivate the extensive native flora and to make sure benches, mile markers, and handicap access are available for park patrons–but they need your help in preserving this community treasure.

A Fitting History

Created in 1930 by Museum founder Archer Huntington, The Mariners' Museum Park is the largest privately maintained park open to the public for free in America. Highlights include Lake Maury, named for Virginia’s own Matthew Fontaine Maury, the famed 19th century oceanographer. In 1990, Lloyd U. Noland, Jr., approached the Museum with the offer to finance the creation of a walking trail in the Park.

Since the Trail’s dedication in 1991, the Noland Family has provided significant support for its maintenance and repair. The five-mile Trail, a popular walking and running destination, features fourteen wooden footbridges. The famed Lion’s Bridge is another stunning Park landmark, noted for its four lion statues created by the Museum founder’s wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington.

Friend of the Park Membership

With significant ongoing financial support from the Noland Family, the Noland Trail provides walkers and runners alike with a five-mile path through this urban oasis. Join our partners, the Noland Family, in supporting this natural gift to the community by becoming a Friend of the Park. Friend of the Park Memberships are offered at child and adult levels and come with exciting incentives. Support your favorite Park today!

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

A personalized membership card.
An “I Walk” or “I Run the Noland Trail” car decal.
Year subscription to Ahoy! newsletter.
10% discount at The Runners’ Source, Conte’s Bike and The Mariners' Museum Shop and Compass Café.