Recreation
Park Activities
As part of the City of Petersburg’s park system, Legends Park and Nature Sanctuary offers more than 300 acres of woods, parklands and fields provide public opportunities for a variety of both passive and active recreational activities.
Enjoy a Hike
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.
Bring Your Binoculars
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.
Serve an Ace
On Legends Park’s newly renovated tennis courts. Courts are open 24 hours and are lighted for nighttime use.
Take in a Game
In the summer you’ll find Cooper field buzzing with the activity of local softball leagues. Just follow the park entry road past the pavilion parking lot and you’ll see Cooper Field on your right.
Go for a Paddle
Willcox Lake is a great place to put in a kayak or canoe but care must be taken as there are currently no boat landings or launching facilities. Plans are in the works for the restoration of the historic Bath House and the creation of greater access to the lake for boating and fishing.
Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a lunchtime stroll on the Overlook Trail with splendid views of Willcox Lake.
Plan Your Gathering
The Pavilion and Playground area are perfect spots for family and friends to enjoy being together.
Facilities
The facilities at Legends Park are managed by the Petersburg Department of Parks and Leisure Services. For your safety and the safety of others, we ask that you act responsibly and follow posted park rules.
Tennis Courts
Open year round 24 hrs/day. Operated by the City of Petersburg Department of Parks and Leisure Services
Picnic Pavilion
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.
Playgrounds
Two new playgrounds are located in the park. One next to the tennis courts and one adjacent to the Picnic Pavilion.
Willcox Lake and Bath House
The 18-acre lake is available for use by non-motorized personal watercraft. Non-motorized personal watercraft may be used on the 18-acre lake. The current lack of boat launching ramps requires that care be taken when launching from shore.
Plans are being developed to restore the historic Bath House and to make the lake more accessible for boating and fishing.
Cooper Field
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. Cooper Field is often used in the Summer for local softball leagues but when not in league use, is available for general use.