Background

1927
Land Donation
Paul Goodloe McIntire, a Charlottesville philanthropist, donated McIntire Park, comprising over 150 acres, to the City. This land did not include the land on which the Garden is located.
1930
A wading pool and bath house were built.
1936
The City added a nine-hole sand green golf course.
1967
Park Master Plan Development
Several master plans for the park were developed, including the road project that would be known as the Meadowcreek Parkway (renamed in honor of Senator John W. Warner who earmarked the federal funds to build it). Though many plans were put forth over the years none were adopted, and the road was put on hold.
2007
At this time, although located in the City of Charlottesville, the park was classified as a Regional Park according to the City Comprehensive Plan of 2007.
2008
Planning Resumed
Plans began anew to construct a parkway through McIntire Park using about 25 acres of parkland for the new two-lane interchange project.
2008
A desire to have a botanical garden in Charlottesville was expressed by a few individuals.
2009
Formal Planning Process
A formal Park Master Planning Process adopted in 2009 by the City set the stage to determine the eventual plan for land use of the park after construction of the parkway was completed.
2011
Many special interest groups came forward, some from the golfing community were determined the golf course should remain. Others requested: ball fields, soccer fields, and a concrete bike.

“Botanic gardens are institutions holding documented collections of living plants for the purpose of scientific research, conservation, display and education.”
Source: www.bgci.org