Parks
The Town of Grottoes offers two different parks for residents and visitors to chose from. John E. Painter Park and Grand Caverns Park.
John E. Painter Park
1100 20th Street | Grottoes, VA 24441
Nestled in the heart of Grottoes, John E. Painter Park offers something for everyone—from peaceful nature walks to family-friendly recreation. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, play, or connect with the great outdoors, this scenic park is a local favorite.
John Elwood Painter was a dedicated law enforcement officer with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. He served as the Chief of Police for the Town of Grottoes before joining the Bridgewater College Police Department. Tragically, Officer Painter lost his life in the line of duty on February 1, 2022, while responding to an incident at Bridgewater College. In honor of his service and sacrifice, the park at 1100 20th Street in Grottoes was named John E. Painter Park.
Park Amenities:
🎣 Fishing Pond – Enjoy a quiet day casting a line at our stocked fishing pond.
🚤 River Access with Boat Ramp – Launch your kayak, canoe, or boat and explore the South River.
🚶 Walking Trail – Stretch your legs on the park’s 1.4-mile scenic walking trail.
🛝 Playground Equipment – Let the kids burn off energy on our fun and safe playground.
🎾 Tennis Courts – Grab a racket and challenge a friend to a match.
🏐 Volleyball Court – Spike, set, and serve on our outdoor volleyball court.
🏌️ Driving Range – Practice your swing at our open-air driving range.
⚾ Baseball Fields – Perfect for team games or casual batting practice.
🪃 Horseshoe Pits – A classic park pastime for all ages.
🍔 Picnic Shelters with Charcoal Grills – Pack a lunch and enjoy a meal outdoors. Each shelter includes its own grill—great for cookouts and gatherings.
🎤 Stage – A charming outdoor stage ideal for live music, performances, and community events.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, an afternoon of sports, or a peaceful riverside escape, John E. Painter Park is a beautiful spot to unwind and make memories.
John E. Painter Park offers 5 picnic shelters which can accommodate from 35-75 people. Each shelter has a water spigot closely associated, and a permanent grill available for use. All shelters have electricity available. There are fees to reserve a picnic shelter and reservations may be made anytime after March 1 of each year.
Rental and capacity are as follows:
Shelter #1
8 Tables
Accommodates approximately 75 people
$45/day
Shelter #2
8 Tables
Accommodates approximately 75 people
$45/day
Shelter #3
8 Tables
Accommodates approximately 75 people
$45/day
Shelter #4
4 Tables
Accommodates approximately 35 people
$35/day
Shelter #5
4 Tables
Accommodates approximately
35 people
$35/day
Grand Caverns Park
5 Grand Cavern Rd, Grottoes, VA 24441
Grand Caverns offers 5 picnic shelters which can accommodate from 75-200 people. There are also several free standing picnic tables available.
Each shelter has a water spigot closely associated and a permanent grill available for use. All shelters have electricity available and Shelter #2 has a massive stone fireplace. There are fees to reserve a picnic shelter and reservations may be made anytime after March 1 of each year.
Rental and capacity are as follows:
Shelter #1
10 Tables
Accommodates approximately 100 people
$70/day
Shelter #2
25 Tables
Accommodates approximately 200 people
$85/day
Shelter #3
10 Tables
Accommodates approximately 100 people
$70/day
Shelter #4
10 Tables
Accommodates approximately 100 people
$70/day
Shelter #5
8 Tables
Accommodates approximately 75 people
$55/da