Noke News explores parts of Roanoke by foot, equipped with a camera and a notepad, in hopes of learning something new. Perhaps you will too.

I was excited about this one because, like the previous Exploring Roanoke post, I travel near or by the site fairly often. But, I have never bothered to take a closer look.

Entrance to Harkrader Park, Colonial Avenue Runs Just to the Left of the Sign

Until now.

So, let’s go:

Along Colonial Avenue is a charming spot named Harkrader Park, which I think may be often and unfortunately overlooked by passing cars.

The park is located around the 2000 block, which is near the intersection with Brandon Avenue and across the street from CVS Pharmacy.

The park is a curiously small little place, with paths made of pebbles and with multiple strategically placed sitting stones throughout. In the center lies a large, well maintained bed of blooming flowers and other decorative shrubbery.

With Colonial Avenue on one side and I-581 slightly below but seen from the other side, the area isn’t very quiet by any means during most times of the day. And my visit was no different, as car engines and the dull roar of rubber tires on pavement echoed continuously in the background.

However, I think this all adds to the charm.

Harkrader Park. The Intersection at Colonial and Brandon Avenues in the Background and to the Left. The Clearing in the Shrubbery to the Right Allows Viewing onto I-581

There’s a bit of peaceful serenity in sitting back in stillness, and looking out at all the movements and scattering of people arriving at and leaving the nearby Towers Shopping Center, CVS Pharmacy, or those zooming along on I-581. Most days of the week I tend to be one of those exact persons, seemingly always moving.

I searched online but could find no information on or about this park, other than simply a general listing of its existence buried within the City of Roanoke website. And the area has no designated spaces for parking a vehicle that I could tell.

But, the park is there, and with the numerous sitting stones that seem to be beckoning any visitors to just take it easy, even if only for a few moments.

Harkrader Park as Seen From the Other Side of Colonial Avenue

EDIT (4/7/08) - Noke News reader, Kathie, helped provide further information about the park.  The name of the park stems from John Harkrader, who attended Roanoke College and later became president and general manager of WDBJ television.  The WDBJ headquarters were previously located across the street  where CVS is currently located.