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.

This is Part 3 in an Exploring Roanoke series that covers: the current (as of May, 2008) entire nearly 6 miles of the Roanoke River Greenway, Wasena Park, The Skate Park, Smith Park, Piedmont Park, and lots of scenery along the way.

(For a general introduction to the greenway system in Roanoke, you may want to first visit a previous post.)

Distance (Part 3): approx. 1/4 mile

At the end of Part 2, we had traveled the greenway until it connected with Wiley Drive, and then crossed over the first bridge.

Wiley Drive

The median that seperates the left and right side lanes does continue throughout the entire length of Wiley Drive.

Automobile traffic on Wiley Drive is permitted only when going South (the direction we’re going). So, I believe it’s the intention of the City for all non-motorized traffic to use the other lane, no matter which direction you are traveling.

Familiar Feathered Friends

The Roanoke River is visible just to the right and at the bottom of the hill. As I continued walking I heard a familiar faint quacking which was only slightly louder than the gentle roaring of the river.

I approached the bank for a closer look.

And I saw a family of ducks swimming in the water, their heads periodically bobbing below the surface looking for food.

I was a reminded of a time a few weeks ago where I suppose I had encountered some of their relatives along a section of the Roanoke River in Salem.

Smith Park

Back to Wiley Drive, and I found that I was approaching the third park along the Roanoke River Greenway, namely Smith Park.

Approaching the entrance of Smith Park from Wiley Drive

Soon after passing the park’s sign, I came upon a pedestrian intersection. To the left, I believe the official greenway path continues via a paved walkway which goes towards and around the park. The other option is to continue going straight which keeps you on Wiley Drive. (The greenway path connects again with Wiley Drive a bit further ahead.)

We’re going to travel along both options during this series, starting with the greenway path and visiting Smith Park. As seen in the above photo, along Wiley Drive there are a few parking spaces here so the park itself if very much accessible by automobile.

As I continued walking down the paved pathway leading into the heart of the Smith Park, a tree on both sides acts as a natural gateway. And I could begin to see a covered patio and the bright colors of a playground area in the distance.

Walking towards Smith Park along the Roanoke River Greenway

I came to learn of the origin behind the park’s name from a small memorial also in the area. The park is named after Robert Hall Smith, who was President of Norfolk and Western Railray Co (N&W) from 1946-1958. The park was dedicated in his name in 1965.

The greenway path leads around the perimeter to the left of the park. But, before I walked much futher another marker of some kind placed at the corner of the playground area caught my eye.

Play area at Smith Park

The marker is a plaque explaining the creation of the playground as having been donated to residents by the Roanoke Civitan Club nearly 15 years ago.

The park itself is very quaint, with a number of trees scattered all over to provide shade.

But, what else could I see if I was to backtrack slightly and instead continue on Wiley Drive?

That’s exactly what we’ll find out next time in Exploring Roanoke - The Roanoke River Greenway (Part 4).