Sandy Run Park

All of our on-the-water practices and the bulk of our racing is done at Sandy Run Park. The park is generally not open to the public. Launching is for rowing shells only, from registered crews and clubs only.

GENERAL INFORMATION

PARKING

NO PARKING IS EVER ALLOWED ALONG VAN THOMPSON OR HAMPTON ROADS. This is for safety and there will be a police presence at regattas to ensure compliance. You may be ticketed or towed. Please be respectful to the homes in the area and do not part along the roadsides.

PARKING FOR PRACTICES

PARKING FOR REGATTAS

FOR SPECTATORS: There is no spectator/visitor parking at Sandy Run. As a result, spectators should plan accordingly.

❖ Parents driving athletes can drop athletes off at Sandy Run and then proceed to the designated regatta overflow parking lot. Keep your eye on newsletters from the team (or check out the archives here) to make sure you know which lot to go to.

If you are only dropping off your rower, plan on arriving on site 15 minutes before your rower needs to report because Hampton Road and Van Thompson Road are sometimes backed up with cars. Tell the parking volunteers that you are dropping off a rower, and they will direct you.

❖ Spectators parking at off-site lots will need to take a shuttle bus to the regatta. The cost of the shuttles is $15 round trip paid prior to boarding the bus. No payment will be collected on the route from Sandy Run back to off-site parking. Athletes in uniform can ride the shuttle for free. 

❖ The shuttles are generally scheduled to begin 2 hours before the first race and will conclude running from Sandy Run NLT 1 hour after the last race. 

❖ NOTE: Spectators should plan for a 15-20 minute walk or a shorter shuttle ride between where the buses stop (Lot C) and the grandstand.

❖ To get to the grandstand viewing area from Lot C, you have two options:
(1) You can walk. The path is unpaved and very hilly. It is about ¾ of a mile and takes
about 20 minutes to walk.
(2) You can take the shuttle van which costs a small fee each way. The shuttle runs
continuously and takes about 5 minutes.

❖ To summarize, the later you arrive, the more time you need to allow to deal with parking. Be conservative. Don’t miss your rower’s event!

FOR ATHLETES, VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF: Onsite parking is limited to the groups below only. There is no fee for these groups to park at Sandy Run.

  • ATHLETES: Loisvale Lot.
  • VOLUNTEERS: Lot D
  • COACHES: Lot D. There will be designated parking. Please display green coaches hangtag.
  • STAFF / LOC: B lot, second row from the back.
  • REFEREES: B lot, back row
  • HANDICAPPED: Lot C, as designated.

HELPFUL REGATTA WATCHING TIPS

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes. Even if you take the shuttle from Lot C to the grandstand, there is still a lot of walking to be done.
  • Dress in layers. The morning can start off very cold and damp but then be hot and humid by the time the regatta is over.
  • The grandstand is not protected from the rain and is minimally protected from the sun. Bring rain gear, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
  • Bring binoculars and a camera.
  • Make sure your cell phones are charged! Cellular service at the grandstands is spotty AT BEST.
  • Print off a copy of the regatta schedule to bring with you. The schedule lets you know the time of your rower’s event as well as the lane in which he or she will be rowing. A link to the schedule will be sent via Slack whenever it is released by VASRA.
  • Many folks bring folding lawn chairs, a cushion or a stadium seat to improve the comfort level of the concrete grandstand seating.
  • Food is available at the grandstand concession stand. Bring some cash for lunch or drinks. You are also welcome to bring all of your own food or drink, but remember that you have to hike it in. Alcohol and propane/grilling/open flames are not permitted.
  • Pets are not permitted on regatta days.
  • Woodson has the reputation of having the best, and most fun, cheering section. Come ready to root for our kids!
  • Please remember that sportsmanlike conduct is expected by all representatives of Woodson Rowing, whether a team member, fellow student, coach, or parent.