A longtime recreational and cultural landmark in Henrico County, Hadad’s Lake is set to be auctioned next month, signaling the possible end of its nearly 60-year legacy.
Established in 1965 by Ronald Hadad Sr. and his father, the lake became a beloved local destination, offering a natural-bottom swimming pool, fishing pond, water slides, rope swings, and picnic areas. For decades, it provided a retreat for families, thrill-seekers, and those looking to escape the summer heat.
A Cultural Landmark in Richmond’s History
Beyond its recreational appeal, Hadad’s Lake evolved into a cultural hotspot, hosting some of Richmond’s most iconic events. From 2001 to 2011, it served as the backdrop for Best Friends Day, a festival that became a pilgrimage for punk fans nationwide. Equally legendary was the GWAR B-Q, an annual spectacle that blended music, mayhem, and the over-the-top theatrics only GWAR could deliver, cementing the lake’s reputation as a destination for Richmond’s underground music scene.
In 2014, the lake made headlines as the site of a Viking-style funeral for Dave Brockie, the late frontman of GWAR, a metal band deeply rooted in Richmond’s music scene. The site also briefly entered pop culture in 2019, when it was used as a filming location for the hit television series The Walking Dead.
Financial Struggles and a Sale That Never Came
Despite its rich history, Hadad’s Lake has faced mounting financial difficulties in recent years. Rising maintenance and insurance costs, which rival those of major theme parks, made it increasingly difficult to keep the park open.
In 2023, the Hadad family listed the property for sale—along with an adjacent 29 acres—for nearly $1 million, but no buyer stepped forward to take over the water park.
Meanwhile, the neighboring parcel at 1140 Mill Road, which included a 2,000-square-foot ranch house, was sold at a foreclosure auction last spring. The buyer, an entity linked to Fauzia Shafik of Fairfax, has not yet announced plans for the land.
Upcoming Auction and Uncertain Future
With no private sale secured, the remaining 6.5-acre property will go to auction from April 7-9. The bidding will start at $300,000, well below Henrico County’s most recent assessment of $438,000. The property is zoned B-3 Business District, allowing for a range of commercial or recreational uses.
Auctioneer Rae Nunnally has suggested that Hadad’s Lake could serve as a children’s camp or a retreat center, noting that the land offers ample space and parking for future development.
A Piece of Richmond’s Past on the Auction Block
For many Richmond residents, Hadad’s Lake represents more than just real estate—it’s a place filled with memories, from childhood summers to raucous concerts and community events.
While the auction marks the end of an era, it also presents an opportunity for new ownership and potential revitalization. Whether the lake will continue in its current form or be redeveloped remains to be seen, but its legacy as a quintessential piece of Richmond’s history is undeniable.
Source reporting by Richmond Bizsense HERE
