Dear Friend of the Capital Trail,
I am looking forward to an exciting 2020 at the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation. I wanted to give you a brief update on some of the projects that are happening on or near the Capital Trail. As you can tell, the Capital Trail is ever-evolving and timelines can change due to many factors. Check out just a few of the projects below:
Henrico County:
Bathrooms at Four Mile Creek: Yes, this is in the works with Henrico County Parks and Recreation but there is not a set date for construction. Henrico County has expressed that they are getting closer but construction drawings and budget are still being reviewed by Henrico and VDOT.
Varina Safety Enhancements: VDOT's completion date is scheduled for September 2020. Here are more details on some of the enhancements.
Turkey Island Creek Public Access Project: The James River Association is planning a public park along the Virginia Capital Trail in Henrico County. When complete, the 12.2-acre riverside park will provide access to Turkey Island Creek, a tributary of the James River, and serve as a trailhead for the Virginia Capital Trail. Here is more information.
James City County/Williamsburg:
Connector to Colonial Williamsburg/BoAT Trail: VCTF and the Tidewater Trails Alliance are working together to connect the Capital Trail to Williamsburg. We are currently solidifying the route and collaborating with JCC, the City of Williamsburg, and the College of William & Mary to make this happen. Here is more information on the long-term vision of the BoAT Trail.
Charles City County:
Connector to the High School: The construction of little less than a half-mile shared-use path along Route 155 trail to the Charles City County High School. Construction is expected to start in a few months. Here is more information.
Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park Primitive Camping Area: Physical improvements to the area are complete. The camping area consists of three campsites with picnic tables. We are continuing to work with our partners at the James River Association and Charles City County to set up online registration for the primitive camping area. Here is more information.
City of Richmond:
Gillies Creek Gateway: A proposed paved, shared-use path that would ultimately extend approximately 2.5 miles from the Virginia Capital Trail along Dock Street, northward through the Greater Fulton Community, and connect to the planned mixed-income redevelopment of the former Armstrong High School in the Oakwood Community. More information can be found in the City of Richmond Capital Improvement Budget on page 77.
The Low Line Green: Construction has begun on beautifying the portion of the trail in the City of Richmond near the Flood Wall by our friends at Capital Trees. Here is what it will look like.
Canal Walk Connector To Brown's Island: This project will improve the connection between Brown's Island, T-Potterfield Bridge, and the proposed Ashland to Petersburg Trail (40+ mile trail).
More information can be found in the City of Richmond Capital Improvement Budget on page 72.
These are very exciting times for the Virginia Capital Trail! The future is bright and full of great possibilities.
Thank You,
Cat Anthony
Executive Director
Photo Credit: M. Drumheller
