COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Appomattox River Trail has gained the attention of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society.
The City's Recreation and Parks Department recently received the “Best New Renovation/Addition Award” from the Virginia Recreation and Park Society for the Phase 3 construction of the Appomattox River Trail.
Over 350 delegates from around the state gathered last week at the 61st Annual Conference of the Virginia Recreation and Park Society held Nov. 7-10 in Virginia Beach.
Highlighting each year’s conference is a formal presentation of awards. This prestigious statewide program honors individuals, agencies and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence in parks and recreation services during the previous calendar year. Judged by a jury of its peers, the Society paid tribute this year to the City of Colonial Heights as the best new renovation/addition as a trail for the Phase 3 construction of the Colonial Heights Appomattox River Trail operation.
This new section of the trail includes a 3⁄4 mile 10-foot wide paved, fully accessible walking trail with spectacular elevated views of the Appomattox River. The addition to this popular trail also includes a historic overlook utilizing a Civil War era railroad line that has since been abandoned, as well as corresponding signage with information on Civil War history in the area and how the abandoned railroad played a role in the war. The historic overlook is built on an old railroad abutment that once served as a bridge over the river. An ADA accessible pedestrian bridge was built from the paved trail up to the overlook area so that all could enjoy the view.
“This award is an important and gratifying recognition of the hard work invested by our Recreation & Parks Department and the CHARTS citizens committee in making the Appomattox River Trail something our residents can enjoy and be very proud of,” said City Manager Tom Mattis.
The Virginia Recreation and Park Society is a private, nonprofit professional organization, founded in 1953 and incorporated in 1956. Its purpose is to unite all professionals, students, and interested lay persons engaged in the field of recreation, parks and other leisure services in the Commonwealth of Virginia, into one body. The members work together to promote and improve the profession in all its diversity. VRPS is affiliated with the National Recreation and Park Association.
For more information about the Appomattox River Trail, contact the Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks Department at 520-9390.