Richmond breaks ground on the 13-mile section of Fall Line trail that will connect to Henrico's portion
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Officials from the city of Richmond broke ground Aug. 28 at Bryan Park on the 13-mile portion of the trail that will run through the city, connecting with the Henrico portion in Lakeside. The 43-mile trail ultimately will connect Ashland to Petersburg, traveling through five other localities along the way.
The section in Bryan Park will connect Lakeside Avenue to Bellevue, as well as to the recently completed Spring Park section in Henrico County. Bryan Park will serve as a trailhead and an entry point to Richmond, offering a range of amenities to trail users, such as parking, restrooms, picnic areas and shelters, water fountains and recreational spaces.
“I’m excited to be breaking ground on this game-changing asset for the Richmond region,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “With this intentional investment, the region is solidifying itself as the premier destination for outdoor recreational activity in the commonwealth of Virginia. The Fall Line trail provides the City with another tool in the toolbox to build upon our national profile as the best place to live, do business and raise a family.”
With Wednesday's groundbreaking, Fall Line construction is officially underway in more than half of the planned localities. Twelve months from now, all seven localities will have sections of the trail under development.
“The City of Richmond is taking a significant step toward realizing our region’s vision of a more connected and accessible Richmond,” said Jon Lugbill, executive director of Sports Backers, which is renovating a former bank at Spring Park – across from Bryan Park – to serve as its headquarters. “This is the beginning of Richmond’s 13-mile segment of trail that is more than just a paved trail for people to walk and bike — it is a catalyst for development and a gateway to our city."
As part of its renovation of the bank site, Sports Backers also will build a new active living hub, which will include a fitness center, community meeting room, and office space for staff.
The entire Fall Line trail is expected to be completed by 2034. For details, visit falllinetrail.org.
