This image from above shows the newly completed section of the Fall Line Trail in Lakeside (with a dotted yellow center line) and the new beacon (bottom right) that will help bicyclists and pedestrians cross Lakeside Avenue between Spring Park to the north and Bryan Park to the south. (Courtesy of Henrico County)
Richmond city officials began construction on the 13-mile section of the trail that will run through the city and connect to the Henrico section in Lakeside on Aug. 28 in Bryan Park. The 43-mile trail will ultimately connect Ashland to Petersburg, passing through five other communities along the way.
The Bryan Park section will connect Lakeside Avenue to Bellevue as well as the recently completed Spring Park section in Henrico County. Bryan Park will serve as a trailhead and access point to Richmond and will provide trail users with a number of amenities including parking, restrooms, picnic areas and shelters, water fountains, and recreational areas.
“I am delighted to break ground on this groundbreaking project for the Richmond region,” said Mayor Levar Stoney. “With this targeted investment, the region is solidifying its position as the leading outdoor recreation destination in the state of Virginia. The Fall Line Trail provides the city with another tool to expand our national profile as the best place to live, do business and raise a family.”
With the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, construction of the Fall Line has officially begun in more than half of the planned communities. In twelve months, sections of the hiking trail will be under construction in all seven communities.
The city also plans to build a new active living center on the old Spring Park section of the trail, which would include a fitness center, community room and office space for city employees.
“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, CEO of Sports Backers, which is renovating a former bank in Spring Park – across from Bryan Park – to use as its headquarters. “This is the start of Richmond’s 13-mile stretch of trail that is more than just a paved path for pedestrians and cyclists – it is a catalyst for development and a gateway to our city.”
The entire Fall Line trail is scheduled to be completed by 2034. For more information, visit falllinetrail.org.
