RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — In just two short days, the Virginia Capital Trail will make its official public debut, connecting the River City to Williamsburg.
The trail starts just a half-a-mile or so from Shiplock Park and stretches about 52 miles to the Jamestown Settlement.
Julie Ellen Sarver lives not far from the new trail and says, “It’s an easy way to get here without being in a car. it’s safe. it’s well lit in the city part.”
According to some, the prospect of the trail has brought people back into the city from the suburbs. It now gives those who live in Rockets Landing, easy access to downtown Richmond.
Sean Cusack is a Rockets Landing resident who’s excited to bike along the James.
He says, “The trail runs along the river from Henrico County, into the city, which is now a recreational option along the river which didn’t previously exist.”
Businesses along the trail are also benefiting.
Ronnie’s BBQ has ended up being a prime landmark, especially for cyclists on the trail.
Darrell Logan, Marketing Director for Ronnie’s BBQ says, “We have a lot of people who are routed to us as a point of recognition, so far as where they are on the trail, so it’s been a good thing.”
In all, the trail connects Richmond with Henrico, Charles City, and James City Counties, giving people a little taste of everything along the way.
Beth Weisbrod, Executive Director of the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation says, “Here in Downtown Richmond, it obviously feels very urban. We’ve got the train trestle, cars barreling down Dock Street, but as you get into Varina, it feels a little bit more commercial and maybe suburban. Continue on to Charles City County and you see farm land.”
On the Henrico side, Al Azzarone, Capital Projects Manager for the Henrico Divison of Recreation and Parks says that connecting Four Mile Run Creek Park with Dorey park has been a dream of his, 25 years in the making, which the trail has helped make possible.
He says, “It’s been 25 years of a vision for that, and this is before we knew about the capital trail. The capital trail, we’ve been working on that for 10 years, which is long enough in itself. And, it’s wonderful to see it complete. It’s such a gem for the county and for the state.”
The Virginia Capital Trail will be open to walkers, cyclists, skaters, and anything that is not motorized.
The official ribbon cutting is set for Friday at 5:30 pm.
