The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to oversee completion, enhancement, and promotion of the Virginia Capital Trail into a world-class amenity.
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News from the Virginia Capital Trail Foundation

August 2015

The Grand Opening of the Virginia Capital Trail!

Save the dates:

Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3, 2015

In 1996 the Virginia Department of Transportation issued a request for proposals for a feasibility study on a multi-use trail between Richmond and Williamsburg along Route 5. The first ground-breaking for the Virginia Capital Trail took place in James City County nine years later on July 12, 2005.

Since then, this project has endured many challenges, from economic downturns to public and political pressure to change or discontinue it. The deep and longstanding support this project was lucky to have from key stakeholders, including governors, local officials and passionate citizens is how and why it has succeeded. It's a beautiful example of regional cooperation, how a public-private partnership can benefit the whole community, and how a well-coordinated advocacy effort can keep momentum going through a ten-year timeline.

Now that more miles of asphalt are on the ground and completion is this close, excitement is in the air. Forehead smacking can be heard from those who say, "Oh, this is what you meant -- awesome!" as well as excited "Woooot!"s from everyone else who has been patiently waiting, knowing exactly what a separate multi-use trail could do for their exercise options, commutes, and outdoor enjoyment.

Now we're within sight of the finish line, and here's how we plan to celebrate: On Friday, October 2, at 5:30 pm, there will be a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony at Great Shiplock Park in downtown Richmond, where we hope the public will join us. Immediately following, we're hosting a private reception to thank all of the Foundation's generous donors and supporters. On Saturday, October 3, each locality along the Virginia Capital Trail is organizing celebrations to bring everyone from their communities out to the trail, to see it, touch it, and realize that this is for them, whether they like to walk, run, skateboard, rollerblade, bike, or birdwatch.

The timing of these festivities is being coordinated so that anyone wanting to ride the whole trail could potentially enjoy them all. Plans are still in the works, so stay tuned for more details. In the meantime, mark October 2-3 on your calendar so you can be a part of a very happy and historic moment in the region's history.

I'm looking forward to seeing you there!

Beth Weisbrod

Executive Director

Virginia Capital Trail Foundation

Speaking of Running...

Running Relay Teams at Cul's for a Post-Test Cold One

At 7:15 am on May 17, VCTF board member and long-distance runner Don Garber assembled a group of hardy runners and a few volunteers at the Charles City Courthouse to test the idea of a long-distance running relay on the Virginia Capital Trail. What did he learn? A lot, but mostly that there is demand for this type of event. We'll be working with Don to determine the feasibility of hosting an event like this on the Virginia Capital Trail, and if all goes well, we'll likely have the first one in the fall of 2016. More to come...

Did You Know?

The Erie Canalway Trail, a 360-mile trail from Buffalo to Albany, NY, gets 1.6 million visitors annually, generating $253 million in economic impact and $28.5 million in taxes. 34% comes from lodging and 32% comes from restaurants and bars.

Erie Canalway Trail

The Virginia Capital Trail was featured in jetsetter.com's 50 States of Awesome. So cool!

Construction Progress

City of Richmond: Everything is still moving forward in time for an August 2015 completion. Asphalt is down, and the temporary alignment along Dock Street is nearing completion.

Gillies Creek bridge

Varina: September 2015 completion

Paving in eastern Henrico County

Varina Park: Continued progress! September 2015 completion

Four Mile Creek Trailhead

New Market Heights: Still on schedule for September 2015 completion.

Prepping for paving near
Turkey Island Creek

An Easy Way to Support Us

Use this link every time you shop on Amazon.com, and .5% of your purchase will be donated to the VCTF through the AmazonSmile program. Thank you to all who have already used it!