Lynchburg Parks and Recreation has been honored with two awards from the Virginia Recreation and Park Society (VRPS) at its recent Annual Conference in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Lynchburg Parks and Recreation was presented with awards for Best New Facility, and Best New Renovation/Addition.
The Langhorne Trestle Trail Project was honored in the category of Best New Facility. This category is awarded in recognition of a new facility (ground up) which depicts innovative outdoor facility or property design and construction. Langhorne Trestle Trail was the realization of decades of planning, local commitment, and partnerships between local schools, trail users, the City of Lynchburg Public Works, and the City of Lynchburg Parks & Recreation Department. The Langhorne Bridge Renovation and Blackwater Creek Trail Extension to Linkhorne Middle School was proposed to extend the existing Blackwater Creek Trail from the Ed Page Entrance and continue it to the west to connect to the Linkhorne Middle School Parking Lot, adding approximately 2,600 linear feet of new shared-use path to the City’s active pedestrian network.
The Riverside Park Overlook Renovation Project was honored in the category of Best New Renovation/Addition. This category is awarded in recognition of an existing facility’s renovation and/or addition that demonstrates innovative outdoor design. This award judges the renovated portion or addition only. The rock structure is a beautiful location overlooking the James River originally built with 3 massive solid stone retaining walls to create a lawn area. Now known as “The Overlook” at Riverfront Park, it has been not only a beautiful location but one of memories spanning generations. To this day it is still one of the most popular wedding venues the City has and locals have pictures of engagements, weddings, and etc. going back to the 1930s. The massive solid stone walls of the Overlook were starting to bow and lean to the point the City had to add outside re-enforcement. In 2019, City Council approved the 1.1 Million dollar CIP project to “save” the Overlook. With the help of the City of Lynchburg Public Works, the vital wall work was completed; the lawn area was restored with new sod, plantings, and sidewalks.
Jennifer Jones, Director of Lynchburg Parks and Recreation, said, “During the pandemic, when other businesses were closed, our parks, trails, and playgrounds stayed open serving 1000’s of local citizens. Park project managers also didn’t miss a beat by completing the Riverside Overlook and the Langhorne Trestle Capital Improvement Projects, ensuring that many citizens will enjoy these amenities for years to come.”
The VRPS annual awards are a prestigious statewide program that honors individuals, agencies and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence in any of several areas during the previous year. Highlighting each year’s conference is a formal presentation of awards. This state-wide program honors individuals, departments and organizations throughout Virginia who have demonstrated excellence in any of several areas during the previous year.
Lynchburg Parks & Recreation contributes to a healthy, active, and educated community, providing stewardship and management of parklands, trails and civic facilities and creating opportunities for all people to participate in a rich variety of recreational activities. Learn more about our parks, trails, programs and activities at www.lynchburgparksandrec.com, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.