Updated 9/21/24 CHANGE THE ROUTE! Fall Line Trail in Bryan Park
What is the Fall Line Trail? It is a paved 43 mile bike/walk trail running
from Ashland to Petersburg.
Is the Fall Line Trail in Bryan Park a good thing? Yes, we are FOR the trail in Bryan Park. We are AGAINST the City’s chosen route through the park.
Then what is the issue? There are beautiful existing backroads closed to automobile traffic available for the trail. Instead, the City’s chosen path will pave over and eliminate irreplaceable green space, damage mature trees, and go through the busiest, most congested parts of the park adjacent to the soccer fields, playground, and pickleball courts. It will run right through the most popular picnic shelter area in the park. All this comes with an almost $3 million price tag for taxpayers to foot.
What will the actual trail look like? It will be 10’ wide and paved with a minimum of 2’ graded shoulders on each side and approximately 3/4 mile long. By comparison, a typical highway lane is 12 feet wide.
Where does the City’s route run? Upon entering the Park from Bryan Park Avenue, the path will go through green space heading to Shelter 1. It runs directly over the volleyball court in front of the shelter. From there it runs extremely close to the playground, past the pickleball courts, and in between the soccer fields and the trees that line the road. It exits onto existing pavement at the end of the soccer fields and out onto the Bellevue bridge.
Is there a good alternative? Yes. There are miles of already paved back roads in Bryan Park that could be used for the Fall Line Trail, avoid cars and congested park areas, and do so at far less cost to taxpayers. No new pavement or widening of existing roads would be needed.
What can citizens do to help? Share the petition and this information with friends and folks who care about protecting green space.
Write to key City officials:
1) Bobby Vincent, Director, Department of Public Works, City of Richmond
bobby.vincent@rva.gov
Urge Mr. Vincent to change the route within Bryan Park to one that is more environmentally sound, safer, and less expensive. Ask him to delay construction until citizen concerns are addressed.
2) Please copy the following individuals on your letter:
3rd District City Councilmember Ann-Frances Lambert ann-frances.lambert@rva.gov and
her liaison Kiya Stokes kiya.stokes@rva.gov
Deputy Director, Department of Public Works, Dironna Clarke dironna.clarke@rva.gov
Contact Citizens for a Responsible Fall Line Trail if you would like a sample letter to use.
Prepared by Citizens for a Responsible Fall Line Trail
Contacts: chuck.epes@gmail.com elizbarrett22@gmail.com