On Thursday, April 5, the Roanoke Parks and Recreation Department received a Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award Honorable Mention for the implementation of the Virginia Outdoors Plan. The Awards, administered through the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, recognize outdoor recreation accomplishments in trail development, public access to waterways, and other recreational uses. The department was recognized for the kayak launch at the Bridges on Jefferson Avenue and trail work at Carvins Cove Natural Reserve.
The department worked with the Roanoke Outside Foundation and the Bridges to install a kayak, raft, and canoe launch on the Roanoke River; E.C. Pace and Company donated the construction; Balzer and Associates, Boxley Materials, and Rockydale Quarries donated materials and services; and financial support came from dozens of businesses and individuals, including Carilion Clinic and UBS Financial Services.
Additionally, the department continued to expand the trail system at Carvins Cove by working with Pathfinders for Greenways, Roanoke International Mountain Biking Association, and Blue Ridge Gravity to build almost 10 miles of new trails since 2013.
Renee Powers, Trails and Greenways Supervisor for Roanoke Parks and Recreation, traveled to Lexington on April 5 to receive the award on behalf of the City of Roanoke and the partner organizations that made these projects possible.
When asked about these projects, Powers said, “Creating avenues for citizens to engage with the outdoors is incredibly important to our department and community partners. Improving access to the Roanoke River as well as continued work on the Carvins Cove Trail Management Plan continue to be priorities for Roanoke Parks and Recreation.”
A complete list of winners is available by clicking here.
