Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 22, 2009
Contact:
High Bridge Trail State Park to host National Trails Day event (May 22, 2009)
Gov. Kaine scheduled to attend
(FARMVILLE) – High Bridge Trail State Park will celebrate opening of 12 miles of trail and National Trails Day® with a morning-long festival Saturday, June 6, at Riverfront Park on Main Street in Farmville. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is scheduled to be the featured speaker for the event.
The event starts at 9:30 a.m. with remarks from Governor Kaine and other dignitaries. More than a dozen local organizations will have exhibits and activities to highlight hiking, biking, horseback riding, paddle sports and healthy lifestyle choices. These exhibitors include the Health Center for Women and Families, Virginia Horse Council, Civil War Trials, Farmville Trails Advisory Committee and more. The event is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park, Town of Farmville, Virginia’s Retreat, Appomattox River Company and the Commonwealth Regional Council. The festival will run until noon.
High Bridge Trail State Park is a 34 mile hiking, biking and bridle trail that runs through three counties and five towns in Central Virginia. Its centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 160 feet above the Appomattox River. In addition to the 12 miles being opened in June, four miles of the linear park were opened to the public August 22, 2008. Work continues on the remainder of the state park, including High Bridge, which remains closed until it is decked for trail use.
“We thought National Trails Day was the perfect time to celebrate a significant new portion of High Bridge Trail State Park,” said Eric Hougland, High Bridge Trail State Park Manager. “Trails continue to be a great resource for improving the quality of life and we’re excited to be opening more of the park for the community."
National Trails Day® was created in 1993 by the American Hiking Society. Since then, it has inspired thousands of people to enjoy trails on the same day nationwide, taking part in hikes, bike and horse rides, trail maintenance and other activities. The 2009 National Trails Day® slogan, Take in the Outdoors, is an open invitation to all Americans to get outside and connect with local hiking clubs, state, national and federal parks, local parks and recreation departments to experience everything the great outdoors has to offer.
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