News from the Elizabeth River Trail

View this email in your browser

Forward

News From The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation
January 27, 2023

Make 2023 The Year of the Trail!

Greetings, Trail lovers,

While the idea of resolutions may seem tiresome in these challenging times, there is something about a new year that is centering. At the ERT Foundation, it's a time to look at where we've been, recommit to our mission and plan for the future.

While the Foundation is entering its seventh year, 2023 is the 20th anniversary of the initial segment of the Elizabeth River Trail opening in 2003 along the 3,500 feet of railroad right of way between Southampton Avenue next to Fort Norfolk and Claremont Avenue in what is now called Chelsea. It's inspiring to think about the group of committed community members who envisioned the possibilities of a connected community trail.

Many of our board and committee members have been doing this work a long time. Selflessly giving of their energy, talent, professional skills and treasure to advocate for and build a connected, inclusive, resilient trail that inspires people and businesses in the region.

Sometimes we forget how far we've come or we lose the spark that drove us to start, but this year, we're declaring it the year of the trail. We're re-introducing ourselves to our civic leaders, our community advocates, our trail users, and most importantly to those in neighboring communities who haven't visited. We're saying this is what we've done and who we are. The ERT is the heart, (hEaRT), of Norfolk. A trail that tells the history of the region and the people who live here, a safe space to walk, an urban sanctuary, an outdoor classroom and a destination for tourists, residents and businesses.

We are full of optimism for the programs, projects and initiatives planned for this year and we hope you'll be on the trail beside us. Let's go!

Be well,

Kindra Greene
Executive Director
Elizabeth River Trail Foundation

We are lucky to have a Red Cross headquarters right on the Elizabeth River Trail in Fort Norfolk. Please join us on February 2nd for our FIRST blood drive and support this vital resource in our community. Register today!

Volunteers are needed to assist with check-in and refreshments for donors. Available shifts include 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM or 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Register to volunteer and support our first blood drive!

Join Norfolk Tour Company on the Elizabeth River Trail as we explore African American history along the Elizabeth River. This free walking tour will in part cover Norfolk's role in the slave trade, along with some of the historic moments, heroes, and sites of the pivotal history of the African American experience in South Hampton Roads.

This tour is free, open to the public, with no registration required — just show up! Follow the event on Facebook to learn more and get updates.

Railyard Construction and Detour Alert

On January 16, the ERT Railyard Detour was implemented with 25th Street officially closed off to replace utilities and to perform facade demolition work of the buildings between 24th and 25th Street. We recognize this closure is inconvenient for trail users, but Compo Construction is working hard to have this phase completed by February 14. ERT detour signage is in place and will remain up until the work on 25th Street is complete. We are excited to see this section of Hampton Blvd. being revitalized while staying true to its historic industrial aesthetic.

The detour map shows how to safely navigate around this area. If using the sidewalk on Hampton Blvd. is not a comfortable option, the Group Ride Detour (in teal) is a good option for everyone.

Link to trail alerts on the website here.

East End Trail Improvements

This month, members of the ERT Master Planning Committee completed the final planning phase of trail improvements from Harbor Park to Norfolk State University. In the months ahead, the ERT will work with the City to widen the trail, include sharrows markings, improve surface conditions, ensure ADA accessibility, and beautify the landscaping all leading up to the long-awaited Norfolk State University signature Trailhead. We're committed to focusing on our east-end improvements and outreach as we find ways to partner with our neighbors and bring more people to the trail.

You've seen the social media, the videos, posters, and more. We'd love your help on this committee to grow our presence, help with merchandise sales and commit to being a social media ambassador. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month from 4:30-5:30 primarily via Zoom.

Be a part of the trail's future and join our Marketing Committee!

Elizabeth River Run 10K

The Elizabeth River Run 10K, now in its 44th year, returns to the ERT on September 3, 2023. This Hampton Roads legacy invites runners and walkers from across the country and has been designated the RRCA VA 10K Championship race for 2023! Also returning is the race afterparty with live music, drinks, and food for runners and supporters at the beautiful private park at the Port of Virginia.

The trail has something for everyone and so does this race. Register to run, walk, or volunteer today!

MLK Day of Service

Together with our amazing community, the ERT helped honor Dr. King's legacy of social justice and equity. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a National Day of Service and an opportunity to recommit by volunteering to serve others. The community support we received was inspiring. So many volunteers registered, that in addition to our clean up at Water Street Open Space, we opened a second location in Chelsea!

120 volunteers came out and removed nearly 2,000 pounds of litter that would end up in our waterways or clogging storm drains. The ERT Foundation works to build and maintain a trail that is for everyone and serves the whole community. Thank you to all those who came out in support of our mission and the legacy of Dr. King!

We'd like to give a special thanks to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Hourigan Construction, Norfolk Master Gardeners, the EVMS student group, and ERT Trail Ambassadors and Committee Members for supporting this event.

You can become an ERT Volunteer or Trail Ambassador by filling out a brief interest form today.

Donor Spotlight:

As long-time supporters of the ERT, we are excited to shine a light on Work Program Architects. WPA has been instrumental in the design and planning of the trail and dedicated many volunteer hours to trail improvements and events. In this month's Donor Spotlight, Mel Price shares her passion for the trail and highlights the community impact of the ERT.

Read the full article here.

Trail Advocacy

We are proud to work with partners in Hampton Roads to build a connected regional trail network. Trails are not just about recreation and exercise, they are also important infrastructure. Providing safe access for commuting and recreation improves community health and wellness, increases access to new opportunities, and helps attract tourists, home buyers, and businesses. Imagine being able to get on the Elizabeth River Trail and ride all the way to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront!

We cannot accomplish this vision alone and we're focused on advocacy efforts. Our legislators are hard at work in Richmond and Delegate Brewer was successful in getting a historic $20 million budget amendment to fund multi-use trails in Hampton Roads, but this is just the first step. This amendment could fail at the appropriations level.

Write, email, or call these Delegates to voice your support of the amendment and the South Hampton Roads Trail network.

Del Barry Knight, (804) 698-1081, DelBKnight@house.virginia.gov
Del Glenn Davis, (804) 698-1084, DelGDavis@house.virginia.gov
Del Emily Brewer, (804) 698-1064, DelEBrewer@house.virginia.gov
Del Cliff Hayes Jr, (804) 698-1077, DelCHayes@house.virginia.gov

We need your voice to urge other delegates to support the amendment as it is written. Not only will this amendment support the development of a regional trail network, but it will also help the ERT in our efforts to reach our sister cities.