PURCELLVILLE, Va., June 16, 2023 — Join the Town of Purcellville to celebrate the opening of the new multi-use path through the Suzanne R. Kane Nature Preserve on Saturday, June 24 at 11 a.m. The ribbon cutting will be held at the N. 21st Street entrance to the preserve which is next to Dragon Yong-In. In October 2021, the Town of Purcellville was awarded funding for this project from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Federal Highway Administration through the Recreational Trails Program. This path improves accessibility and establishes connections between existing and planned trails and sidewalks. The grant award was for $328,734, which was 80% of the total project estimate of $410,918.
This multi-use trail will help increase the use of and access to the nature preserve for recreation, fitness, and environmental education; provide those using the W&OD Regional Trail with a loop through the Town to enjoy a scenic route along the South Fork Catoctin Creek; and create connections to schools, neighborhoods, other trails, and to the historic downtown business district. The trail will also provide meaningful access to new recreational opportunities for those who are disabled. The project includes a paved 2,100-foot-long path that meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for grading and width; additional parking spaces with two ADA accessible spaces at the entrance off of North 21st Street; wayfinding signs designed for increased visibility and readability; and two rest areas along the path with benches located near the creek.
The project, which was estimated to be done in February 2024, was completed months ahead of schedule. The design phase lasted 11 months, and construction of the path took about 6 months. The Town is grateful for the funding from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Federal Highway Administration which made this project possible. The Town wishes to thank the following for their support of the project: Branbury Glen Homeowners Association; Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton; Loudoun County Parks, Recreation, and Community Services; and NOVA Parks. Design services for the project were provided by Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc., and the construction contractor was Mona Contracting, LLC.
The Town of Purcellville, Virginia
“Purcellville-your small Town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper,” is an award-winning town of approximately 10,000 residents located in Loudoun County, approximately 50 miles west of Washington, DC. Having received the 2021 Virginia Municipal League Innovation Award for Environmental Sustainability and in years past, the prestigious Siemens Sustainability Award for Small Communities, Purcellville continues to be honored for innovation and green initiatives. The Town most recently received the Tree City USA Award for the 14th consecutive year. The Town was reaffirmed as a AAA rated community by S&P Global Ratings, the highest credit rating possible, and was ranked “Safest City” in Virginia in 2020. Once a stop along the W&OD rail line, which has been converted to a multi-use trail from Alexandria, VA to Purcellville, the Town has maintained its historic old-town feel through the restoration and maintenance of its many downtown structures, reflecting the Victorian architecture popular during the early 1900s. Today, Purcellville is the economic hub of western Loudoun County and a popular weekend destination for antiquing, equestrian activities, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. More info at www.purcellvilleva.gov.
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