Headlines from the Region’s Parks and Beyond
Kayaking for Kids
New this year at Ivy Creek Park’s Clemmons Lake—children as young as 8 years old can sign up for kayaking or canoeing lessons. The Lynchburg Parks and Rec employees who oversee those lessons are all certified by the American Canoe Association. Once your child knows the ropes, you can take the whole family out for a day on the water! Visit lynchburgparksandrec.com/our-parks/ivy-creek-park to learn more.
Get Some Air!
After a grassroots effort led by skaters and local business owners, the Rotary Centennial Riverfront Skatepark on Ninth Street has reopened to the public. The previous owner, Amazement Square, transferred the deed to the city earlier this year. This 14,000-square-foot complex includes a street course and a bowl for skaters to improve their skills. Hours are subject to weather.
Trailing Off
Looking for a new path to take? Check out the New London Tech Trails in Bedford County, located at the New London Business and Technology Center off Route 460. Runners, hikers and bikers can enjoy 6.5 miles of multi-use trails on more than 500 acres—all created by the Bedford County Parks and Rec team. The system is a great “power hour lunch” for park employees, but it’s open for the public to use too!
A Whole New Level
You may not realize it—but you now live next to “America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital.” Virginia’s Blue Ridge is now an official Silver-Level Ride Center™, a designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association. There are only 15 Silver-Level Ride Centers in the world and one on the East Coast. Lee Wilhelm, Chair of Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, calls the designation a “game changer.”
Melodies and Memories
Listen out for some sweet sounds this summer at Riverside Park. In early May, Kids’ Haven and the Junior League of Lynchburg partnered together to install a Weenotes instrument that children can play. It’s dedicated to every child who has lost a loved one, which aligns with the mission of Kids’ Haven. The Junior League helped establish the nonprofit 20 years ago to raise awareness and provide comfort for grieving children in the community.
