Trail Expansions, Park Upgrades and More: A Look at Current Park Improvement Projects

It was a busy summer for Prince William County Parks and Recreation and the work only continues into the fall. Our Planning and Capital Projects team is busy working on projects to expand trails and improve facilities and park amenities across the County. Keep reading to find out the latest!

Cotton Mill Drive Trail Expansion at Lake Ridge Park
Construction is scheduled to begin this month on the Cotton Mill Drive Trail expansion. Approximately 2,400 linear feet of 10-wide asphalt trail along Cotton Mill Drive will be installed, and once completed, the trail system will provide safe pedestrian and biker access from the park entrance to the golf course and marina. The scope of work also includes stormwater drainage improvements along Cotton Mill Drive, pedestrian crosswalks, a concrete sidewalk connecting the new trail to the golf course and golf pro shop, and a gravel trail extension connecting the existing playground to the new trail.

Rollins Ford Pump Track
Thanks to the PWC Parks Foundation's fundraising efforts, construction of the long-awaited first-ever public pump track in Prince William has been completed. The pump track, located at Rollins Ford Park will officially open on November 15 following a ribbon cutting ceremony that will take place at 10 am. 

If you re not familiar, a pump track is an asphalt circuit of hills and banked turns. These tracks are popular for children learning to ride on pedal-less balance bikes, but also cater to youth and adult riders using standard bikes. As riders improve their skills, the tracks are designed to provide the option for more challenges with increased speed and skill, without needing to change the construction. Bicycle pump tracks ensure biking is a sport that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age or ability. 

Shenandoah Park 
Improvements are coming to Shenandoah Park in Manassas in collaboration with the Friends of Horticulture Therapy organization who raised funds for the horticulture therapy project. Conceptual designs have been prepared and amenities anticipated include entry drive and parking improvements, shelter/pavilion for classroom, accessible walkways, and a raised bed garden area. 

Horticulture therapy is a form of therapy that uses gardening and plant-based activities to improve physical, mental, and social well-being. It offers a wide range of benefits, including improved mental and physical health, enhanced social skills, and greater cognitive function. It can reduce stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety, while physical activities like digging and planting improve balance, endurance, and motor skills. 

Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center 
The pool renovations at Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center will soon be completed (anticipated December 1). The project involved the replacement of the Chinn pool's bulkhead as well as prescribed preventative maintenance. The Chinn Center natatorium is now closed while the bulkhead replacement is in progress. Replacement of the pool's white coat is under way. To learn more visit the project renovation page here.