Between February and April, the Shenandoah Rail Trail Partnership held a series of ten community meetings in the towns of Broadway, Timberville, New Market, Mount Jackson, Edinburg, Woodstock, Toms Brook, Strasburg, Front Royal and virtually.

The meetings included an overview of the proposed rail trail, information from each locality on localized benefits and opportunities associated with the trail, and an update from Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) on the preliminary design study due to be completed this year. And, there was an opportunity for public input and questions through a series of input stations and interaction with Partnership members and volunteers, town staff and VDOT representatives.

We are so grateful to those who joined us! The Partnership considers these meetings a huge success. The crowds were largely enthusiastic and positive about the prospect of a rail trail. The community generated many unique ideas and opportunities, as well as questions and concerns that will prove useful information in this early stage.

The meetings were invigorating and we are excited by the community enthusiasm and momentum for the Shenandoah Rail Trail. In the next few months, we’ll continue to connect with our trail neighbors, pursue acquisition with the money appropriated by the state last July and work with VDOT to finish the preliminary trail design.