A new kayak launch now open at Four Mile Run Park in Alexandria is one of 11 projects that earned a Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award from Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger.
The Four Mile Run Conservancy, in partnership with the city, completed the public kayak and canoe launch with a 187-foot raised boardwalk ramp, 775-square-foot floating dock, a roller-entry launch, wheelchair transfer platform and 30-foot gangway. It is the city and region’s first ADA-accessible paddling access to the Potomac River.
“In 2018, we envisioned the lower reach of Four Mile Run as accessible to all,” Kurt Moser, the Four Mile Run Conservancy’s co-founder and executive director, said in a release. “This launch is the culmination of that vision. It is by far the largest project that we have ever undertaken, and now, many more people will be able to experience this stream that is a vital part of the community.”
The $628,000 project received funding from the city’s Community Matching Fund, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Recreational Trails Program, the American Water Charitable Foundation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chesapeake WILD program and the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways program.
The Four Mile Run Conservancy and other award winners were recognized at the Environment Virginia Symposium Tuesday. According to the governor’s office, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation give the awards to projects “that reduce environmental impacts, programs that protect the environment and encourage sustainability, efforts to conserve land, and projects that demonstrate exemplary implementation of the Virginia Outdoors Plan.”
“Protecting Virginia’s environment and promoting stewardship across the Commonwealth have impacts that will last for generations,” Spanberger said in a news release. “I am honored to recognize this year’s winners for their efforts to protect Virginia’s environment and for inspiring others to do the same.”
The public kayak launch at Four Mile Run Park is open to all non-motorized watercraft. A grand opening is scheduled for 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 9.
Image 1 via City of Alexandria Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities/Facebook; Image 2 via Four Mile Run Conservancy/Facebook
