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Freedom Park's Multiuse Trail 3 has been named a Virginia Treasure by the state. The paved trail combines accessibility and scenery.
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Freedom Park’s Multiuse Trail 3 has been named a Virginia Treasure by the state. The paved trail combines accessibility and scenery.
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The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has identified one of Freedom Park’s trails as a state “treasure.”

The park’s Multiuse Trail 3, a 1.2-mile paved trail, joins more than 900 other natural and recreational assets designated by the Virginia Treasures program.

“The goal of Treasures is to recognize and help promote our scenic, historical, ecologically important land and facilities in terms of public recreation,” said Julie Buchanan, public relations specialist for the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Launched in 2015 by Governor Terry McAuliffe, Virginia Treasures seeks to identify 1,000 treasures by the end of McAuliffe’s term. Essentially, it’s a governor’s initiative, supported by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, as well as other state and local agencies, Buchanan said.

“It’s a recognition program, and we want people to learn about these places,” Buchanan said.

“But also for the owners of treasures to have this added pride of knowing that the Governor and the Secretary of Natural Resources has honored them in a way,” she said, “for taking care and … enhancing a public place or opening a new public place that offers opportunities for more outdoor recreation in Virginia.”

The program already has named 405 land conservation treasures and 511 natural, cultural and recreational treasures.

Alister Perkinson, Freedom Park coordinator, said the park’s trail falls under the latter category and is the first identified in James City County.

“I think this will help bring a little more attention to it,” Perkinson said. “It’s still a little bit of a secret to a lot of folks.”

The department’s website says a natural, cultural and recreational treasure “provides new public access to a natural, cultural or scenic outdoor recreation resource.”

Open since 2014, Multiuse Trail 3 connects Freedom Park to Lois S. Hornsby Middle School and J. Blaine Blayton Elementary School, Perkinson said. He said the trail also provides access to houses along Jolly Pond Road, from where it would otherwise be a 10-minute drive to the park’s main entrance.

Additionally, the trail meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards, allowing access to people with disabilities.

One of nine trails at Freedom Park, Trail 3 is one of three multi-use trails. Of those, it’s the only paved trail.

“You can bike on it. You can walk on it, run on it,” Perkinson said.

Despite its paved surface, the trail is no less scenic. Sunlight peeks through trees towering overhead, and the trail passes Colby Swamp.

Perkinson said the trail is often utilized in the park’s environmental education programs, including nature camps and natural walks.

“We really offer a lot of diverse and unique recreational opportunities,” Perkinson said of the county. “We do have a lot of great trails around, and many of them could qualify.”

Here’s what else James City County Parks and Recreation has to offer outdoors this month:

*Butterfly Festival (all ages): Interact with more than 200 butterflies at the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. The festival includes a butterfly tent and interactive educational programs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Aug. 6 and 7. 5537 Centerville Road. Free, $5 suggested donation.

*Freedom Park Nature Walk (16+): This month’s walk features butterflies, led by local butterfly expert and Virginia Master Naturalist Adrienne Frank. Participants should bring water, sunscreen, binoculars and appropriate footwear. Meet at the Freedom Park Interpretive Center, 5537 Centerville Road. Free.

*Life of Bees (all ages): Pam Burton and other beekeepers from the Colonial Beekeepers Association will offer a closer look at honeybees. Find out how bees form colonies, collect pollen and make honey. 10 a.m., Aug. 13. Freedom Park Interpretive Center, 5537 Centerville Road. Free, $5 suggested donation. Register by emailing wbgkids@gmail.com.

*Landscape your Garden Like a Pro (18+): Peggy Krapf, a Virginia Society of Landscape Designers certified landscape designer, has worked in the Williamsburg area for 23 years. Krapf will share tips and tricks. 10-11:30 a.m., Aug. 20. Freedom Park, 5537 Centerville Road.

Bridges can be reached by phone at 757-345-2342.

For more information

Freedom Park or James City County Parks and Recreation programs, call 259-4200 or visit jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation.

Virginia Treasures program, visit dcr.virginia.gov/virginia-treasures.