Virginia State Parks and Union Sportsmen's Alliance Kick Off
New Adopt-a-Park Partnership at York River State Park
The United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Locals 10, 110 and 540 began repairing the Bluebird accessible trail that winds around the visitor center with magnificent views of Taskinas Creek and theYork River.The trail also passes by the park's native plant garden.
The goal is to create a relatively smooth path with no raised roots, potholes, or tripping hazards for those with mobility issues. Virginia State Parks is working closely with advisors on making some trails more accessible so that those with mobility issues can enjoy the outdoors.
Fourteen union members and state parks staff worked together to start the project
The Bluebird Trail will be repaired as part of this partnership
The project at National Association of State Park Directors conference in September. Working closely through the NASPD and the America's State Parks umbrella organization, state parks systems across the nation are sharing ideas, partnerships, and strategies to ensure excellent public access to the nation's state parks.
Cracked, uneven asphalt damaged by tree roots can be a problem for those with mobility issues.
Union members run heavy equipment to remove slabs of damaged asphalt
The York River State Park a great fit for the first project of this partnership.
On Wednesday, the union volunteers were fed breakfast and lunch courtesy of theVirginia Association for Parks.Park staff assisted the union volunteerswith pulling up damaged asphalt and prepping the surface for new concrete.Director JoeEltonpitched in working the pickaxe to break up thedamaged asphalt.
Virginia State Parks Director Joe Elton (far right) pitches in with the pickaxe on the trail
Carpenters work on cutting lumber to frame out the new trail
During a break, Joe Elton presented the union volunteers and state park employees with commemorative s system was founded on the idea that hard working people be offered affordable access to outdoor recreation and that union workers are the very people for whom the park systems were founded.
Director Joe Elton present commemorative coins to park staff and union volunteers
While this new partnership is just beginning, the hope is to have union-sponsored projects in all Virginia State Parks.
You can check out the progress on the accessible trail at York River State Parkduring Estuaries Day on Saturday, August 24, 2013. Kayak trips, guided hikes, net seining, and many other fun activities will be taking place between 9 a.m..- 2 p.m..
For more information about accessible trails and cabins, please click Virginia State Park, please call 1-800-933-PARK.
York River State Park is located in Williamsburg, Virginia